On the heels of the January’s much anticipated launch of the new Cayman S, Porsche has announced an entry level Cayman geared to those who delight in the supreme handling dynamics which earned the Cayman S the 2006 World Performance Car title. Based on the award-winning Boxster, the new version of the mid-engined sports coupe is a more accessible version of the Cayman S, with a base price under $50,000 (under $70,000 in Canada). The Cayman brings legendary Porsche-coupe capabilities—with the same voluptuous styling of the Cayman S—to a new and lower price point.

“2006 has already shown a string of record sales months, especially for our 911 series,” said Peter Schwarzenbauer, President and CEO of Porsche Cars North America. “With the exceptionally strong response we’ve had to the Cayman S, which has sold more than 3000 units in just over four months, the addition of this aggressively priced new Cayman model will bring our mid-engined range to similar record sales levels, further bolstering our core sports-car lineup.”

The new Porsche Cayman is powered by a 2.7-liter six-cylinder Boxer engine producing 245 horsepower. Thanks to the Porsche VarioCam Plus system, the Cayman provides a broad spread of usable power, with a plateau of torque peaking at 201 foot-pounds between 4,600 and 6,000 revs. With a manual transmission, the responsive engine is capable of propelling the new Cayman from a standstill to 60 mph in only 5.8 seconds. The performance carries through to a top test-track speed of 160 mph. Proof that outstanding performance statistics do not necessarily mean high fuel consumption, the Cayman is rated at an impressive 23/32 mpg city/highway.

Power is routed from the Cayman’s flexible powerplant via a standard five-speed manual transmission with short, precise shift throws. Porsche will also offer the well-known Tiptronic S five-speed automatic transmission. The Tiptronic S provides rocker switches for shifting in the steering-wheel spokes, for those who seek a more engaging driving experience.

As a third transmission variant, a six-speed manual transmission, available in conjunction with the Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) system, is optional. The PASM system automatically adapts the shock-absorber system to the particular driving situation, and allows the driver to choose between “Normal” and “Sport” programs by pressing a button on the center console.

The Cayman rides on 17-inch light-alloy wheels boasting a unique, double-spoke design. Front tires are 205/55-17’s fitted on 6.5-inch wide rims; the combination at the rear is 235/50-17 tires on 8-inch-wide rims. With the Porsche Stability Management (PSM) system fitted as standard equipment, the taut chassis makes an responsive and involving partner in terms of driving dynamics and active safety.

Other special features of the Cayman are black brake calipers, black front-spoiler lips, a titanium-colored logo on the rear deck and a trapezoidal tailpipe. The impressive interior boasts a comprehensive range of standard features including air-conditioning, radio/CD player, seats covered in luxurious Alcantara leather, black-faced instrument dials, and door-entry trim embossed with the Cayman logo. Because of the mid-engine concept, the Cayman boasts two trunks, with a combined volume of 14.5 cubic feet (410 liters), highlighting the sport coupe’s supreme practicality.

In addition to the two full-size occupant airbags, the Cayman is also fitted as standard equipment with the ingenious Porsche Side Impact Protection System (POSIP), which features both a chest and head airbag on each side of the vehicle, providing impressive protection in the event of a side collision.

The Porsche Cayman goes on sale in North America July 29, 2006. Pricing for the new model in the U.S. and Canada is $49,400 (USD) and $69,600 (CAD).