I promised a posting on my first "Track Day" with the Cayman. Needless to say, it was a blast. As you can see from the group photo (not everyone bothered to queue up for the photo), there was a diverse group of cars (only one Cayman -- me in the outside first row).
Since I was classed a beginner (and rightfully so!) I had an instructor for the whole morning -- about three 25 min sessions. Kevin is a Porsche driver -- and what a Porsche! (I did get to ride in his Ruf modified 911 -- and, firstly Kevin is a skilled driver, secondly, that car is SCARY fast!). The PLM/LM Flying Lizard came out for some tune up (they kept us beginners off the track when it was out!). That thing has the nicest sound, and just hauls!
This was Kevin's first time on track in a Cayman and he was kind enough to heap praises on the car and its handling. Truth was, I was not able to push it nearly to its potential -- I just couldn't take turn 8 flat out... which I should have been able to with just a slight lift to settle the front before turn in... oh well, maybe something to work on next time.
OK, to the car's performance and my impressions. Yes, it was totally netural and very forgiving. I did exercise the anti-locks going into the last turn, did get to feel the
PSM "help me out" on an off-camber turn, got up to 110 on the front straight (one of my hoped for objectives was to go >100 !), got a furled black flag for aggressive driving on a switch back (sorry!), and ran through a full tank of gas -- and I didn't even do the last "open track" session.
OK, I think the extra 50 hp would have been nice, but to the 2.7's credit, it more than kept up with other beginners and intermediates' mounts, ranging from S2000, G35, Mini's, all sort of WRX's, and a couple 'vetts with new drivers. But no way to keep up with a Nissan twin turbo, and a B _ _ _ _ H in an Audi V8 (we were backed up behind a WRX and he blew by a couple of us on the right -- a definite no-no in these events!
All in all, you just have to try it !!
D of D&D
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PSM - Porsche Stability Management
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While it can’t overcome the laws of physics, the revolutionary Porsche Stability Management (PSM) system does lend an added degree of balance and control to the Cayman’s mid-engine driving dynamics, inspiring surefooted confidence in corners and extreme situations.
A standard feature on the Cayman and Cayman S, PSM continuously monitors steering input, road speed, yaw velocity and lateral acceleration to calculate the actual direction of travel. If the car begins to steer off line, PSM instantly intervenes with precision brake inputs on individual wheels to help bring the car back onto the driver’s intended path.
If braking alone isn’t enough to correct the vehicle’s cornering line, PSM then calls on the Cayman’s engine management system, adjusting engine output as needed to help stabilize handling. PSM can also compensate in an instant for mid-corner changes in load resulting from deceleration or braking. When Sport mode is selected with the optional Sport Chrono Package, PSM’s threshold for intervention is raised, allowing for greater driver involvement. If you prefer driving without automatic PSM assistance, the system can be set to standby at any time. In this case, it will only intervene under heavy braking, where both front wheels exceed the ABS threshold.
For all of its technical ability, PSM goes virtually unnoticed in everyday driving situations, preserving the Cayman’s natural agility. |
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Until 
Linear Mode
