FRANKFURT (Reuters) - German luxury carmaker Porsche says it will launch the new Cayman S sports coupe this year to be positioned between its Boxster S roadster and its entry-level 911 Carrera.
The hardtop two-seater will be based on the Boxster model line but endowed with more power, more room and a higher price. It will be outfitted with a mid-mounted 3.4 litre six-cylinder motor capable of 295 horsepower.
By comparison the Boxster S is powered by a 280 HP, 3.2 litre six-cylinder mid-mounted engine, while the 911 Carrera's six-cylinder rear-mounted 3.6 litre engine produces 325 HP.
The company declined to specify the launch date of the Cayman S, which it made clear was not the eagerly awaited fourth model line that Porsche(PSHG_p.DE: Quote, Profile, Research) is due to decide on by mid-year.
"Its name was inspired by a species of crocodile known for its quickness and tenacity," Porsche said on its website on Wednesday. "And like its namesake, the Cayman is both alluring and powerful."
Spy photos published in motoring magazines showing what looked to be a Boxster coupe had elicited concerns among analysts that Porsche Chief Executive Wendelin Wiedeking would go back on his word not to build a car priced lower than the Boxster.
It did not give a price for the Cayman, but said it will cost more than a Boxster and less than a 911.
Generally, convertibles are priced higher than hard-tops due in part to the added mechanism needed.
