2014 Porsche Cayman S

We’ve already caught a glimpse of the 2014 Porsche Cayman undergoing testing on Germany’s Autobahn. But these illustrations of the next-generation Cayman S give us an even clearer idea as to the direction Porsche plans to take its mid-engine sports car. Like the black prototype seen in Germany, the new Cayman doesn’t appear wildly different in appearance or intent. Befitting a well-engineered Porsche product, the changes are more evolutionary.

The rear hatch has a more flush appearance than before, and the entire back of the car looks rounder and with a shorter overhang. It’s an altogether smoother and cleaner design, even though it takes more than a quick glance to spot the changes. The same is true up front, where the headlights are slightly more upright and the foglights are better integrated into the front air intakes. The side glass has also been re-profiled.

A Choice of Engine

Probably the most obvious exterior change involves the side intakes, which are more pronounced and larger. There could be a very good reason for this modification, one that’s far beyond the visual appeal they add to the new Cayman. Porsche is reportedly considering adding a flat-4 engine to the range, to serve as a base powerplant. This engine, expected to be 2.5 liters in capacity, is reported to offer more than 350 bhp in turbocharged format.

With that level of output, the current Cayman’s 2.9 and 3.4-liter flat-6 cylinder engines could be squeezed out (though we doubt it). Look for the Cayman S—and any wilder variations Porsche might have planned—to continue with a flat-6, mated to either Porsche’s 7-speed PDK transmission or a 6-speed manual. Porsche has also been busy putting its entire range on a diet, including the new 911 and upcoming Boxster. The next Cayman may weigh significantly less than the outgoing model.