THE Porsche Centre Lagos has unveiled the modified version of Porsche Cayman, one of world’s most celebrated sports cars with masterpiece features.

The Cayman, according to the Porsche AG, was completely redesigned with exceptional trappings, adding that the newcomer is the third generation edition for the 2014 model year.

A rear mid-engine, rear-wheel drive and two-seater sports car, Porsche Cayman is an entirely elitist coupe derived from Porsche’s second and third generation Boxster roadster and the 911 Carrera.

The Cayman has since it was introduced into the Porsche line-up seven years ago standout as the most entertaining and engaging sports ever.

The company assured car lovers that the all new Cayman promises to set an even higher standard based on series of modifications the automaker has added to make the car more powerful, faster and elegant than its predecessor.

Specifically, the engines are up to 15 per cent more fuel efficient due to their petrol direct injection thermal management, electrical system recuperation and auto start/stop function when compared with its predecessor.

Deputy Managing Director, European Brand, Stallion Motors Limited, owners of Porsche franchise in Nigeria, Julian Hardy, at a media press briefing to launch the third generation Cayman vehicle, in Lagos, said the styling of the new Cayman was evolutionary rather than revolutionary, adding that the newcomer has been upgraded with new optional features such as Adaptive Cruise Control (ADC) for the first time. ADC controls the distance to the car ahead in traffic and the vehicle speed.

According to him, the car comes with optional entry and drive keyless system that can be factory installed.

“Though at a glance the coupe looks remarkably similar to its sleek predecessor, a closer inspection reveals it is longer and wider than before, while the sharper edged design gives the Cayman a more aggressive stance.

“For instance, the newly designed tailpipes of the exhaust system visually terminates at a low central point allowing the Cayman to get an oval tailpipe and the Cayman ‘S’ has two-branch dual tailpipes.

The stallion boss said that the new Cayman was available in two versions of 2.7 litre and 3.4 litre, adding that the base (standard) Cayman was equipped with 2.7 litre flat six engine that was mounted on a six-speed manual transmission or optional seven-speed Porsche PDK, producing 275hp with 214 Ib-ft of toque which is 10 times more than its previous model.

The Cayman ‘S’ on the other hand on the other hand is mated to an upscale 3.4 litre flat six engine that produces 325hp and 273 Ib-ft with six-speed manual transmission or optional seven-speed Porsche PDK (automatic dual clutch).

Hardy said that Porsche engineers placed high priority on turning of the Cayman not just to improve the driving performance and agility of the car to simultaneously enhance the comfort and everyday practicality.

Electromechanical power steering has also replaced the previous hydraulic system in the Cayman to allow drivers experience the agility of the Cayman even more intensively, the European brand director affirmed.

These modifications according Hardy were all intended to enhance the capacity, refinement and comfort of the Cayman thus making it more relaxing in long distance drive.

“With this beautifully balanced mid-engine handling coupled with a perfectly weighted steering and staggering grip, the new Cayman is a blast to drive especially down any twisting road,” he said.

He however added that buyers could also add the brilliant PASM adaptive dampers, which combine superb body control with a remarkably supple ride.

Also noticeable in the Cayman models are the 18-inch alloys on the base model and the eye-catching 19-inch rims fitted on the classy ‘S’ model to give the new Porsche Cayman an upscale attraction.

What’s more, classy materials, first rate build quality and a flawless driving position places the two-seater Cayman well above rivals in its class.

Talking reliability, the European Brand helmsman said: “Porsche has long tradition of building beautifully engineered cars and the Cayman is no exception. The cabin is solidly screwed together while the tried and tested mechanicals are lifted straight from the Porsche Boxster and 911 Carrera.”

Porsche Cayman also comes with several other features such as a raft of safety kit as standard, including full complement of six airbags and electronic stability control.