2005 Porsche Cayman S (987C) 3.4L 5AT (295 HP)

Vehicle Overview

Porsche introduced the first generation of the Cayman in November 2005, and was based on the same platform as the Boxster’s second generation that was launched in 2004 at the Paris Motor Show.

Usually, automakers are launching convertibles and roadsters after their coupe versions were introduced. However, Porsche did the other way around. Furthermore, it introduced the Cayman directly in the S grade, which was the more powerful version of the model, instead of starting with the lower-spec, more affordable engine. It had a design signed by no other than Pinky Lai, who was already famous for making the BMW 3 Series (E36) and the Porsche 911 (996). The 2005 Porsche Cayman S shared most of its underpinnings with the second generation of the Boxster, the 987, hence the model code 987C, where the C stood, obviously, for the Coupe. While it didn’t provide the same roadster feeling as the Boxster, it had stiffer bodywork thanks to the fixed roof. In addition, it was a genuine four-season sports car since the multilayered rag-top of the 987 couldn’t provide the same thermal insulation as the metallic roof.

At the front, the oval-shaped headlights of the Cayman S featured standard bi-Xenon lamps and clear lenses, which were shared with those installed on the Boxster S. Below them, the automaker installed a different wrapped-around plastic bumper. While it still featured a center-mounted lower air intake, the scoops that flanked it looked different and sported round fog lamps instead of horizontal ones.

The front fenders were taller than the front trunk lid and sported clear or amber turn signals, depending on the market, installed between the front bumper and the wheel arches, creating a visual connection. Moving on to the sides, the raked windshield was followed by a short and curved roof of the greenhouse that ended into a long tailgate. At the same time, the rear quarter panels had a muscular stance thanks to the curved upper section. Porsche installed a set of triangular side scoops behind the doors and adorned them with two oblique slats. But they didn’t serve the same purpose. While the one from the left side was for getting air into the engine, the one on the right was needed for the cooling system. Below, on the sills, the automaker added a set of aerodynamically profiled elements that helped airflow. Finally, at the back, the Cayman S featured twin exhausts under the bumper, like the Boxster S. Unlike its brother, it featured a broad tailgate with a large rear window that dramatically increased visibility compared to the roadster.

Inside, there was room enough for two passengers on the standard sports seats. The simple dashboard design featured four round vents and an instrument cluster that fronted the driver. Porsche created a visor above the binocular-styled instrument panel where the tachometer took center stage. It was flanked by the speedometer on the left and by a group of gauges on the right. On the center stack, depending on the options, customers could get the car with a potent sound system or an infotainment unit featuring navigation.

Behind the cabin, Porsche installed a 3.4-liter flat-six engine instead of the 3.2-liter one available for the Boxster S. It provided almost 300 ponies and was paired with a six-speed manual, while a five-speed automatic (Tiptronic S) gearbox was available at extra cost. Customers could equip the car with the PASM suspension that lowered the car by 10 mm (0.4-inch) and its dampers could be stiffened at the touch of a button.