Porsche announces 2011 Cayman R

[Stotty]

Err... 'nazi-sled'?

Even if said in jest, the word 'nazi' is a bit strong and also somewhat offensive to those of us who own 911's and don't have intentions to take over the World or slaughter millions of people.

To get back on topic... what;s the difference between Porsche giving the Caymen a turbo with 350bhp or sticking the engine out of the 997 or 997S (350 or 385bhp), the effect would be the same, wouldn't it?

 

[Radracing]

Or maybe buy a used Cayman and take it to RUF for some work. That would be my alternative.

On another note. I don't really get it. 911 fans will stick to 911's even if its out performed by the Cayman or Boxster. They can just charge the same amount of money they charge for the higher end models matching HP per $. Either way they are still buying Porsches they will just be paying more for the cost of performance.

 

[Tornado]

I actually think Porsche could make a 350-375 horsepower Cayman and not have it be a 911 competitor, so long as they base it on the Cayman S engine rather than the 911 engine. A revvy, 911 GT3-style equivalent would better fulfill the Cayman's potential without doing that much to the 911 in terms of market.

 

[Duke]

Yes, I know. It would put too big dent into their cherished Arse-engined Nazi-sled Beetle Evolution sales.

C'mon, don't slip back to the old ways, huh?

 

[GT_Prologue5]

And to ignore above...

I wouldn't really buy it though. Porsche is getting really annoying with all these special editions, like the GT3 Sport Cup Asia, GTS, Cayman R. I don't know how special the specialness is in these cars anymore. They barely even have the maniacally deadly RR of the old years.

 

[Eric.]

They barely even have the maniacally deadly RR of the old years.

Its in Porsche's best interest to keep its customers alive long enough to become repeat buyers...

 

[Leonidae@MFT]

C'mon, don't slip back to the old ways, huh?

No worries, got bit carried away. I'm just so irked by the fact that Porsche made Cayman to fill in a gap in market, which it does just fine.. But Porsche would make a lot more money if the would stop being afraid of sibling rivalry and let the Cayman grow up to it's full potential.

 

[GT_Prologue5]

It's in Porsche's best interest to keep its customers alive long enough to become repeat buyers...

Well I think they should release one model that could kill by foolish sliding.

 

[GT Pro]

Brilliant... except the colour (it makes the interior look a little... wrong). Would work on a Lotus, not here.

 

[YellowG1]

I actually think Porsche could make a 350-375 horsepower Cayman and not have it be a 911 competitor, so long as they base it on the Cayman S engine rather than the 911 engine. A revvy, 911 GT3-style equivalent would better fulfill the Cayman's potential without doing that much to the 911 in terms of market.

I'd agree. The typical 911 buyer seems to be a bit older and more image-conscious (i.e. they want to be seen driving what other people think is the only "real" Porsche) than the typical Cayman/Boxster owner. So even if you have a Cayman that's quicker and more expensive than an entry-level 911, I don't think many 911 buyers will switch to it.

 

[Stotty]

I'd agree. The typical 911 buyer seems to be a bit older and more image-conscious (i.e. they want to be seen driving what other people think is the only "real" Porsche) than the typical Cayman/Boxster owner. So even if you have a Cayman that's quicker and more expensive than an entry-level 911, I don't think many 911 buyers will switch to it.

I agree for the most part.

People don't particulalrly buy 911's because they are fast, they buy them because...

1) They are an iconic car and as such, a status symbol... Nothing wrong with buying a car because of it's perceived image... almost all car purchases involve a certain amount of consideration of the image of the car or brand.

2) They have a unique feel to the way they drive

IMO, Porsche could build a 350bhp Caymen and it might be as quick as a regular 997, but it wouldn't drive like a 911... it wouldn't have that unique feeling that the rear engine layout gives and as a result it wouldn't take sales from the 911.

 

[arvin charles]

I'd agree. The typical 911 buyer seems to be a bit older and more image-conscious (i.e. they want to be seen driving what other people think is the only "real" Porsche) than the typical Cayman/Boxster owner. So even if you have a Cayman that's quicker and more expensive than an entry-level 911, I don't think many 911 buyers will switch to it.

I disagree. I'm 28 now & while I can't afford a brand new 911, I would still choose a 911 over a Cayman because I've always wanted to own one ever since I was a little kid.

For many of us, it's the fulfillment of owning your dream car.

 

[spd]

The Boxster\Cayman seems to be cursed. They could even be better than 911s, but always will suffer because of inferior image compared to the big brother.Porsche themselves seem to detune the engines, as not to make 911 inferior in performance. I mean, come on, can't they make an engine output at least 100hp from a liter of displacement? And that's in a top end fancy R version. Oh, and what the hell kind of name Cayman is?

Personally I'd rather buy a used 911 or something form a different manufacturer than a non-911 Porsche. Porsche equals 911 in my book.

 

[AlexGTV]

The Boxster\Cayman seems to be cursed. They could even be better than 911s, but always will suffer because of inferior image compared to the big brother.Porsche themselves seem to detune the engines, as not to make 911 inferior in performance. I mean, come on, can't they make an engine output at least 100hp from a liter of displacement? And that's in a top end fancy R version. Oh, and what the hell kind of name Cayman is?

Personally I'd rather buy a used 911 or something form a different manufacturer than a non-911 Porsche. Porsche equals 911 in my book.

I have the same rational regarding Porsche models so close to the image of the 911. Panamera sort of gets away with it being 2+2. And let's not get into the Cayenne. As Top Gear says it is there to bankroll all the good stuff. If so it has my eulogy.

 

[spd]

What he said. I don't mind a 4-door (well, 5? ) Porsche, but Panamera is just too ugly, looks like a stretched 911 with ugly 996 front lights.

 

[AlexGTV]

...And the new Cajun is on the way. Seems like it is destined to be a cash cow for more interesting stuff. An approachable Porsh is tempting for many people.