2009 Porsche Boxster & Cayman debut in GCC

Porsche is unveiling the 2009 versions of the Boxster and the Cayman around the GCC. Already revealed in Bahrain and some other countries, the UAE reveal will take place in Dubai next week. Improvements include a facelift, upgraded engines, retuned suspension and steering and new wheels. New available features include optional launch control, optional PDK automanual gearbox, PCM multimedia system and PSM stability control. As seen in European markets, a slight price rise is expected.

The highlight of the new generation is of course the new flat-six boxer engines developed with new technical features from the ground up, providing not only more power, but also significantly greater fuel efficiency than their predecessors. A further improvement of both fuel economy and performance is guaranteed by the Porsche-Doppelkupplungsgetriebe or PDK for short, the new double-clutch gearbox.

The 2.9-litre “basic” engine develops 255 hp in the Boxster and 265 hp in the Cayman, an increase by 10 and, respectively, 20 horsepower over the preceding models. The 3.4-litre power unit in the S-versions, benefiting from Direct Fuel Injection, now delivers 310 hp in the Boxster S and 320 hp in the Cayman S, up by 15 and, respectively, 25 hp. As a result, the Cayman S with PDK and Launch Control featured in the optional Sports Chrono Package accelerates to 100 kph in 4.9 seconds, setting the benchmark in the range, while the Boxster with its six-speed manual gearbox featured as standard completes the same exercise in 5.9 seconds.

Featuring PDK, both the Boxster and the Cayman for the first time outperform the nine-litre consumption mark: Both models with the new 2.9-litre Boxer engine make do with 8.9 litres/100 km according to the EU4 standard – 11 per cent less than the former models with Tiptronic S. Reducing fuel consumption by an even more significant 16 per cent to 9.2 litres/100 km, the 3.4-litre versions with PDK offer an even greater saving over their predecessors with Tiptronic S.

Roadster and Coupé with even more signs of distinction
The new two-seaters are clearly distinguishable from outside through their newly designed front and rear ends. The new halogen headlights with their integrated direction indicators are reminiscent of the lights on the Carrera GT, the new LED rear lights tapering out to the outside and integrated elegantly in the modified rear end of the car.

From the front the Roadster and Coupé differ clearly from one another through the distinctive design of their air intakes, from the rear through the new rear panels with diffuser inserts on the Boxster and a wind deflector plate on the Cayman.

For the first time both models are available with a Lights Package featuring bi-xenon headlights, dynamic curve lights and LED daytime driving lights.

All four sports cars are available for the first time with the Porsche-Doppelkupplungsgetriebe or PDK carried over directly from motorsport and replacing the former Tiptronic S. Equipped with the PDK double-clutch gearbox, the Roadster and Coupé accelerate to 100 kph 0.1 seconds faster than with the manual six-speed gearbox now also featured on the “basic” models.

Acceleration gets better with one of the optional Sports Chrono Packages featuring Launch Control for maximum acceleration from a standing start and the Race Track Gearshift Strategy for the fastest conceivable gearshift as an exclusive highlight on the PDK models. Benefiting from Launch Control, the respective models accelerate from a standstill to 100 kph yet another 2/10ths of a second faster.

The progress offered by PDK is even more impressive when it comes to fuel economy reduced by up to 16 per cent from the former figure on the first generation: According to the EU4 consumption standard, the Boxster and Cayman equipped with PDK consume just 8.9 litres/100 km, with the S-models offering almost the same level of economy at just 9.2 litres/100 km.

For current local pricing and specs, visit the Porsche buyer guide.