2013 Porsche Cayman S Engine Performance Review

The design of the new 2013 Porsche Cayman models is befitting of their distinctive, sporty character. Their performance potential is obvious at first sight, for these are true specimens of force and athleticism. Individual styling features help to define both vehicles so impressively. A constant interaction of convex and concave curves. A certain style, like no other. Immediately, the front displays the kind of character that you expect to find in the new 2013 Cayman models. The front end has been restyled with enlarged air intakes that hint at the performance within.

Two new engines, several goals: increased power, improved driving dynamics, reduced fuel consumption and lower CO2 emissions. The engine is positioned in the middle of the car, 30 centimetres behind the driver. Just a few centimetres above road level. Any contact with the accelerator pedal unleashes power that knows only one direction: forwards. And a sound that is second to none. Both 2013 Porsche Cayman models are equipped with brand new engine developments, but have retained the familiar layout: six horizontally opposed cylinders. The 2.9-litre engine of the new Cayman delivers 195 kW (265 hp) at an engine speed of 7,200 rpm. The maximum torque of 300 Nm is achieved between 4,400 and 6,000 rpm. The new engine of the Cayman S has a 3.4-litre capacity and, for the first time, direct fuel injection (DFI, p. 34). Power output is 235 kW (320 hp) at 7,200 rpm. Maximum torque: 370 Nm at 4,750 rpm.

Each of the new engines convinces with its outstanding performance figures, extremely smooth running, optimised gas cycles and tremendous cornering agility, with fuel consumption and CO2 emissions reduced by up to 15% and 16%, depending on the model. All of this is achieved by DFI (in the Cayman S), a lightweight construction and a host of other engineering advancements, e.g. VarioCam Plus (p. 43). This system increases torque in the lower engine speed range and power output in the upper engine speed range. Injection and ignition are controlled by the engine electronics. The driver regulates engine power and of course sound using the extremely sensitive electronic accelerator pedal.

The new engine of the 2013 Porsche Cayman S has direct fuel injection (DFI). With millisecond precision, fuel is injected at up to 120 bar directly into the combustion chamber by means of electromagnetically actuated injection valves. The spray and cone angles have been optimised for torque, power output, fuel consumption and emissions by enabling a homogeneous distribution of the air/fuel mixture, and, therefore, effective combustion. Multiple fuel injections take place, depending on the driving style. DFI improves the internal cooling of the combustion chamber by having the mixture prepared directly in the cylinder. This allows for a higher compression ratio (12.5:1) which helps to deliver more output along with enhanced engine efficiency. It has therefore been possible to reduce fuel consumption by up to 15% and CO2 emissions by up to 16%, depending on the type of gearbox. Injection is regulated by the electronic engine management system. The exhaust gas cleaning system ensures that emissions remain well below even the strict limits of the EU5 emission standard, thus helping to protect the environment.

Both 2013 Cayman models are equipped with alloy engines. The advantages are their low weight
and reduced fuel consumption. Thanks to ingenious design down to the finest detail, it has been
possible to reduce the weight of the new generation of engines even further, e.g. by fully integrating the camshaft bearings into the cylinder heads. The oil reservoir is located inside the engine. Four oil pumps remove the oil from the cylinder heads directly into the oil sump. A fifth pump in the oil sump directly supplies the lubricating points in the engine. To reduce power loss and increase efficiency, an electronically controlled oil pump supplies the lubricating points inside the engine as and when required. This means that the oil pump does not work so hard when there is less demand for lubrication. The benefits of this oil supply system include optimum efficiency combined with a reduction in both fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. For the engine, these detailed solutions mean a consistent supply of oil regardless of gravitational loads, even in the most demanding track conditions.

The electronic engine management system ensures optimum engine performance at all times.
It regulates all engine-related functions and assemblies (see diagram). The results: optimum
performance and torque with reduced fuel consumption and emissions.Another important function of the system is cylinder-specific knock control. Since the six cylinders never all work under exactly the same conditions, they are monitored individually by the knock control. The ignition point is shifted individually, as and when necessary. This prevents damage to a cylinder or piston at high engine speeds and loads. The on-board diagnostics, which are compliant with European standards, ensure timely detection of any faults and defects that may occur in the exhaust and fuel systems and notify the driver immediately. This also prevents increased pollutant emissions and unnecessary fuel consumption.

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