Catch the Wind – the New Boxster and New Cayman in Lanzarote.
Lanzarote, Spain – the most northerly and easterly of the 7 major Canary Islands, 125kms off the coast of Africa is home to some 125,000 people.
In February, the numbers on the 35 million year old volcanic island swelled to cater for an explosive adventure of a different kind – the Porsche Boxster & Cayman Launch – Catch the Wind.
Porsche dealers worldwide were invited to experience the new sportscar models behind the most spectacular landscape – and Porsche Centre Brisbane Sales Manager was in attendance. “Our anticipation of the model evolution was exceeded in all aspects – including the perfect location” James Simpson commented.
Upon arrival, the look of the new models alone was a seductive invitation to the driving pleasure that awaited us. The eyes don’t lie. The dual tubular look of the headlights and integrated directional signals is reminiscent of the Carrera GT. Then there are the enlarged air intakes, which provide the lungs behind the new power and the space for the LED position lights and fog lamps.
The Boxster and the Cayman have had a makeover. No effort was spared to give the improved (light) technology an attractive face. And that has given Porsche’s mid-engine sports cars, those renowned sprinters and cornering connoisseurs, even more swagger. By day they exude pure authority, by night they light up the road as they chase the horizon. And the reason for the pursuit? Behind the wheel, the journey is its own reward. And that meant pure driving pleasure; something we were eager to pursue.
The new technology is designed for thrills and the conditions on the Island couldn’t have been better. The Boxster and the Cayman have more power than ever. Uncompromising sports cars, but with admirable restraint at the gas pump. The revised engines—close relatives of the new 911 engines—see to that. The S version engine, thanks to its direct fuel injection technology, is especially efficient, which means that the quartet meets even the stringent standards.
And that’s not all the new Porsche generation shares with the 911: for those who prefer not to use the six-speed manual transmission, the highly efficient Porsche- Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK), Porsche’s double-clutch transmission, will now be available in place of Tiptronic S.
The outstanding driving dynamics matched with Lanzarote’s perfect driving scenery offered ample opportunity to experience the Boxster’s powertrain, with a displacement of 2.9 litres, puts out 188 kW/255 hp (previously 245 hp) at 6,400 rpm. As we journey along the 180 kilometre round trip, the power-to weight ratio of 5.2 kg/hp was clear - the Boxster provides maximum performance. The numbers speak for themselves: with PDK, the Boxster can do 0–100 km/h (0–60 mph) in a paltry 5.8 seconds (5.5 seconds), and can reach a top track speed of 263 km/h.
After a short break overlooking El Golfo, - a lagoon captured inside a volcanic crater; it was time for the Boxster S to take centre stage. With its 3.4-liter boxer engine, it is even more dynamic. Its 228 kW/310 hp at 6,400 rpm (previously 295 hp) with PDK, sprints from 0–100 km/h in just 5.2 seconds (4.9 seconds), and tops out at 274 km/h.
After a well travelled journey, we had time for generous lunch sampling local and traditional Spanish cuisine before the next program.
Our afternoon took us to Timanfaya National Park. Our transport..? The new generation of Porsche mid-engine coupes, equally generous with power and performance. Powered by a 2.9-litre six-cylinder boxer engine, the Cayman puts out 195 kW/265 hp (previously 245 hp) on the tarmac. With PDK, it goes from 0–100 km/h (0–60 mph) in 5.7 seconds (5.4 seconds) and hits a top track speed of 265 km/h.
We arrived to discover the parkland is entirely made up of volcanic soil. The greatest recorded eruptions occurred between 1730 and 1736. The volcanic activity continues as the surface temperature in the core ranges from 100 to 600 ºC at the depth of 13m, which is demonstrated by pouring water into the ground, resulting in a geyser of steam which is an attraction for tourists.
Our own explosive activity continued with the new 3.4-liter boxer engine and the Cayman S boasting an impressive 25 hp more than its predecessor. And its 320 hp in conjunction with PDK generates formidable acceleration: 0–100 km/h in 5.1 seconds (4.8 seconds). Its track speed tops out at 277 km/h with PDK.
Touring the southern part of the island we visited César Manrique’s homestead and gallery, viewing Manrique’s works and learning about this artist’s influence on the island. Manrique's home itself is built within a 3,000m² lot, on the site of the Lanzarote eruptions in the 18th century. The carpark at the homestead attracted a whole new generation of artwork on display – the new Cayman Model’s inner fire.
At the conclusion of our tour we found clarity - four models and an infinite array of thrills. These mid-engine sports cars attack curves and straightaways with equal vigor. With headlights that evoke the aura of the Carrera GT and new taillights sporting LED technology, the lights on the horizon look inviting indeed.
For more information on these new and exciting models,
please contact James Simpson on 3248 9411 or jsimpson@porschecentrebrisbane.com.au