The 2012 Porsche Cayman Base is a Rear-wheel drive Coupe. It can accommodate up to 2 passengers. It has 2 Doors and is powered by a 2.9L H6 DOHC 24-valves engine which outputs 265 hp @ 7200 rpm and is paired with 6-speed manual transmission gearbox. The 2012 Porsche Cayman Base has cargo capacity of Liters and the vehicle weighs 1330 kg. In terms of ride assists, the 2012 Porsche Cayman Base has stability control and traction control in addition to anti-lock brake system (ABS). The vehicle has an optional engine as well It offers and. Safety features also include Driver front airbag and Passenger front airbag. The front suspension is Independent front suspension while the rear suspension is Independent rear suspension. The car also features a Tire low-pressure warning system It has 17'' alloy wheels as standard. Electronic features include Cruise Control. For convenience, the car has Power windows and Power door locks. There is also a remote keyless entry feature. Moreover, the car has. The steering wheel has audio control buttons. In terms of performance, the car has 289 N.m of torque and a top speed of 236 km/h. The 2012 Porsche Cayman Base accelerates from zero to 60 mph in 5.9 seconds and hits quarter mile at 13.9 seconds. Fuel consumption is 10.2 L/100km in the city and 6.7 L/100km in the highway. The car price starts at $ 59,200
| Name | Base | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $ 59,200 | |
| Body | Coupe | |
| Doors | 2 Doors | |
| Engine | 2.9L H6 DOHC 24-valves | |
| Power | 265 hp @ 7200 rpm | |
| Number of Seats | 2 Seats | |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual transmission | |
| Cargo Space | L | |
| Maximum Cargo Space | 410.0 L | |
| Wheel Type | 17'' alloy wheels | |
| Series | ||
| Drivetrain | Rear-wheel drive | |
| Horsepower | 265 HP | |
| Torque | 289 N.m | |
| Top Speed | 236 km/h | |
| Acceleration 0-100 km/h (0-60 mph) | 5.9 s | |
| Fuel Type | ||
| Fuel Consumption (City) | 10.2 L/100km | |
| Fuel Consumption (Highway) | 6.7 L/100km | |
| Gear Type | manual | |
| Weight | 1,340 KG | |
| Brand | Porsche | |
| Model | Cayman | |
| 0-400m (Quarter Mile) | 13.9 s | |
| 0-400m (Quarter Mile) - Speed | 165.6 km/h | |
| 0-800m (Half Mile) | 23.0 s | |
| 0-800m (Half Mile) - Speed | 186.4 km/h | |
| Modifications (MODS) | ||
| Modifications Cost | $ 0 |
| Used Condition | Trade In Price | Private Party Price | Dealer Retail Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Outstanding | $ 27,441 | $ 32,462 | $ 36,702 |
| Clean | $ 26,007 | $ 30,789 | $ 34,698 |
| Average | $ 23,139 | $ 27,442 | $ 30,689 |
| Rough | $ 20,271 | $ 24,095 | $ 26,680 |
Arguably the purest expression of the original Porsche design, the midengine 2012 Porsche Cayman provides thrilling performance and handling that more than make up for its tight cabin and pricey options.

The 2012 Porsche Cayman has deep roots and soaring capabilities. Porsche's midengine architecture can be traced all the way back to the Porsche 550 racecars of the 1950s. Mounting the engine amidships is the ideal location to help balance a sports car's weight, steering feel and handling response -- and ultimately driver confidence. This is one of the reasons many driving enthusiasts actually prefer the midengine Porsche Cayman over the iconic rear-engine Porsche 911 Carrera.

The liftback Cayman coupe shares much of its genetics with the Porsche Boxster convertible, including its mid-mounted, horizontally opposed six-cylinder (flat-6) engine driving the rear wheels. For 2012, there are four models from which to choose. In order of increasing levels of performance these are Base, S, S Black Edition and R. The latter two are new for the 2012 model year. Each offers a thrilling driving experience, but only partly because the engine resides right behind your shoulders.

The 2012 Porsche Cayman S Black Edition is more than just a monochromatic treatment of the Cayman S, although that is what is most striking about it. The Black Edition is limited to just 500 units and combines a host of optional equipment that would otherwise prove more expensive in a comparably equipped Cayman S.

The 2012 Cayman R model, on the other hand, strips the already svelte Cayman S of 121 pounds of weight in an effort to sharpen handling and quicken acceleration. Essentially a fixed-roof version of the Boxster Spyder, the Cayman R doesn't come with notable features like air-conditioning (you can still add it and its 26 extra pounds if you see fit) to demonstrate the case for addition by subtraction. This lighter, meaner Cayman is engineered and designed to meet performance targets, not comfort goals. As such, the Cayman R might be a step too far unless a lot of track days are in your future.

