For those who find the 265-horsepower Cayman too mild, they can step up to the 320-horse Cayman S. Its larger Direct Injection engine displaces 3.4 liters instead of 2.9 and also churns out 273 pound-feet of torque, which is 52 more than the base Cayman.

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The car received a significant update in 2009. Offering 20 horsepower more than its predecessor, the entry-level Cayman cranks out 265 horses thanks to a revised 2.9-liter powerplant.

The restyled coupe has new halogen headlights with integrated direction indicators, reminiscent of the lights on the discontinued Carrera GT supercar. The new LED taillights have been reshaped, tapering out and integrated elegantly to the modified rear end. The front fascia and rear skirt have been restyled to keep the look fresh.

The available transmissions are a standard close-ratio six-speed manual and optional PDK dual-clutch automated manual gearbox, which offers a significant boost in fuel efficiency, not to mention faster shift times. Overall fuel economy for the base model is 26.4 mpg -- an 11 percent improvement. For the Cayman S, estimated consumption is 25.5 mpg, for a total savings of 16 percent.

Acceleration to 62 mph is said to take just 4.9 seconds for the PDK Cayman S equipped with Launch Control and the Sports Chrono Package.

A new suspension system promises better driving dynamics and enhanced comfort, depending on driving conditions. A modified valve control map for the steering system serves to reduce steering forces, giving the Cayman even more agile steering behaviour.

In a nutshell, the Cayman is a fixed-hard-roof version of the popular Boxster convertible. As such, the Cayman also offers two trunks, one in the back and one in the front, but the Cayman's back trunk is much larger because there is no folding roof to store. It can be filled with 9.2 cubic feet of stuff, remarkable for a sports car, plus a further 4.9 cubic feet up front.

Many of Porsche's cars feature an automatically extending spoiler in the tail end. The Cayman's is a biplane design and it keeps the car firmly planted on the road at high speeds. The drag coefficient is only 0.29.

The car features the latest generation of PSM Porsche Stability Management now offering two new functions: Brake Pre-Loading and the Brake Assistant. Whenever the driver lets go of the gas pedal very quickly -- which is typical of an upcoming emergency braking manoeuvre -- the PSM hydraulic control unit builds up an appropriate level of pressure on the wheel brakes before the driver even presses down the brake pedal, moving the brake pads slightly towards the discs for immediate action. This significantly improves brake response and shortens stopping distances accordingly.

Options on the Cayman S include Porsche Active Suspension Management, a Sport Chrono Package, automatic climate control, Bose surround-sound stereo system, parking-assist sensors, self-dimming rearview mirrors and rain-sensing wipers. A wiper for the rear window is even an option, perhaps because some customers may feel it ruins the Cayman's sweeping roof line.

The Cayman comes standard with the new CDR-30 CD radio boasting a five-inch monochromatic display and the ability to play MP3 CDs. New PCM Porsche Communication Management available as an option complete with hard disc navigation serves as the central control unit for all audio, communication and navigation features.