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Acronyms

Porsche Acronyms
Written by Michael Souza (aka Gator Bite), January 2007

As you spend more time reading about Porsches and surfing web forums, chances are you're going to come across an acronym or two that make absolutely no sense to you.  Here's a list of many common acronyms and their meanings.

 

Porsche Acronyms (terms relating to your car)

ABD

Automatic Brake Differential

ABS

Anti-lock Brake System

ASR

Anti Slip Regulation

PASM

Porsche Active Suspension Management

PCCB

Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes

PCM

Porsche Communication Management

PDK

Porsche Doppelkupplung (Dual Shaft Gearbox)

PIWIS

Porsche Integrated Workshop Information System (diagnostic tester)

POSIP

Porsche Side Impact Protection

PSE

Porsche Sport Exhaust

PSM

Porsche Stability Management

SC

Sport Chrono Package

TIP

Tiptronic S transmission (automatic)

TPMS

Tire Pressure Monitoring System

 

 

Porsche Model Numbers (internal codes used to identify different cars)

C2S

Porsche Carrera 2S - 993 available 1997-1998

C4S

Porsche Carrera 4S

CS or C7S

Porsche Cayman S

TT

Twin Turbo, usually added to a platform number like 993TT

901

Original model number given to the 911.  Changed to 911 because Peugeot owned the rights to all 3 digit model numbers with a 0 as their center digit.

904

Limited production mid engine car made in 1964 and 1965.  Powered by a 4, 6 or 8 cylinder engine.  aka - Carrera GT, Carrera GTS, 904/6 and 904/8.

906

Replacement to the 904.  65 were made in 1966.  aka - Carrera 6

911

The most quintessential Porsche model, made from 1964-1989.  Always powered by a rear mounted 6 cylinder engine.

912

Entry level 911 powered by the 356's 4 cylinder engine, 1965-1969.

914

A mid engine entry level street Porsche made from 1969-1976.

924

Entry level Porsche made from 1976-1988 w/front mounted water cooled 4 cylinder engine.

928

GT car was made from 1978-1995 w/front mounted water cooled V-8.

944

Front engine all Porsche version of the 924 built from 1982-1991.

951

Porsche 944 Turbo from 1986 - 1991

964

The replacement to the 911, sold from 1989-1992 sharing the 911's rear engine format and looks.

968

The ultimate evolution of the 944, sold from 1992-1995.  This was the first Porsche to ever have Vario-Cam.  Known as a great daily driver.

981

Second Generation Cayman platform from Spring 2013 as a MY 2014 to present, shared with Boxster.

986

Porsche Boxster platform from 1997 - 2004

987

Porsche Boxster / First Generation Cayman platform from 2005 - 2012

987.1

Porsche Cayman platform from 2006 - 2008

987.2

Porsche Cayman platform from 2009 - 2012

993

Replacement of the 964, sharing the 911's rear engine format and looks.  Sold from 1993-1998.  The first 911 derivative to use hydraulic lifters.

996

Replacement of the 993.  Sold from 1999-2004.  The first water cooled 4 valve per cylinder derivative of the 911.

997

Replacement of the 996 sold from 2005-2012.

991

Replacement of the 997 sold from 2012-.

 

 

Car Club Acronyms (terms relating to car club events)

AX or AutoX

Autocross (Porsche Club of America)

DE

Driver Education track event (Porsche Club of America)

ET

Elapsed Time

HPDE

High Performance Drivers Education

PCA

Porsche Club of America

PCNA

Porsche Cars North America

 

 

General Auto Acronyms (terms you're likely to encounter on this and other websites)

BT

Blue Tooth

CAN

Controller Area Network (internal high speed network)

CATBACK

Aftermarket exhaust system from the CATalytic converters BACK to the tips (as opposed to a FULL system)

CROC

Slang term for the Porsche Cayman referring to it's name sake the Caiman Crocodilus

ECU

Electronic Control Unit

HID

High Intensity Discharge (also known as Xenon lights)

LED

Light Emitting Diode

MAF

Mass Air Flow Sensor

MOST

Media-Oriented Systems Transport (fiber optic network for multimedia)

OBD/OBD II

On-Board Diagnostics (EOBD - Europe On-Board Diagnostics)

MY

Model Year

P-CAR

Porsche Car/Vehicle

ROW

Rest Of World (cars made for markets other than USA)

WOT

Wide Open Throttle

 

 

Internet Expressions (general terms you're likely to encounter on this and other websites)

