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

Porsche launched the facelifted version of Cayman’s first generation in November 2008 for the 2009 model year, and the new version was not just quicker but also had fewer emissions.

While the financial crisis that started in late 2007 still claimed its victims in the automotive segment, Porsche needed to act fast and sell more vehicles to stay afloat. At the same time, its Boxster/Cayman lineup couldn’t pass the mandatory emission requirements that were due to come into force in 2009, so an upgrade was needed. Unlike the lesser-powered sibling Cayman, the S version already had the newer M97 engine installed behind its cabin, but that was not enough. As a result, the automaker had to improve it to fit into the Euro 5 emission standards. In addition, by adding new transmissions, the car became not just more powerful but also emitted fewer emissions. Besides these mandatory upgrades, the Cayman S also has received a few subtle changes on the exterior and interior.

At first sight, it had the same front fascia as the non-facelifted version of the car, but a keen eye for detail could notice the new headlights. These featured standard bi-xenon lamps and integrated the turn signals. At the same time, the lower bumper has been redesigned, and new fog lamps have been added next to the rod-like LED daytime running lights. Like its predecessor, the 987C, the 987.2C featured a center air intake in the apron flanked by a pair of side scoops that cooled the front rotors.

From its profile, the car looked slightly different than its non-S version. While it still sported the same refreshed clear-lenses turn signals mounted between the wrapped-around front bumper and wheel arches, it had different wheels. The 2009 Porsche Cayman S featured 18-inch light-alloy wheels fitted as standard, but the tires were the same: 235/40 up front and 265/40 in the rear as its predecessor. Another subtle change was for the side sills, which have been redesigned and sported an upward curvature that fed the side scoops with more air for the engine. Out back, Porsche installed a new rear bumper, which was different than the one placed on the Boxster. It featured a lower diffuser that flanked the mid-mounted twin exhaust. Behind the large tailgate that covered the rear trunk, the Cayman S also had a retractable and adjustable wing.

The car’s interior was on par in terms of materials and quality with what the 911 provided. It was available with standard or high-bolstered seats, which could be fitted with heating and ventilation. Porsche installed a standard five-inch screen for the sound system, which integrated a CD changer and had MP3 compatibility. Furthermore, customers could plug their MP3 players and iPods into the system and enjoy hours of music uninterrupted. As an option, they could get a 6.5-inch touchscreen for an infotainment unit that featured a 30 Gb HDD-based navigation system. Fronting the driver was the same three-dial instrument cluster as before, with a triple-curved visor above it.

Behind the cabin, the 2009 Porsche Cayman S had the same flat-six 3.4-liter M97 engine as before but sported direct fuel injection. As a result, power went up from 295 PS (291 hp) to 320 PS (315 hp). It was paired as standard with a six-speed manual, while a new seven-speed automatic (dual-clutch) gearbox was available. The new transmission, also known as the PDK, could shift faster and provide better acceleration times than the six-speed manual or the previous five-speed automatic.