2014 was a big year in Cayman history as it marked the introduction of an all-new platform, the new 981 Cayman. The differences between the 981 and 987 were significant, but not unexpected as many of the new technologies were already introduced in the new 991 and 981 Boxster. One of the most notable changes with the 981 was the introduction of electromechanical steering. This replaces the old hydraulic pump, lines and fluid of a conventional system. The trade-off for a more efficient system is a loss in steering feel when compared to the 987.
KEY FEATURES
- dynamic transmission mounts
- Burmester® sound
- electronic parking brake
- torque vectoring
- Porsche Entry & Drive (keyless entry)
- adaptive cruise control
- Auto Start/Stop.
SPECIFICATION
ENGINE
Configuration
Flat 6
Engine size (cc)
3400
Max power (hp)
325
Torque (Nm)
370 @ 4,500 - 5,800
Drivetrain
Mid-engine, Rear-wheel drive
No. of gears (Manual/Automatic)
6 speed / 7 speed PDK
Top speed (mph)
175 / 174
Acceleration (0-62 mph)
5.0 / 4.9
Combined (mpg)
32.1 / 35.3
CO2 emissions (g/km)
206 / 188
PRICE AT NEW
£48,783
ENGINE & TRANSMISSION
The engine in the Gen I 981 Cayman S is still a horizontally opposed flat 6 'boxer' engine as previously seen from the Gen II 987.
The 9A1 engine has proven to be a reliable and efficient engine with no known major faults.
When buying a 981, look for all the usual signs of oil leaks and unusual noises from the engine, it’s a smoother idling engine but still retains the ‘tick-tick-tick’ so don’t be surprised. All in all though, if the car has been properly maintained and regular services and oil changes then it should continue to prove to be a reliable engine with no major concerns.
The biggest difference we see in the 981 is that the Cayman engine displacement has been reduced from 2.9 litres back down to 2.7 litres (like it was in 2007).
The Cayman S engine displacement is unchanged at 3.4 litres. Power is increased by 5 horsepower to 325, meaning the S was capable of 0-60 mph in just 4.4 seconds while delivering as much as 30mpg (PDK & Sports Chrono+).
There are two transmission choices available in the 981, both 6-speed manual gearbox and an option of the 7-speed PDK was available as an option in either model.
carrying over from 2013. The Cayman and Cayman S come standard with the
CHASSIS
The 981 Cayman has a 40mm wider track, and a 60mm longer wheelbase than the 987. Beyond these obvious differences in physical dimensions, the body of the 981 uses Porsche's newest weight savings design of mixed steel and bonded aluminium construction. Aluminium makes up 44% of the 981's chassis, including the front and rear body, floors, doors, and front and rear trunk lids. Despite the fact that this body uses less steel than its predecessor, its torsional rigidity has been increased by 40% while the overall vehicle weight was reduced by around 30kg.
The 981 sits on larger wheels than the 987, with 18 inch wheels standard on the Cayman, 19 inch standard on the Cayman S and optional 20 inch wheels available on both.
The 981 Cayman has a 1.5 inch (40mm) wider track, and a 2.4 inch (60mm) longer wheelbase than the 987
Given the body and chassis are mostly constructed from Aluminium, which obviously won’t be corroding in the traditional sense.
Be wary of any poorly repaired panels from crash damage and poorly looked after paintwork. Stone chips will continue to be the plague of any Porsche and it’s no different for the 981, gravel rash will affect trailing sills and arches and stone chips on the leading edge of the rear wings which unlike previous generations of Cayman are not protected from the factory with paint film. The bumper and bonnet and front wings will also pick up chips.
Another area worth checking is the windscreen, if there are any major chips or damage then ensure this is rectified as part of a sale, as many windscreen repairs on modern Porsches (or many other cars for that matter) result in niggles and gremlins with on-board electrics such as radio reception, sat-nav issues, window wipers etc. If a replacement has been done already, check it has the ‘P’ denoting that a genuine Porsche windscreen has been fitted.
