Porsche Unveils Boxster-Based Cayman S Sports Coupe

Aside from featuring the Boxster's six-speed manual in standard trim, Porsche will also offer the Cayman S with a

Porsche has long offered a dealer-installed hardtop for its Boxster, but it can't compare with the Cayman's swooping, fixed unit. (Photo: Porsche Cars North America)

five-speed automatic gearbox, modified for increased smoothness via a new electronic/hydraulic control unit integrating unique shift maps. Available with Porsche's trademark Tiptronic manual-mode shifter, gearshifts are chosen through a rocker-switch style button on the steering wheel, or via the J-gate style shifter.

While the number of components shared with the Boxster is extremely high, such as the doors, hood and the majority of the interior, there are some key differences that help to give the Cayman S its own identity. First and foremost is the uniquely designed hardtop. Yes, Porsche has long offered a dealer-installed hardtop for its Boxster, but it can't compare with the Cayman's swooping, fixed unit, endowing the car with a natural coupe silhouette.

Other major changes include new, more curvaceous fenders which, when viewed

Revised side intake vents are added, now reshaped not only to make the Cayman appear distinctive, but also to aid in the mid-ship engine's airflow. (Photo: Porsche Cars North America)

from the rear quarter angle give the car feline-like haunches. Revised side intake vents are also added, now reshaped not only to make the Cayman appear distinctive, but also to aid in the mid-ship engine's airflow.

A new front air dam, featuring chunky, square-style intakes and circular projector-beam fog lamps, help give the Cayman S an original appearance, despite the use of the Boxster's headlamps and fenders. Around back, the Cayman S features the Boxster S' twin, central-mounted exhaust pipes, as well as the roadster's thin, retractable rear spoiler.