Tuesday 20th June 2006

Boxster gets Cayman tweaks

Both models now a bit quicker with better mpg

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Porsche Boxster S: a bit quicker now

Porsche is to uprate the Boxster and Boxster S by giving them the Cayman's engine tweaks, namely VarioCam Plus. A boost in performance results, along with lower fuel consumption according to Stuttgart.

From 1 August, the 2.7-litre Boxster engine now develops an additional 5bhp, bringing the total to 245bhp, with torque up to 201lb-ft. the result is the 0-62mph sprint takes 6.1 seconds. In the Boxster S, engine capacity goes up from 3.2-litres to 3.4, resulting in 295bhp -- up 15bhp -- and 251lb-ft of torque, and the traditional dash to 62mph from rest completed in 5.4 seconds, a 0.1 second improvement.

Both flat-six engines are now equipped with VarioCam Plus valve control, with variable valve timing (VarioCam) and changeover valve lift (Plus). Inlet camshaft timing is adjusted by a vane-type actuator with a range of 40 degrees. The valve lift changeover mechanism uses two-position bucket-type tappets on the inlet side, actuated by an electrohydraulic valve.

The bucket-type tappets consist of one tappet inside another; the two tappets can be locked together hydraulically by a pin. Thanks to this technical device, the Boxster and Boxster S engines have a characteristic that combines strong pulling power with high peak output at low fuel consumption.

The Boxster and Boxster S can be supplied with the revised Tiptronic S transmission, which has new hydraulics and electronics as well as variable shift programs. When combined with the Sport Chrono Package, up- and downshifts are made only at engine speeds above 3,000 rpm; downshifts for engine braking are subject to less delay and take place at higher engine speeds. In the manual-shift mode, up-shifts are not made automatically when the engine reaches its maximum rev limit.

On both Boxster models, access for servicing has been improved: the coolant and engine oil filler caps are now behind an easily accessible flap, so that better use can be made of the rear trunk. For the first time, the Boxster and Boxster S are available with the 19-inch turbo forged alloy two-tone wheels that were developed exclusively for the new 911 Turbo. For Boxster models they are offered as an option in sizes 8 J x 19 (front) and 9 ½ J x 19 (rear).

We've yet to see the official UK prices but you might expect a modest uplift.

[johnag007]

Very very good, now what exactly is the reason for the price differential between the Boxster and the Cayman??!!

[police state]

johnag007 said:

Very very good, now what exactly is the reason for the price differential between the Boxster and the Cayman??!!

19-inch turbo forged alloy two-tone wheels that were developed exclusively for the new 911 Turbo...

[davy9449]

johnag007 said:

Very very good, now what exactly is the reason for the price differential between the Boxster and the Cayman??!!

The Cayman has a hard roof??

Makes bugger all difference to me, I still can't afford one

[Dr S]

johnag007 said:

Very very good, now what exactly is the reason for the price differential between the Boxster and the Cayman??!!

So then for a hefty price hike on the Boxster then...

[beearwa]

Just another endless marketing tweaks to squeeze extra penny from prospect buyers pocket.

[Chris944]

Perhaps we're going to get a 2007 model year Cayman S announcement and a Cayman announcement? Otherwise it looks hard to justify Cayman S pricing over the Boxster S.
Chris.

[Adam B]

Chris944 said:

Perhaps we're going to get a 2007 model year Cayman S announcement and a Cayman announcement? Otherwise it looks hard to justify Cayman S pricing over the Boxster S.
Chris.

it was hard to justify when the Cayman had a 15bhp advantage, now it looks impossible unless you really hate convertibles

if they up the Cayman power they will have to up the power on the sacred cow that is the 911 before or at same time

[danmangt40]

can't wait until the 911 is gone. the mid-engined models have more potential. Imagine a porsche cayman turbo.... ohhhhhh

[mikeyboy]

danmangt40 said:

can't wait until the 911 is gone. the mid-engined models have more potential. Imagine a porsche cayman turbo.... ohhhhhh

Kill the 911, people on this forum would linch you I can't help thinking its going to die at the next major revision, i.e. 2010 model year.
They didn't announce the "new" 928 and Panamera so early on for no reason in my opinion.

