World debut of 2009 Porsche Boxster and Cayman Models

It is reported that Porsche has unveiled its new-generation 2009 Boxster and Cayman models at a press conference at the Greater Los Angeles Auto Show. The special about the event was that the German sports car maker also displayed the first car to don the Porsche name, affectionately known as Porsche No. 1, as well as the company’s first-ever race car, the 550 Spyder, which is on loan from the collection of Jerry Seinfeld. Both are among the most historically significant sports cars of their eras and represent Porsche’s first mid-engine designs, the same engine configurations now thoroughly refined in both the new Boxster and Cayman.

So what’s new on the facelifted Porsche Boxster and Cayman?

Porsche’s mid-engined sports car duo gain much of the 911’s new tech, including direct injection for some of the flat-six boxer engines and the seven-speed Porsche Doppelkupplungsgetriebe transmission. Let’s just call it the PDK twin-clutch ’box, shall we? It replaces the Tiptronic gearbox and is geared for efficiency in a tall top ratio.

The new-look models have a pair of new engines. Basic Boxsters now come with a 2.9-litre six mustering 255bhp, while boggo Caymans have an upgrade to 265bhp.

Step up to the S models of each and you’ll be treated to the 3.4 with direct injection. Result? The Boxster S kicks out 310bhp, the Cayman S a stout 320bhp. That means that every facelifted model is between 10 and 25bhp meaner than before.