2009 Porsche Cayman (987.2C) Photos, engines & full specs

Despite the difficult times during the financial crisis, Porsche had to refresh the Boxster/Cayman lineup for the 2009 model year, and unveiled it in late 2008.

The financial crisis was still taking its toll on automakers, and Porsche saw an opportunity. It noticed that those willing to change their sports cars didn’t want to spend that much on their toys. As a result, they looked around for more affordable but sporty enough vehicles, and the Cayman/Boxster was an excellent alternative, especially for the more expensive 911 lineup. Another significant reason to upgrade the car was the oncoming Euro 5, which became mandatory in Europe in 2009. Besides, the former M96 engine installed on these cars had some reliability issues. As a result, the refreshed 2009 Porsche Cayman came with a completely new engine. In addition, the car manufacturer ditched the former five-speed automatic transmission Tiptronic S and installed a new dual-clutch gearbox, which the automaker called Porsche-Doppelkupplungsgetriebe, or PDK for short.

Like most refreshed cars, the Cayman came with a new look. It featured new headlights that integrated the turn signals next to the available bi-Xenon lamps. On the bumper, the automaker integrated the fog lights next to the available rod-like LED separate daytime running lights while standard. The lower side of the bumper featured a trapezoidal-shaped center air intake flanked by the side scoops. To wrap it all off, Porsche added a rubber lip spoiler on the lower side to enhance aerodynamics and reduce ground effect.

Porsche also made subtle changes to the car’s profile, such as the clear lenses for the turn signals mounted between the wrapped-around plastic bumper and the wheel arches. Another change was for the side sills, which were adjusted to provide less drag. In addition, their upward curvature also fed more air into the slatted side scoops. Out back, the automaker introduced new taillights, which sported the reversing lights and the turn signal lamps in the lower section, under a clear lens previously installed in the upper area. The redesigned rear bumper had a four-slat diffuser at its lower side and integrated a rectangular-shaped exhaust. It is worth mentioning that even if the car shared many of its underpinnings with the Boxster, the bumpers were not.

The German sports car maker knew that its customers were looking for high-quality materials and excellent craftsmanship. As a result, it provided one that was on par with the company’s best-known model, the 911. The 2009 Porsche Cayman received a standard CD stereo with a five-inch display for MP3 files, ensuring hours of uninterrupted music on a single disc. Bluetooth connectivity was an option, and so was the infotainment unit with a 6.5-inch touchscreen for the navigation system. The automaker also provided a nine-speaker Bose audio system for an enhanced sound experience. Since the Cayman was a true four-season sports car, it featured a pair of standard or comfort seats available with heating and ventilation, depending on the options.

The new flat-six engine mounted behind the cabin had an increased displacement from 2.7 to 2.9 liters. It provided 265 PS (261 hp) to the rear wheels via a six-speed manual or a seven-speed automatic (dual-clutch) gearbox. Thanks to the new direct fuel-injection system, it provided better fuel efficiency than its predecessor. As an option, customers could opt for the Chrono package, which lowered the suspension by 10 millimeters (0.39-inch) and provided better cornering speed.