INTERIOR
The interior of the 981 was a major overhaul compared to the previous 987 cars. The high forward section of the centre console is the new style for all of the interiors in Porsche’s cars and was already used in the same generation 911 and Panamera. Notable exclusion of the handbrake in the 981 in place of an electric handbrake with a button, but you’ll get used to it.
Generally the interior feels a much more modern and spacious place, switchgear is fine, there are many more buttons to entertain you, electric steering wheel adjustment and the far right-hand dial is now an LCD affair with optional views and sat-nav mirroring and finally oil pressure and temperature which was never previously available on a Cayman.
Many 981 owners will have opted for extended leather options in the cabin and this does make for a more luxurious feeling interior.
If the car is a PDK equipped car then one of the most desirable options was the paddle shift behind the steering wheel (Sport Steering Wheel as pictured above) rather than the particularly uninspiring steering wheel buttons used to change gear on the standard steering wheel.
SERVICING
Porsche state the following servicing schedule for the 981 Cayman S. Although there is certainly no harm in performing mid-schedule oil changes, especially for cars used regularly for short trips and/or regular track use.
An oil change is recommended every 10k miles.
2 years / 20k miles - MINOR
4 years / 40k miles – MAJOR
6 years / 60k miles - MINOR
8 years / 80k miles - MAJOR
10 years / 100k miles – MINOR
12 years / 120k miles - MAJOR
In terms of costs of servicing prices quoted are as follows[1]
DEALER - PORSCHE OPC
Minor Service - £495.00
Major Service (excluding plugs) - £630.00
Brake Fluid Change - £95.00
REPUTABLE INDEPENDENT - RPM Specialist Cars
Minor Service - £282.00
Major Service (excluding plugs) - £380.90
Oil & Filter Service - £174.75
Brake Fluid Change - £65.00
In terms of performing jobs as a home mechanic, it is still true that many jobs can be performed at home but beware of Porsche warranty issues with using non-Porsche parts.
[1]As of March 2019
DIMENSIONS
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FACTORY OPTION CODES
003
Clubsport package (roll cage, 6-point harness for driver, fire extinguisher, pre-installation for battery main switch)
008
2.7-litre engine
009
3.4-litre engine
011
GTS
013
Black Edition
022
Black instrument dials
023
Silver instrument dials
024
Version for Greece
025
Black faced stopwatch
026
Silver faced stopwatch
027
Carmine Red instrument dials
029
European specification standard suspension
030
PASM sport suspension
031
PASM sport suspension with PDCC
032
Touring suspension (higher suspension for USA)
034
Version for Italy
035
GT4
047
Internal production code
058
Impact absorbers, front and rear
061
Version for Great Britain
062
Version for Sweden
063
Version for Luxembourg
064
Version for Netherlands
065
Version for Denmark
066
Version for Norway
067
Version for Finland
068
Right-hand drive version for Asia Pacific
069
Other country version
070
Pedestrian protection
071
EU country version
072
Version for Mexico
073
Version for Russia
074
Left-hand drive version for Asia Pacific
075
Version for China
077
Internal production code
085
64-litre fuel tank
088
GTS interior package
089
GTS Black exterior package
098
Left-hand drive version
099
Right-hand drive version
0JZ
Without determination of weight category for front axle
0YZ
Without determination of weight category for rear axle
111
Version for Austria
113
Version for Canada
114
Version for Taiwan
119
Version for Spain
124
Version for France
126
Control and indications in French
127
Control and indications in Swedish
130
Control and indications in English
140
PADM Porsche Active Drivetrain Mounts
145
Compression variant
148
Boxster engine with power increase for Cayman
