Porsche 2004 Annual Report Download - page 38

The new-generation Boxster also proved immediately popular with customers.
This roadster model is well on the way to becoming a classic.
The Models34
application is about to be made – the brake system applies the pads
lightly to the discs in order to be ready to act without further delay.
This greatly improves initial brake system response and shortens stop-
ping distances. In addition, a ‘brake assistant’ builds up the pressure
needed for maximum retardation if an emergency brake application
is detected. Also available as an optional extra on all Carrera models
is the Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake (PCCB) system.
In order to enhance road dynamics still further, the Porsche Active
Suspension Management (PASM) system is now offered as an optional
extra on all basic all-wheel-drive models (it is standard equipment on
the more powerful ‘S’ versions). Wider wheel rims and tires, together
with modified wheel dish depths, are used to widen the rear track,
which also benefits road dynamics and driving safety.
At the beginning of the current fiscal year the ‘Individual’ program for
911 Carrera models was updated and extended. The optional-extra
power boost to 381 hp that is available for the 911 Carrera S and
Carrera 4S models serves to emphasize Porsche’s competence in
engine construction. The available program of wheels was extended
to include a new 19-inch Carrera Sport wheel of sporty ten-spoke
design. The extended navigation module provides additional automatic
route recording functions. The new electronic journey logbook permits
distance readings, distances driven, date and time and the start and
destination addresses to be recorded automatically for every journey.
The bi-color leather upholstery and trim familiar from the Boxster is now
available for 911 Carrera cars as well, in three attractive color combi-
nations: black/terracotta, black/stone gray and black/sand beige.
The Boxster with 240-hp, 2.7-liter engine is the model that provides
access to Porsche’s sports-car world. The more powerful Boxster S
with 3.2-liter engine developing 280 hp leads the way in this competi-
tion sector, particularly in view of its outstanding road behavior. Both
these mid-engine roadsters are notable for their weight-saving design
and construction, the torsional and flexural strength of the bodies and
the sheer driving pleasure they provide as a result. Their excellent
workmanship sets a new standard in the roadster segment and is the
key to the high resale value that these models possess. Attractive
optional extras such as 19-inch wheels, Porsche Active Suspension
Management (PASM) or the Sport Chrono Plus package, together
with many opportunities for customizing the interior provide owners
with ample scope for individualizing their cars over and above the
standard equipment specification.
Porsche introduced the Cayman S, mid-engined coupe to the market
in November 2005. Although it is based on the Boxster platform, it
sets itself apart clearly in appearance from both the Boxster and the
911 Carrera. Its design in fact recalls classic Porsche models such
as the Type 904 dating from 1964.
The front end of this new coupe model gains its visual emphasis from
slightly oval main headlights and boldly shaped air inlets. Fog lights
incorporating marker lights are integrated into the outer air inlets and
mounted on horizontal struts. This feature is in accordance with current
Porsche design policy, which favors separation of these lights from
the main body panels. The elongated coupe outline of the Cayman S
terminates in a tail end that descends at a shallow angle, with an
extending spoiler wing between the powerful curved shoulders over
the rear wheels. Centrally positioned exhaust tailpipes add to the
strong sports character of the rear-end styling.
The Cayman S is powered by a 3.4-liter engine which, thanks to the
VarioCam Plus valve gear, develops 295 hp. This is the first time that
a model positioned below the 911 has been equipped with this variable
camshaft control and valve lift adjusting system. The top speed is
275 kilometers an hour and the Cayman S sprints from a standstill
to 100 km/h in 5.4 seconds. An exceptionally rigid bodyshell in con-
junction with firm sports suspension settings guarantees that it will
be great fun to drive.
The six-speed manual-shift gearbox adopted from the Boxster S has
short lever movements; it transmits power to the rear wheels. As an
alternative, the familiar 5-speed Tiptronic S transmission can perform
this function: it has new electronic and hydraulic control systems with
more sporty shift strategies and programmed characteristics. For
example, in the automatic mode the shift points can vary steplessly