2013 Porsche Cayman: LA Auto Show (video)

The 2013 Porsche Cayman has arrived at the Los Angeles Auto Show with more power, less weight, better economy and is lower and longer than the old Cayman.

The new Cayman gets a redesigned platform that manages to improve weight distribution and drops weight too. It also means that the Cayman changes shape too (well, as much as a Porsche ever does) and grows by 35mm in length and sits 10mm lower too for an even more Boxster-like look.

That means sharper lines than the outgoing Cayman with an improved roofline and more defined tailgate, bigger wheels and extensive use of aluminium to keep weight in check. Inside, the Cayman goes more upmarket with better quality materials and improved accommodation with more room for the two occupants and their luggage.

Under the skin the entry-level Cayman gets a 2.7 litre flat six with 10bhp more than the old 2.9 litre (which means 275bhp) but 7lb/ft of torque less which adds up to a 0-62mph of 5.7 seconds and a top speed of 165mph with the six speed manual offering 34.5mpg. But opt for the seven-speed dual clutch ‘box and Sport Chrono Pack and those figures improve to 5.4 seconds and 36.7mpg.

The more powerful Cayman S comes with a tweaked and fettled 3.4 litre with 5bhp more than before and, thanks to weight of 1320kg it can scoot to 62mph in 5.0 seconds with the manual ‘box and 4.7 seconds with the seven-speed dual clutch (with official economy at 32.1 and 35.3mpg respectively).

The new Cayman gets Porsche’s electro-mechanical steering and the option of Porsche’s PASM, the Cayman gets 18″ wheels and the Cayman S 19″.

The 2013 Porsche Cayman costs from £39,694 and the Cayman S from £48,784 with both arriving in the UK in spring 2013.

By Cars UK