2012 Porsche Cayman (981C) Photos, engines & full specs

Porsche enjoyed great success with the first generation of the Cayman, introduced in 2005, so the German sports car manufacturer continued the saga with a second generation, which it launched in 2012 at the Geneva Motor Show.

Unlike its roadster sibling, the Boxster, the Cayman benefited from the advantages of its unibody construction and a fixed roof. As a result, the car was stiffer and, as a result, better around a track. Moreover, it was also lighter. Customers loved it because it was a true four-season vehicle since the hard top provided better thermal insulation than the multilayered canvas top. Strangely, while the previous generation was known as the 987C, the second generation of the Cayman had the code name 981C. But that was irrelevant to its buyers. While some said that the Cayman was the “poor man’s Porsche,” others argued that the coupe was a different kind of vehicle. They loved the car due to its mid-mounted engine and the luxurious cabin. It was also quick enough to become a threat around a track against other similar sports cars.

For the 2012 model year, the Cayman came with significant upgrades over its predecessor. Its front fascia had a pair of headlights featuring dual halogen lightbulbs, with an option for bi-Xenon lamps. These were identical to those installed on the Boxster 981. On the other hand, the lower bumper was slightly different. It featured a trapezoidal-shaped air intake in the middle flanked by a pair of side scoops adorned by three horizontal slats, like on the Boxster, but with round fog lamps unavailable on the Boxster.

The second generation of the Cayman came with a new platform that included a longer wheelbase than its predecessor. It also had an increased overall length and, as a result, its low-slung profile looked sportier. Its rear quarter panels were curved above the wheel arches, creating a muscular look for Porsche’s smallest sports car. Behind the doors, the automaker installed a set of air intakes that helped to cool and feed the mid-mounted engine with fresh air. Above them, the curved greenhouse ended with a large, sloped-down tailgate, continuing the idea of a practical sports car. Finally, at the back, the car had new LED taillights featuring a slim middle area with clear lenses for the reversing lights. Like its predecessor, the 2012 Porsche Cayman featured an oval-shaped exhaust in the middle, underneath the rear apron.

The fresh interior resembled the lines of other Porsche models. The automaker replaced the former round vents with rectangular ones, and a new optional PCM (Porsche Communication Management) infotainment unit fitted with a seven-inch touchscreen adorned the center stack. Fronting the driver was the same three-dial setup as on the previous generation of the Cayman. There, the tachometer sat between the speedometer on the left and a new, 4.6-TFT display on the right. Porsche offered the car with either a set of high-bolstered seats or a set of comfortable ones. Both were available with either leather or Alcantara upholstery.

Starting with the 2012 model year, the Boxster/Cayman duet came with a new 2.7-liter engine. It replaced the previous 2.9-liter one, but it was more potent. Thanks to the direct fuel injection system and Porsche’s Vario Cam Plus (variable valve timing), the flat-six powerplant developed 275 PS sent to the rear wheels via a six-speed manual gearbox fitted as standard. As an option, customers could get a seven-speed automatic (dual-clutch) PDK transmission that lowered acceleration times and improved fuel efficiency.