Indeed, the 2012 Porsche Cayman might be too hard-core (and of questionable value) for many drivers. If that's the case, then the BMW 1 Series M or Chevrolet Corvette Z06 might be better everyday coupes. And if you want a similarly dedicated sports car that offers all-wheel drive, then there's the Audi TT RS. All are fantastic cars, but if you want to own the purest vision of a Porsche sports car, there is no substitute for the 2012 Porsche Cayman.

The 2012 Porsche Cayman is a two-seat coupe available in base, S, S Black Edition and R trim levels.

Standard equipment includes 17-inch wheels, summer high-performance tires, cruise control, air-conditioning, six-way adjustable seats (power recline, manual fore/aft and height adjustment), a manual tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, Bluetooth and a four-speaker sound system with a CD player and an iPod/USB audio interface. The Cayman S adds a bigger engine, 18-inch wheels and red-painted brake calipers.

Should you wish to double the base price of the Cayman, Porsche will happily oblige you with a seemingly endless options list. Within popular packages such as Convenience, Infotainment (with or without a Bose audio upgrade), Design and Design Sport, you'll find items such as adaptive bi-xenon headlights, a navigation system, satellite radio, a seven-speaker sound system, larger wheels and tires, and aerodynamic kits.

The Sport Chrono package adds a lap timer, adjustable driver settings and, with PDK, launch control. Then there are the numerous customization choices that will cover just about any interior surface in leather, Alcantara, aluminum, carbon fiber, wood trim or exterior paint.

Many of the items in these packages can be added separately along with different wheel sizes and designs, a limited-slip rear differential, adaptive suspension dampers, ceramic-composite brakes (S and R only) and rear parking sensors. Inside options include fully powered seats, three different sport seat designs, heated seats, ventilated seats, a sport steering wheel with PDK shift paddles, a heated steering wheel, voice controls, satellite radio, a six-CD changer and a 10-speaker Bose surround-sound system.

The Cayman S Black Edition includes all the features of the Cayman S and adds another 10 horsepower, black exterior paint, black 19-inch wheels, bi-xenon headlamps, a sport steering wheel from the 911 Turbo, black-painted twin exhaust tips, Porsche Communications Management (PCM -- including Bose upgrade and satellite radio), Bluetooth, universal audio interface, and model-specific badging on the headrests and door sills.

The Cayman R is a stripped-down version of the Cayman S. Here you'll find 19-inch wheels, the limited-slip rear differential, a lowered sport-tuned suspension, lightweight sport seats, the sport steering wheel (with or without PDK) and exterior-paint-matching interior trim. It ditches air-conditioning along with a few trim pieces, while the four-speaker sound system is a no-cost option. (The air-conditioning and audio can be added back.) Most of the regular Cayman's options are available on the R (including climate control), but certain luxury items like the ventilated seats and Bose stereo are not available. If those lightweight seats with the nonadjustable backrests are not to your liking, the regular sport seats from the Cayman are available.

The 2012 Porsche Cayman is powered by a 2.9-liter horizontally opposed six-cylinder (flat-6) that produces 265 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. Like every Cayman, it is rear-wheel drive and comes standard with a six-speed manual transmission. Optional is a seven-speed dual-clutch automated manual transmission known as PDK. According to Porsche, the Cayman should go from zero to 60 mph in about 5.5 seconds. EPA-estimated fuel economy is 19 mpg city/27 mpg highway and 22 mpg combined with the manual, while PDK returns a truly impressive 20/29/24.

The Porsche Cayman S gets a direct-injected 3.4-liter flat-6 good for 320 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque. Porsche estimates it'll go from zero to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds. Surprisingly, fuel economy is the same as the regular Cayman with PDK, and only 1 mpg less on the highway with the manual.