AFAIK

As Far As I Know

BTW

By The Way

IMHO

In My Humble Opinion

OTOH

On The Other Hand

PM

Private Message

ROFL

Rolling On the Floor Laughing

ROFLMAO

Rolling On the Floor Laughing My A** Off

WTF

What the F*** (expletive) [not very polite]

WTH

What the heck / What the h*** (expletive)

YMMV

Your Mileage May Vary


2007 Cayman S
2007 Cayman S
Written by Michael Souza (aka Gator Bite), November 2010

As expected, there were very few changes to the Cayman S in 2007.  Porsche typically does not make many changes each year.  They follow a more 'evolutionary' approach to model changes.  Base price remained the same, at $58,900.  There was only one cosmetic difference, the front lower spoiler lips which were painted silver on all 2006 Cayman S vehicles would now be painted in body color on the Cayman S. All other changes were found in the colors and options list.  Most notably, TPMS became a standard feature in 2007, replacing the $590 option from 2006. 

Click the image to open in full size.

Paint Colors

In 2006 Cobalt Blue metallic was a Premium color, costing $3,070. In 2007, this color was taken off of the premium list and it's priced reduced to $690 which made lots of folks happy because the Cayman looks absolutely great in Cobalt Blue.  On the down side, Lapis blue was moved onto the premium list in 2007, boosting its price from $825 in 2006 to $3,070 in 2007.  All other premium colors remained the same, and non Premium metallic paint colors dropped in price from $825 to $690 in 2007.

Cobalt Blue - Now $690

Click the image to open in full size.

Lapis Blue - Now $3,070

Click the image to open in full size.

Sport Shifter

If you're looking for a used 2007 Cayman or Cayman S, you may find that the Sport Shifter is harder to find in this model year than in the 2006 model year.  In 2007 Porsche Cars North America removed the Sport Shifter from the available options that could be installed into dealer inventory cars.  The option was still available to customers who special ordered a Cayman or as a dealer installed accessory.        

Standard Shifter

Click the image to open in full size.

Sport Shifter

Click the image to open in full size.

*Example shown with carbon fiber trim and shift knob, not included with the Sport Shifter. 

Don't worry if you can't find a Cayman with a Sport Shifter. This enhancement can be easily installed by any Porsche dealer (p/n: 997.424.983.00).

Deviated Stitching

2007 was the first year that Deviated Stitching became available in the Cayman and Cayman S.  Not an inexpensive option, but by choosing from a number of different stitching colors this option can add real life to an interior.

Red Deviated Stitching on Black Full Leather (my car)

Click the image to open in full size.

Click the image to open in full size.

Promotional Video: "Inspiration"
© Copyright Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG July 2006
Specifications:

Note: Specifications are unchanged from 2006

Engine Water-cooled, mid-mounted, horizontally opposed "boxer" six-cylinder
Construction Engine block and cylinder heads made of aluminum
Valvetrain Four valves per cylinder (two intake, two exhaust) activated by four overhead camshafts with dual profiles and continuous camshaft adjustment (VarioCam Plus)
Intake System Variable-length double-chamber manifold, sequential multipoint fuel injection
Lubrication Integrated dry sump
Exhaust Two parallel mufflers with crossover pipe and integrated catalytic converter
Management DME (Digital Motor Electronics) engine management for ignition and fuel injection with six ignition coils
Electrical System 12 volt (2100 watt alternator with 70 Ah battery capacity)
Fuel Premium unleaded (91 octane or greater)
Bore 3.78 in. (96 mm)
Stroke 3.07 in. (78 mm)
Capacity 3387 cc
Maximum horsepower 295 @ 6250 rpm
Maximum torque 251 lb-ft @ 4400-6000 rpm
Compression ratio 11.1:1
Output per liter 87.1 (but not SAE)
Transmission Engine and transmission bolted together to form one drive unit, engine power transmitted via driveshafts
Drivetrain Rear-wheel drive
Torque split 2100 percent rear
Gearbox Six-speed manual Tiptronic S
Gear Ratios
1 3.31 3.66
2 1.95 2.00
3 1.41 1.41
4 1.13 1.00
5 0.97 0.74
6 0.82 n/a
R 3.00 4.10
Final Drive Ratio 3.88 4.16
Clutch/Converter diameter 9.45 in. (240 mm) self-adjusting
Body Two-seat monocoque coupe with all-steel lightweight body shell, hot-galvanized on both sides
Coefficient of drag (Cd) 0.29
Suspension
Front Independent, Porsche-optimized McPherson spring strut axle with wheels suspended on transverse arms, longitudinal arms and spring struts; twin-tube gas-pressure shock absorbers
Rear Independent, Porsche-optimized McPherson spring strut axle with wheels suspended on transverse arms, longitudinal arms and spring struts; twin-tube gas-pressure shock absorbers
Brakes Twin circuits (front and rear) with four-piston, aluminum monobloc, cross-drilled and internally ventilated discs
Front 12.52 x 1.10 in. (318 x 28 mm)
Rear 11.77 x 0.94 in. (299 x 24 mm)
Wheels and Tires
Standard front 8J x 18 in. with 235/40 ZR
Standard rear 9J x 18 in. with 265/40 ZR
Weights and Dimensions
Curb Weight 2954 lb (1340 kg)
Wheelbase 95.1 in. (2415 mm)
Length 172.1 in. (4372 mm)
Width 70.9 in. (1801 mm)
Height 51.4 in. (1305 mm)
Front Track 58.5 in. (1486 mm)
Rear Track Luggage compartment 60.2 in. (1528 mm) 14.13 cu. ft. overall (400 liters)
Maximum load capacity 3594 lb (1630 kg)
Towing capacity not applicable
Fuel tank capacity 16.9 ga. (64 liters)
Performance
Top Speed 171 mph (275 km/h)
Acceleration (0-60 mph) 5.1 sec. 5.8 sec.
(0-99 mph/ 160 km/h) 11.7 sec 13.5 sec.
(0-124 mph/ 200 km/h) 18.6 sec 21.6 sec.
(standing kilometer) 24.3 sec. 25.4 sec
More Information
*Photographs and video property of Porsche AG, used under license by the PCA Cayman Register.

