The Porsche Cayman S has been named the “2006 World Performance Car.” At a press conference held last week in conjunction with the New York Auto Show, the Cayman S surpassed the two remaining finalists in an impressive list of 29 candidates.

The Porsche Cayman S – which has already been lauded with Playboy magazine’s “Car of the Year” award – impressed the World Car jury with its distinct presence set squarely between the Boxster and 911. The 295-horsepower coupe melds the balance of the Boxster roadster’s mid-engine placement, with chassis stiffness that nearly matches the legendary 911 Carrera. The 3.4-liter “Boxer” six-cylinder engine delivers a stirring rush of acoustic and accelerative bliss, and in the Cayman S this powerplant is combined with near-telepathic steering and a voluptuous body with curves bordering on sinful. Truly a world-class performer, the Cayman S polishes Porsche's halo with this winning combination of stellar handling, sleek styling and impressive thrust.

“Positioned between the 911 and the Boxster, the Porsche Cayman S has established its own unique styling and performance identity,” related Peter Schwarzenbauer, president and CEO of Porsche Cars North America. “Its selection as the 2006 World Performance Car is an early indicator it will take its place alongside these two famed models as yet another benchmark sports car from Porsche.”

The World Car of the Year Awards program is initiated, organized, and conducted by automotive journalists from around the globe. A non-profit association guided by a steering committee of journalists from Asia, Europe, and North America administers the awards program.

To be eligible for the World Performance award a vehicle had to have a specific and overt performance/sports orientation; be all-new or substantially revised; be in production in quantities of at least 1000 per year; and introduced for sale to consumers in at least one major market during calendar year 2005. The jury of 46 international automotive journalists considered a variety of parameters; then individually reviewed, evaluated, and voted on the World Performance Car entrants by secret ballot. The international accounting firm KPMG tabulated the ballots to first determine the top three finalists, and finally the winner.

The Porsche Cayman S went on sale in the United States on January 14, 2006. Its retail price is $58,900.