Both the Cayman S Black Edition and the Cayman R get a version of the S engine cranked up to 330 hp. The Black Edition should hit 60 mph in about 4.8 seconds. In testing, the Cayman R (with PDK and Sport Chrono) reached 60 mph in just 4.3 seconds. Both return the same fuel economy as the regular Cayman S.
The Cayman comes standard with antilock brakes, traction and stability control, side airbags and side curtain airbags.
Thanks to its petite size, modest weight and midengine layout, the 2012 Porsche Cayman handles superbly. It feels glued to the road and light on its feet at the same time. Body roll is virtually nonexistent, and the variable-ratio steering is among the best. The new Cayman R is even more capable thanks to its lowered ride height and retuned suspension. However, the R does ride stiffly, and Porsche doesn't offer the optional adaptive suspension for it.
If you didn't know the 320-hp Cayman S existed, chances are the base Cayman's 2.9-liter engine would never get a negative word. Both motors are capable and impressive, so it just depends on how demanding you are as a driver and how willing you are to throw down $ 10,000 for an extra 0.6 second of 0-60 acceleration. The PDK transmission is a revelation, providing faultless automated-manual shifting performance for those who would rather not row their own gears. We're not fans of the standard wheel-mounted shift buttons, though, and we prefer the optional shift paddles — they're well worth the extra money.
We've yet to drive the new Cayman Black Edition, but during a recent test of the Cayman R, we observed that it's just a set of sticky tires away from knocking down the 911's door. Ultimately, the reason you'll buy the Cayman R is because you absolutely, positively need to have the ultimate Porsche Cayman, even if it's by only a small amount.
The 2012 Porsche Cayman's interior boasts premium materials and proper sports car seating. The oversized center-mounted tachometer conveys the Cayman's high-performance DNA, although the analog speedometer's tiny numbers and huge range make it more decorative than functional (the trip computer's digital speedo readout is more useful). Some controls are a bit fussy, but the present center control stack is much friendlier than before, especially the touchscreen included with PCM and/or the navigation system.
Sharing much of its cabin with the Boxster roadster, the Cayman is hardly spacious. Legroom is tighter than in other two-seaters and 2+2 coupes, while the small greenhouse can feel a bit confining. On the upside, the standard seats are remarkably comfortable and supportive, and the optional sport seats really aren't necessary. In regard to trunk space, there are 9 cubic feet available in the rear hatch (located behind the engine and cabin), and a front trunk expands total storage capacity to 14.5 cubic feet. Despite this impressive total, though, both compartments are awkwardly shaped.
Even among the range of legendary Porsche models, we find it difficult to recall a car that feels so utterly terrific under virtually all dynamic conditions. A very rigid body structure and renowned capabilities in suspension tuning endow the Cayman with the ability to deal with the most demanding roads – or racetracks – with remarkably impeccable poise and control. The conventional hydraulic-assisted steering transmits a quick, responsive feel, while shifts from the manual gearbox are direct and concise. Each of the three Cayman models possesses a unique set of traits: The base Cayman, at 265 horsepower, delivers a world-class sports car experience without the world-class price tag. The Cayman S adds 55 horsepower and a hint of exclusive design elements to the mix. And, while it packs only an extra 10 horsepower over the Cayman S, the Cayman R’s reduced weight, revised suspension and bare-bones interior make it a lethal track-day weapon – and, perhaps surprisingly, a wonderful daily driver.
MID-MOUNTED ENGINEThere’s a reason why Formula 1 cars and the majority of modern supercars utilize a mid-engine layout – no other configuration offers the favorable weight distribution and overall balance of a mid-mounted engine.6-SPEED MANUALWhile a manual transmission may not boast the cutting-edge technology and microsecond shift times of modern-day dual-clutch gearboxes, only the standard 6-speed manual can unlock the Cayman’s full emotional potential.
Simplicity is the predominant aesthetic inside the 2012 Porsche Cayman. After all, the 2-seat Cayman is a driver’s car, thus reserving flashy interior adornments and dazzling displays for more mainstream sports cars. The cabin affords a surprising amount of headroom, but cramped legroom and generally tidy quarters can produce a feeling of confinement during long hauls. Though we believe the standard seats are adequately comfortable and supportive enough to handle most spirited driving situations, Porsche offers a pair of sport bucket seats, which feature a lightweight carbon fiber construction and aggressive bolsters for optimum lateral support.