153
Middle radiator
155
Sound symposer
160
Emissions concept EU4 w/o OBD
161
Emissions concept EU4 with OBD
164
Emissions concept ULEV2
165
Emissions concept EU5
167
Emissions concept EU4, ethanol
170
Interior noise suppression acoustic package RoW (Rest of World)
171
Interior noise suppression acoustic package USA, Canada
172
Interior noise suppression acoustic package Asia Pacific
176
Sports exhaust system
180
Internal production code
181
Standard climatic zones
182
Hot country version
183
Super-hot country version
193
Version for Japan
194
Battery 60 Ah
195
Battery 70 Ah
196
Battery 80 Ah
197
Stronger battery
199
Battery disconnection switch
1T0
Without first aid kit and warning triangle
1T1
First aid kit
1T2
Warning triangle
1T3
First aid kit and warning triangle
200
Battery 95 Ah
209
Licence plate bracket for Japan and other countries
210
Licence plate space Europe and RoW (Rest of World)
211
Licence plate space Europe and RoW (Rest of World)
215
Version for Saudi Arabia
218
Licence plate space America
219
No Porsche Torque Vectoring, no differential lock
220
PTV Porsche Torque Vectoring incl. LSD Limited Slip Differential
225
Version for Belgium
227
Porsche N0 spec tyres Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2
239
Internal production code related to tyres
246
Internal production code related to tyres
247
N1 (Porsche spec) tyres
250
PDK Porsche Doppelkupplung 7-speed gearbox
254
Manually retractable exterior mirrors
255
Manually retractable exterior mirrors with memory
256
Manually retractable exterior mirrors with automatic dimming
257
Manually retractable exterior mirrors with automatic dimming and memory
258
Electrically retractable exterior mirrors
259
Electrically retractable ext. mirrors with memory
260
Electrically retractable exterior mirrors with automatic dimming
261
Electrically retractable exterior mirrors with automatic dimming and memory
263
Left exterior mirror glass flat
264
Left exterior mirror glass convex
265
Left exterior mirror glass aspherical
267
Automatically dimmable mirrors
268
Rain sensor
270
Driver mirror, flat, electrically adjustable and heatable
271
Driver mirror, aspherical, electrically adjustable and heatable
273
Door mirrors electrically adjustable and heatable
274
Illuminated vanity mirror
275
Basic interior mirror
276
Automatic anti-dazzle interior mirror
277
Version for Switzerland
284
Right exterior mirror glass convex
285
Right exterior mirror glass aspherical
288
Headlamp washer
313
Sports seat 2-way electrical, left (basic seat)
314
Sports seat 2-way electrical, right (basic seat)
317
Sports Plus seat 2-way electrical, left
318
Sports Plus seat 2-way electrical, right
321
Sports seat 14-way electrical, left
322
Sports seat 14-way electrical, right
323
Adaptive sports seat 18-way electrical, left
324
Adaptive sports seat 18-way electrical, right
325
Version for South Africa/New Zealand
340
Wheels painted in standard color
342
Seat heating
344
Wheels painted in silky-gloss Black
345
Heated steering wheel
346
Wheels painted Silver
373
Bucket seat (918), left
374
Bucket seat (918), right
388
Foldable bucket seat, left
389
Foldable bucket seat, right
395
18" Boxster 981 wheels
396
18" Cayman 981 wheels
400
19" Boxster 981 S wheels
406
19" Cayman 981 S wheels
423
20" Carrera S wheels
425
Rear window wiper
426
Without rear window wiper
427
20" Carrera Classic wheels
429
20" 991 Turbo design wheels
434
Work instructions for cars for overseas
440
Windscreen antenna
441
Basic sound package
444
Wheel locks (approved by Thatcham Research)
446
Wheel caps with colored Porsche crest
447
Emergency wheel
450
PCCB Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes
454
Automatic speed control
456
ACC Adaptive Cruise Control
459
Standard steering wheel
460
Sports steering wheel
461
External antenna
465
Rear fog light, left
466
Rear fog light, right