Like any icon there will be a massive outcry a few months of poor sales but people will go on to buy the replacement and Porsche will make another icon. then they can push up the Cayman (or replacment) and make the 928 a flagship car which is competes more closely with the Ferraris.

[wildoliver]

mikeyboy said:

danmangt40 said:

can't wait until the 911 is gone. the mid-engined models have more potential. Imagine a porsche cayman turbo.... ohhhhhh

Kill the 911, people on this forum would linch you I can't help thinking its going to die at the next major revision, i.e. 2010 model year.
They didn't announce the "new" 928 and Panamera so early on for no reason in my opinion.

Like any icon there will be a massive outcry a few months of poor sales but people will go on to buy the replacement and Porsche will make another icon. then they can push up the Cayman (or replacment) and make the 928 a flagship car which is competes more closely with the Ferraris.

Hmmm sure I've heard this before, only it was with the "old" 928 and that was a great success!

Edited by wildoliver on Wednesday 21st June 15:57

[mikeyboy]

Well actually it was a good success volume wise. Problem was for its long term prospects porsche didn't kill off the 911.If you want another reason the 911 shape and the engine won't make it through the next set of regulations due so. Again IMO that is why they have announced twocars that conflict with the current 911 set up whereas we are told categorically that the Cayman cannot. Either gross hipocrasy or letting us down gently.

[jezzaaa]

I think it's great....I never wanted the Cayman cos i'd miss the soft top too much. But the Boxster can never have too many power hikes so this is good news. Especially seeing as I'm used to a 986 'S' so it'll by 45bhp more than mine....should be a noticeable difference.

However, if i was an existing Cayman owner I think I'd be pretty pissed off.....unless of course the revised prices of the Boxster rise to the same level. But I think this would be a bad move...the competition (SLK and Z4) already look like a bargain compared to the Boxsters. I think Porsche are just reacting to the competition.

J.

[Gulliver911]

mikeyboy said:

.If you want another reason the 911 shape and the engine won't make it through the next set of regulations due so. .

What regulation ?

[jezzaaa]

By the way chaps....just looking at the Porsche web site...the home page has a intro to the modified Boxsters. There is a price for each under the Technical Specs at the bottom.

Boxster S/S Tip
GBP 39,850.00 / GBP 41,610.00

Boxster/Tip
GBP 33,170.00 / GBP 34,30.00

So about £1500 up on the current model.

J.

[abarber]

That's a billy bargain then, (for a Porsche..)

[TonyToniTone]

mikeyboy said:

If you want another reason the 911 shape and the engine won't make it through the next set of regulations due so.

So what are these regulations that Porsche wouldnt be able engineer a solution for whilst retaining the 911's shape??

[CharlesW]

I see that the price of the Cayman S is going up on 1st August from £43,133 to £44,080. Will this include any extra equipment as standard, or is it just a price increase?

[fieldl]

Annual price increase. OPC Wilmslow informed me a few weeks ago there would be an imminent price increase but didn't know how much.

[DanH]

TonyToniTone said:

mikeyboy said:

If you want another reason the 911 shape and the engine won't make it through the next set of regulations due so.

So what are these regulations that Porsche wouldnt be able engineer a solution for whilst retaining the 911's shape??

I'm finding this hard to work out too. Given the pedestrian impact regs these days, rear engined is actually becoming more attractive than ever. The amount of wasted space in the front of engine bays to protect drunken pedestrians is ludicrous.

[loach]

Nice to see that the improvements are supposed to give better economy. At 5.4 seconds 0-62, the Boxster S is seriously quick now. Although I think it's a very pretty car, I too am struggling to see how the Cayman can justify its existence. Were I to choose a Cayman over a Boxster, I would kick myself for picking the more expensive car every time a nice day came along. Ubiquitous it may be, but Boxster is a pretty handy car in its own right, and I feel the relative benefits of the 'sportier' Cayman have been overstated by both Porsche, and the press. It's a bit like the detergent companies that offer you extra 'free!!!' washing powder in a 50% bigger box. You think you've gotten a bargain, and then open the box to find it doesn't contain that much extra detergent after all.