Unquestionably Porsche, the Cayman’s classic shape is comprised of contemporary 911 design themes mixed with distinct styling cues reminiscent of the marque’s iconic race cars of yesteryear. The hatchback design offers greater cargo capacity than the Porsche Boxster, with over 14 cubic feet of space split between the front and rear trunks (comparable to most mid-size sedans). If form over function is your cup of tea, the Cayman offers a myriad of stylish accessories for a custom-tailored appearance.
In base trim, the 2012 Cayman includes 17-inch alloy wheels, an automatically-deployable rear spoiler and a Homelink universal garage-door opener. Despite its near $ 53,000 starting price, iPod integration and automatic climate control are offered as optional equipment. The Cayman S has bigger front brakes, an additional 55 horsepower and larger 18-inch wheels. The range-topping Cayman R sheds just about everything deemed unessential to the relationship between driver, car and road, though practical niceties like air conditioning and a stereo can be optioned for an additional cost. Six airbags and Porsche’s Stability Management System highlight the active and passive safety features for the 2012 Cayman lineup.
Although we prefer the standard 6-speed transmission, Porsche offers its renowned dual-clutch, PDK automatic transmission for every Cayman trim level. PDK is essentially two half-gearboxes in one unit that anticipate gear selection and execute shifts at astonishing speed. The optional Sport Chrono Package Plus allows the driver to monitor information, such as lap times for track days, and features Launch Control along with faster gear changes on PDK-equipped Caymans. Also available are racing-derived Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes (PCCB), a sport exhaust system and four types of 19-inch alloy wheels. An Infotainment Package brings a 6.5-inch touchscreen unit with navigation and an upgraded sound system, As is usual with Porsche models, the 2012 Cayman offers a seemingly endless combination of interior materials and colors.
The standard 265-horsepower 2.9-liter “boxer” flat-6 engine and the 320-horsepower (330-horsepower in the Cayman R) 3.4-liter six in the Cayman S both benefit from the same VarioCam Plus technology used on the flagship Porsche 911. This system precisely controls intake camshaft timing and valve lift to enhance both total response and fuel efficiency. While the entire Cayman family comes standard with a 6-speed manual transmission, those who prefer an automatic can opt for the optional dual-clutch automatic transmission, which includes steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters. Porsche claims a manually-shifted PDK Cayman S can dash from zero to 60 mph in less than five seconds, with the lighter and slightly more powerful Cayman R hitting the mark in a mere 4.6 seconds.2.9-liter flat-6265 horsepower @ 7,200 rpm221 lb-ft of torque @ 4,400-6,000 rpmEPA city/highway fuel economy: 19/27 mpg (manual), 20/29 mpg (automatic)3.4-liter flat-6320 horsepower @ 7,200 rpm273 lb-ft of torque @ 4,750 rpmEPA city/highway fuel economy: 19/26 mpg (manual), 20/29 mpg (automatic)3.4-liter flat-6330 horsepower @ 7,400 rpm273 lb-ft of torque @ 4,750 rpmEPA city/highway fuel economy: 19/27 mpg (manual), 20/29 mpg (automatic)
The 2012 Porsche Cayman has a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) starting around $ 53,000, making it the most expensive car in its class. The Cayman S begins closer to $ 63,000 and the stripped-down Cayman R is around $ 67,000. The PDK automatic transmission adds about $ 3,500 to the bottom line. Transaction prices change like the weather, so be sure to take a look at the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price to see what others in your area are paying for the 2012 Porsche Cayman. Over time, the Cayman S is projected to hold slightly more of its original value than a base Cayman, but its resale percentages also are expected to be slightly lower than those of key competitors, including the Mercedes-Benz SLK350, Audi TT, BMW Z4 and Nissan 370Z.
| Engine | Standard in Trim | Power | Torque | Fuel Consumption - City | Fuel Consumption - Highway | 0-100 km/h | Quarter Mile | Half Mile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.4L H6 DOHC 24-valves | S | 320 hp @ 7200 rpm | 289 N.m | 10.6 L/100km | 6.7 L/100km | 5.1 s | 13.0 s | 21.6 s |
