Salman Jassem al-Darwish, Mike Ellenthorpe, Ahed Dawood and Porsche Centre Doha sales team present the new Cayman to the media yesterday. PICTURE: Thajuddin

By Bonnie James/Deputy News Editor


With expectations to grab “50% of the market share in its segment,” Porsche Centre Doha of Al Boraq Automobiles Company unveiled the new Cayman and Cayman S in Qatar at an event at Doha Exhibition Centre yesterday.
The third generation of the two-seater, which has been completely redeveloped, is the third sports car model line from Porsche to feature innovative lightweight body design after the 911 Carrera and Boxster.
“The new Cayman, built for driving through bends like few other sports cars can, sets new standards in its class for driving performance with a longer wheelbase, all-round new chassis and lower weight,” said Salman Jassem al-Darwish, chairman and CEO of Porsche Centre Doha.
Porsche Middle East and Africa regional operations manager Mike Ellenthorpe explained that the new Cayman is “lower and longer, lighter and faster, more efficient and more powerful than ever.”
A longer wheelbase, wider track and larger wheels enhance the driving performance of the mid-engine sports car to an unparalleled level in its competitive class.
Porsche’s latest model is up to 30kg lighter, depending on the specific model and equipment, and consumes up to 15% less fuel per 100km than the predecessor - despite higher engine and driving performance.
Cayman, powered by a 2.7-litre flat-six cylinder engine, generates 275hp. It accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 5.4 seconds, depending on the equipment, and reaches a top speed of 266 km/h. The Cayman’s New European Driving Cycle (NEDC) fuel consumption is 7.7 l/100km when equipped with Porsche Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK), the dual clutch semi-auto gearbox.
The Cayman S is fitted with a 3.4-litre naturally aspirated flat-six cylinder engine producing 325hp. Acceleration time from a standstill to 100 km/h time is 4.7 seconds with a top speed of 283 km/h. The NEDC fuel consumption value is 8.0 l/100 km with PDK.
“Aesthetically, the sports coupé stays true to its heritage,” Porsche Centre Doha’s brand manager Ahed Dawood stated. The new model features an extended wheelbase with shorter overhangs. The standard 18- and 19-inch Cayman wheels imparts a sportier appeal as well as better lateral stability and handling properties.
The Cayman’s styling is marked by precise lines and sharp sculpted edges, emphasising the low, extended silhouette with the windscreen shifted forward and the roof line that reaches far back.
Typical of the more advanced styling is the shoulder line, which runs from the wings towards the rear side panels. The door mirrors are positioned near the top shoulder.
Especially expressive are the dynamic recesses in the doors, which guide induction air into the distinctive air scoops on the rear side panels and then directly to the engine.
From the front, the new Cayman is marked by its dominant cooling air inlets, which increase in size towards the sides of the car. Integrated in them are the round front lights with four-point daytime running lights.
Just as unique to the new generation of the sport coupé are the large, low rear lid made of aluminium and the rear section with its wrap-around edges. At the upper end of the rear window is an LED brake light spanning the entire window width.
Mounted directly to the rear lid is the thin blade of the rear spoiler, which - in contrast to that of the Boxster - is higher and deploys at a steeper angle.
“Though we have not sold many Caymans in Qatar, the new model is sure to dominate its market segment within a year,” al-Darwish claimed.
The new generation also comes with new optional features. Customers can now order Adaptive Cruise Control - a system that controls the distance to the car ahead in traffic and vehicle speed. Other options include a specially developed Burmester sound system.
The basic retail price for the new Porsche Cayman is QR199,800 and that for the Cayman S is QR226,200.