473
20" GT4 wheels
475
PASM Porsche Active Suspension Management and lower springs
476
PSM Porsche Stability Management
477
PASM Porsche Active Suspension Management without lower springs
479
Version for Australia
480
Manual gearbox, 6-speed
482
TPM Tyre Pressure Monitoring 433MHz
483
TPM Tyre Pressure Monitoring 315MHz
484
USA symbols and lettering for switches and instruments
488
Stickers in German
490
Sound system A.S.K. with 9 speakers
492
Headlamps for left-hand traffic
493
Black wheel weights
497
Rear lid without model designation, without PORSCHE
498
Rear lid without model designation, only with PORSCHE
499
Version for Germany
501
Car cover
502
Produced at Volkswagen (ex-Karmann) plant in Osnabrück
509
Fire extinguisher
521
Tilt sensor
523
Immobiliser, 434 MHz
524
Immobilizer, central locking, 433 MHz
525
Immobilizer, central locking, 315 MHz
528
Standard exterior mirrors
529
SportDesign exterior mirrors
532
No alarm
534
Alarm 433 MHz
535
Alarm 315 MHz
536
Alarm siren
537
Seat memory, left
538
Seat memory, right
541
Seat ventilation
544
Anti-theft protection without infrared monitoring, 433 MHz
545
Anti-theft protection without infrared monitoring, 315 MHz
553
Version for USA, Canada
554
Front spoiler lip
555
Black seat belts
557
Contrasting seat belts
560
Knee airbag
567
Top-tinted windscreen
568
Windscreen without shade band
571
Activated charcoal filter
572
Manual air conditioning
573
2-zone automatic air conditioning
574
Without air conditioner
578
6-point harness, left
579
6-point harness, right
581
Luggage net on passenger's side
583
Smoker package
592
Standard fabric rooflining
594
Alcantara rooflining
595
Black roll cage
601
Basic headlamps
603
PDLS Porsche Dynamic Light System
605
LED daytime driving lights
607
Garage door opener 315 MHz
608
Garage door opener 433 MHz
609
Without radio
610
DVD navigation Europe
611
DVD navigation South Africa
612
DVD navigation Middle East
613
DVD navigation Australia
614
DVD navigation Asia-Pacific
615
DVD navigation North America
616
DVD navigation Russia
617
DVD navigation China
619
Bluetooth
620
Black design headlights
621
12V socket in passenger side footwell
625
Porsche Entry and Drive
630
Interior lights package
631
Traffic sign recognition
632
Black design headlights with PDLS+ Porsche Dynamic Light System Plus (dynamic high beam)
635
ParkAssist rear
636
ParkAssist front and rear
638
ParkAssist front and rear, with camera
639
Sport Chrono
640
Sport Chrono Plus
641
Electronic logbook
642
Start/Stop function
643
Porsche Track Precision App and pre-fitting for Laptrigger
647
Manually adjustable steering column, without electric steering wheel lock (USA)
648
Electrically adjustable steering column with memory, without electric steering wheel lock (USA)
652
Internal production code for cars without sun-moon-roof
655
Manually adjustable steering column
656
Electrically adjustable steering column with memory
657
Power steering without servotronic
658
Power steering plus
663
Fuel pump control
664
ORVR Onboard Refueling Vapor Recovery
665
PCM 3 Porsche Communication Management touchscreen incl. radio, CD
666
Telephone module for PCM
669
Cordless receiver for telephone module
671
Voice control system
672
Navigation module for PCM
673
Navigation system preparation (China)
674
Preparation for Vehicle Tracking System
675
Without radio preparation (Japan navigation system)
676
TV tuner
677
Driver card antenna
680
Bose sound system
682
Burmester high-end sound system
686
SAT radio reception Sirius XM (SDARS)
688
HD radio reception
689
Preparation for CD changer
690
SDARS + HD radio
691
DAB Digital Audio Broadcasting radio reception
692
CD changer for basic radio
693
CD/DVD changer
696
Radio CDR-31 (high resolution screen, DVD, USB, MP3, CD)
703
Without Clubsport package
712
Without model version decals on the doors
714
