Porsche Cayman S Black Edition emerges from the shadows with 330 bhp

Another day, another Porsche “special edition”, but haven’t we been here before? Earlier this year Porsche introduced the 911 Black Edition – a base 911 wearing a party frock, then the Boxster S Black Edition with a 10 bhp upgrade over the regular Boxster S and now the Porsche Cayman S Black Edition – which true to form is a slightly more powerful – up to 326 bhp – and much cooler than the regular Cayman S.

Porsche will produce just 500 examples worldwide, so it’s not just the stealthy paint colour that will make it a rare sight on our roads.

The extra power is produced at 7,400 rpm (an additional 200 rpm above the standard car), while the maximum torque remains unchanged at 370Nm at 4,750 rpm. Acceleration from 0-62 mph is improved by a tenth of a second to 5.1 seconds with the six-speed manual transmission, and to 5.0 seconds when fitted with the optional PDK system (Porsche Doppelkupplungsgetriebe). With the Launch Control activated on the PDK Sport Chrono package option, acceleration improves even further to 4.8 seconds.

The top speed of the Cayman S Black Edition rises by 1 mph over the Cayman S to 173 mph, or 172 mph with PDK. In line with Porsche’s Intelligent Performance philosophy, fuel consumption of the Cayman S Black Edition remains identical to that of the standard car, despite the mild increase in horsepower, so the manual transmission car returns 29.7mpg combined, whilst PDK-equipped it returns 30.1mpg. Likewise, CO2 remains 223g/km for the manual and 221g/km for the PDK.

Aiding the dynamic performance of the Cayman S Black Edition further are the fitment of lightweight Boxster Spyder wheels finished in black which, with a diameter of 19 inches, are one inch bigger than the standard Cayman S wheels and also half an inch wider than the optional 19 inch wheels offered on the Cayman S. The tyre sizes fitted are 235/35 ZR 19s on the front axle and 265/35 ZR 19s on the rear axle.

The Cayman S Black Edition features as standard Bi-Xenon headlights with dynamic cornering lights and LED daytime running lights, together with automatic anti-dazzle interior and exterior mirrors with integrated rain sensor.

The front seats are trimmed in black partial leather with a Porsche crest on the headrests, as well as a Sport Design steering wheel. Climate control and cruise control add to the overall comfort.

The colour scheme of the Cayman S Black Edition is consistent throughout: the dashboard trim is black as are the gear lever/selector trim and the dials in the instrument cluster. The door entry guards feature “Black Edition” lettering and are made of stainless steel; the glove compartment lid bears a badge highlighting the limited edition status.

The Cayman S Black Edition will cost from £50,420 when it goes on sale in the UK from September 2011. Customers will also be able to explore the potential of their new car by participating in a complimentary course at the Porsche Experience Centre, Silverstone.

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