| 3.4L H6 DOHC 24-valve | R | 330 hp @ 7400 rpm | 289 N.m | 10.4 L/100km | 6.7 L/100km | 5.0 s | 12.9 s | 21.4 s |
| 3.4L H6 DOHC 24-valves | S Black Edition | 330 hp @ 7400 rpm | 289 N.m | 10.6 L/100km | 6.7 L/100km | 5.0 s | 12.9 s | 21.4 s |
| 3.4L H6 DOHC 24-valve | R | 330 hp @ 7300 rpm | 289 N.m | 14.0 L/100km | 6.6 L/100km | 5.0 s | 12.9 s | 21.4 s |
| 3.4L H6 DOHC 24-valve | S | 320 hp @ 7200 rpm | 289 N.m | 10.6 L/100km | 6.7 L/100km | 5.1 s | 13.0 s | 21.6 s |
| 3.4L H6 DOHC 24-valve | S Porsche Design Edition 1 | 295 hp @ 6250 rpm | 289 N.m | 11.8 L/100km | 8.7 L/100km | 5.4 s | 13.4 s | 22.2 s |
| 3.4L H6 DOHC 24-valve | S | 295 hp @ 6250 rpm | 289 N.m | 15.3 L/100km | 7.8 L/100km | 5.4 s | 13.4 s | 22.2 s |
| 3.4L H6 DOHC 24 valves | S | 295 hp @ 6250 rpm | 289 N.m | 15.3 L/100km | 7.8 L/100km | 5.4 s | 13.4 s | 22.2 s |
| AM/FM stereo radio | AM/FM stero radio |
|---|---|
| Air Conditionning | Automatic climate control |
| Bluetooth Wireless Technology | Yes |
| Cargo Net | Yes |
| Cruise Control | Yes |
| Driver Vanity Mirror | Illuminated driver vanity mirror |
| Front Wipers | Variable intermittent windshield wipers |
| Garage Door Opener | Garage door opener |
| Heated Washer Nozzle | Heated washer nozzles |
| Illuminated Entry | Yes |
| Interior Air Filter | Carbon filter |
| Number of Speakers | 4 speakers |
| Passenger Vanity Mirror | Illuminated passenger vanity mirror |
| Power Door Locks | Yes |
| Power Outlet | 2 12-volt power outlets |
| Power Windows | Power windows with one-touch up/down feature |
| Reading Light | Front reading lights |
| Rear View Mirror | Auto-dimming day/night rear view mirror |
| Remote Keyless Entry | Yes |
| Single CD | Single CD player |
| Steering Wheel Adjustment | Tilt and telescopic steering wheel |
| Trunk/Hatch Operation | Remote trunk release |
| Curb Weight | 1330 kg |
|---|---|
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L |
| Height | 1304 mm |
| Length | 4346 mm |
| Maximum Cargo Capacity | 410 L |
| Wheelbase | 2415 mm |
| Width | 1801 mm |
| Exterior Decoration | LED taillights |
|---|---|
| Front Fog Lights | Yes |
| Headlight Type | Halogen headlights |
| Heated Exterior Mirrors | Heated outside mirrors |
| Power Exterior Mirrors | Power-adjustable outside mirrors |
| Rear Spoiler | Automatically extendable rear spoiler |
| Rear Window Defroster | Yes |
| Brake Pad Wear Warning | Yes |
|---|---|
| Clock | Digital clock |
| Floor Console | Rear and front center console with storage |
| Floor Mats | Yes |
| Front Seats Driver Height | Height adjustable driver seat |
| Front Seats Passenger Height | Height adjustable passenger seat |
| Front Seats Passenger Recline | Front passenger's seat power recline |
| Hand Brake Leather Trim | Leather-wrapped hand brake handle |
| Instrumentation Type | Analog and digital instrumentation |
| Luxury Dashboard Trim | Aluminium-look interior trim |
| Number of Cup Holders | 2 cup holders |
| Outside Temperature Gauge | Outside temperature display |
| Seat Trim | Partial leather Seats |
| Steering Wheel Trim | Leather-wrapped steering wheel |
| Tachometer | Yes |
| Trip Computer | Yes |
| Water Temperature Gauge | Coolant temperature gauge |
| Drive Train | Rear-wheel drive |
|---|---|
| Engine Name | 2.9L H6 DOHC 24-valves |
| Stability Control | Yes |
| Traction Control | Yes |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual transmission |
| Body | Coupe |
|---|---|
| Doors | 2 |
| Engine | 2.9L H6 DOHC 24-valves |
| Fuel Consumption | 10.2 (Automatic City)6.7 (Automatic Highway)11.2 (Manual City)7.4 (Manual Highway) |
| Power | 265 hp @ 7200 rpm |
| Seats | 2 |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual transmission |
| Warranties | Bumper-to-Bumper80000/km, 48/Months Powertrain80000/km, 48/Months Roadside Assistance80000/km, 48/Months Rust-throughUnlimited/km, 144/Months |
| Anti-Lock Brakes | Anti-lock brakes |
|---|---|
| Anti-Theft Alarm | Alarm system |
| Brake Type | 4-wheel disc |
| Child Seat Anchor | ISOFIX child seat anchor |
| Driver Airbag | Driver front airbag |
| Front Seat Belts | pre-tensioner |
| Hill Start Assist | Hill start assist |
| Ignition Disable | Theft-deterrent engine immobilizer |
| Passenger Airbag | Passenger front airbag |
| Side Airbag | Side airbags |
| Front Anti-Roll Bar | Yes |
|---|---|
| Front Suspension | Independent front suspension |
| Front Tires | 205/55ZR17 |
| Power Steering | Yes |
| Rear Anti-Roll Bar | Yes |
| Rear Suspension | Independent rear suspension |
| Rear Tires | 235/50ZR17 rear performance tires |
| Spare Tire | Compact spare tire |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | Tire low-pressure warning system |
| Wheel Type | 17'' alloy wheels |
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