GTS without Alcantara on seats, dashboard, door panels
721
Internal production code
740
Exhibition vehicle
741
Internal production code
748
Electric folding mirrors and door courtesy lamps (only with SportDesign mirrors)
750
Stitchings in contrasting color
751
Internal production code (front axle and rear axle 3K)
760
Internal production code
762
Market launch or dealer demo car
776
Internal production code
77J
Navigation software Argentina
77K
Navigation software Chile
781
Internal production code
785
Internal production code
787
Internal production code
788
Painted plastic door panel components
789
Color to sample
796
Natural leather
798
Special leather
799
Leather color to sample
7MM
Emission standard EU6 plus
800
Black design headlights incl. PDLS+ Porsche Dynamic Light System Plus with dynamic high beam, RHD
802
Black wing supports
806
Black exterior trim
810
Floor mats
811
Standard door panel trim
812
Galvanised door panel trim
814
Anthracite brushed aluminium door panel trim
816
Anthracite brushed aluminium centre console trim
820
Anthracite brushed aluminium dashboard trim
840
SportDesign steering wheel (paddle shift with PDK)
841
Standard steering wheel
844
Multifunction steering wheel
852
High beam assist, PDLS+ Porsche Dynamic Light System Plus
870
Universal multimedia interface
877
Alcantara steering wheel
878
Leather steering wheel and gear lever
887
Yellow 12 o'clock marking on the steering wheel
899
Isofix child-seat restraint on passenger side
900
Accession of the car in Zuffenhausen
912
Without European ID plate
946
Leather seats with leatherette rear side
950
Alcantara/leatherette seats
951
Alcantara/leather seats
970
Two-tone full leather interior
975
Alcantara interior
980
Leather instrument cover, door handles
981
Leather dashboard and door panels
983
Leather seats
991
Leather covered steering wheel airbag
998
Natural leather
CAC
Side air intakes painted in car color
CAS
Model designation on doors in black
CAT
Model designation on doors in silver
CDN
Air vent slats painted in car color
CDT
Leather covered seat belt buckles
CFX
Leather edged individual floor mats
CGE
Yellow Sport Chrono dial
CGG
Red Sport Chrono dial
CGJ
White Sport Chrono dial
CGU
Headlamp washers painted in exterior color or contrasting color
CLB
Alcantara gear lever
CLH
Alcantara PDK lever
CLP
Alcantara/leather door trim additional package
CLU
Steering wheel stitching in contrasting color
CMT
Bucket seat seat belt openings painted in car color
CNG
Rear apron lower part painted in car color or specified color
CNL
Mirror lower trims painted in car color or specified color
CPE
Leather key pouch
CPK
Key painted in car color
CRX
Wheels painted in contrasting exterior color
CZT
Beige Sport Chrono dial
CZV
Leather air vent slats
CZW
Leather dashboard trim package
CTL
PDK lever with different leather color
CTX
Gear lever with different color and different stitching color
CUF
PCM painted in car color
CUJ
Leather covered fuse box cover
CUR
Leather covered PCM
CVW
Leather covered mirror casing and mounting
CXC
Individual illuminated stainless steel door entry guards
CXE
Individual illuminated carbon door entry guards
CXM
Leather door trim package
DBR
Painted in car color or specified color: mirror lower trims, side air vents, rear undervalance
EEA
Leather covered dashboard and door trim strip
EEB
Mahogany package (for cars with manual gearbox and leather dashboard)
EEC
Mahogany package (for cars with manual gearbox and vinyl dashboard)
EED
Mahogany package (for cars with PDK and leather dashboard)
EEF
Mahogany package (for cars with PDK and vinyl dashboard)
EEG
Carbon package (for cars with manual gearbox and leather dashboard)
EEH
Carbon package (for cars with manual gearbox and vinyl dashboard)
EEJ
Carbon package (for cars with PDK and leather dashboard)
EEK
Carbon package (for cars with PDK and vinyl dashboard)
EEL
Aluminium package (for cars with manual gearbox and leather dashboard)
EEM
Aluminium package (for cars with manual gearbox and vinyl dashboard)
EEN
Aluminium package (for cars with PDK and leather dashboard)
EEP
Aluminium package (for cars with PDK and vinyl dashboard)
EER
Interior trim painted in car color
EES
Leather covered dashboard trim strip (cars with vinyl dashboard)
EET
Interior trim painted in car color (cars with vinyl dashboard)
EFA
Aluminium pedals and footrest
EGA
Carbon interior package
EGB
Carbon interior package
IY1
Production between week 22 and 45
IY2
Production between week 45 and 22
P03
Option package incl. 388 389
P04
Option package incl. 317 318
P06
Option package incl. 321 322
P07
Option package incl. 323 324
P08
Basic seats
P11
Option package incl. 373 374
P13
Option package incl. 267 268
P1A
Interior package brushed aluminum, anthracite
P1B
Interior package brushed aluminum, anthracite
P23
Option package incl. 665 670 870
P25
Audiosystem Plus (option package incl. 490 696)
P27
Audiosystem Plus USA
S3E
Standard production vehicle
S99
Special validity check
S9Y
Picking up your car at Porsche Leipzig, instructed driving on the track
SM4
Fuel market A
SM5
Fuel market B
SM6
Fuel market C
SM7
Fuel market E
STU
TT CARS material protection
SW5
Individualization by Porsche Exclusive
SY7
Individualization by Porsche Exclusive/dd>
TDN
European navigation maps for US models (European delivery)
UN0
Without Internet
UN1
Online services
UX5
Standard tire inflation valve
UX6
Silver tire inflation valves for TPM
UX7
Black tire inflation valves for TPM
X45
Instrument dials in interior color
X54
Stainless steel tailpipes
X69
Carbon door entry guards with logo
X70
Stainless steel door entry guards with logo
X73
Sports suspension -20 mm
XAT
SportDesign exterior package
XD9
Wheels painted in body color
XDA
Black painted wheels
XDH
Platinum painted wheels
XDK
Black matte wheels
XDM
Dashboard trim painted in car color
XES
Preparation for illuminated door entry guards
XFG
Red instrument dials
XFJ
White instrument dials
XFL
Beige instrument dials
XFR
Yellow instrument dials
XGB
Carbon dashboard trim
XHB
Leather centre console
XHC
Mahogany shift lever
XHD
Mahogany PDK lever
XHE
Mahogany dashboard trim
XHF
Mahogany multifunction steering wheel incl. heating
XHG
Mahogany centre console trim
XHH
Carbon shift lever
XHJ
Carbon PDK selector lever
XHL
Carbon multifunction steering wheel incl. heating
XHM
Carbon centre console trim
XHN
Yellow seat belts
XHP
Beige seat belts
XHR
Blue seat belts
XLF
Sports exhaust system
XLG
Alcantara centre console storage bin cover with PORSCHE
XLJ
Alcantara centre console storage bin cover with Porsche crest
XLK
Alcantara SportDesign steering wheel
XLM
Alcantara shift lever
XLN
Alcantra PDK selector lever
XLS
Sports tailpipes
XNG
Leather instrument surround
XNS
Leather covered steering column
XPT
Centre console storage bin lid with Porsche crest
XRP
5mm spacers for all wheels
XRT
20" Sport Techno wheels
XSC
Porsche crest embossed in headrest
XSH
Silver gray seat belts
XSJ
6-point harness
XST
Beige seat belts
XSX
Red seat belts
XTG
Leather inner door sills
XUB
Headlamp washer cover painted in car color
XUC
Model designation painted in car color
XUV
Centre console storage bin lid with model logo
XWA
Leather covered door panel trim
XWC
Carbon door panel trim
XWD
Brushed aluminium door panel trim
XWE
Door panel trim painted in car color
XWJ
Sports Plus seat backrest painted in car color
XWK
Leather Sports Plus seat backrests
XVP
Leather dashboard trim strip
XXB
Illuminated stainless steel door entry guards
XXD
Illuminated carbon door entry guards
XXR
Dark rear lamps
XXV
Aluminium pedals
XXZ
Aluminium footrest
XYA
Aluminium PDK selector lever
XYB
Alu-look fuel tank cap
XYD
Aluminium dashboard trim panel
XYE
Brushed aluminium centre console cover
XYG
Centre console trim painted in car color