2006 Cayman S
2006 Cayman S
Written by Michael Souza (aka Gator Bite), November 2010

Mid engine cars are nothing new to Porsche. Glancing through Porsche's history, we can find lots of them.  In fact, the very first Porsche, the 356 prototype, had a mid mounted engine. As the 356 went to production the engine was moved to the rear to reduce production costs and make more interior room.

Moving forward through history, we can see that Porsche has created a lot of mid engine Race Cars.  In numeric order, there was the 550, 718, 904, 906, 907, 908, 910, 917, 956, 962, GT1 and the RS Spyder.  Many of these race cars rose to legendary status and delivered Porsche a broad portfolio of motorsport victories.  So why is it then that Porsche has developed so few mid engine street cars?  Between 1948 and 2005 there were only a handful.  The 914, the Boxster and the Carrera GT. Well, it looks like Porsche is going back to their racing roots because in 2006 they introduced a new mid engine street coupe, the Porsche Cayman S.

Click the image to open in full size.

Click the image to open in full size.

The Cayman S was created on the new 987 Boxster platform, and given a new body shell that includes a fixed hard top.  Lots of people have referred to the Cayman as a Boxster coupe, but its mixture of DNA is actually a little surprising. 50% of the parts that make up the 2006 Cayman S come from the 911, 30% come from the Boxster and 20% of them are new and unique. Regardless of the recipe, one thing is for sure - In 5 years the Cayman has carved out a real name for itself and brought new owners into the Porsche family.

There are many characteristics that contribute to the personality and appeal of the Cayman model.  Great looks, smooth predictable power output, razor sharp handling and confidence inspiring driver feedback are just a few. Lets take a look deeper into the secret recipe to see what makes the Cayman S instantly Porsche.

Engine:

The engine is new, an M97.21 that shares the bore of the 911 Carrera (96mm) and the stroke of the Boxster S (78 mm).  This combination results in a displacement of 3.4 liters (3,387 cm2).  Supplied with the heads from the Carrera and the camshafts from the Carrera S, the M97.21 develops an impressive 295 horsepower and 251 ft-lb's. of torque.  But it's not the value of these numbers that's so impressive, it's the way in which they are delivered.  The M97.21 makes 91% of it's torque available as low as 2,500 RPMs, with full torque available from 4,400 - 6,000 RPMs making the Cayman S very easy to drive and eager to accelerate. 

Click the image to open in full size. Click the image to open in full size.

Click the image to open in full size.VarioCam Plus:

VarioCam Plus is the latest enhancement to electronic valve train control (in 2005).  The VarioCam that we've seen in earlier Porsche models is able to vary valve timing and overlap.  VarioCam Plus is able to vary valve timing, overlap, lift and duration.  This added control allows the Cayman S M97.21 to have two personalities.  One is docile and gentle, delivering smoothness, ULEV4 cleanliness and fuel economy.  The other is angry and aggressive, delivering adrenaline rich sport car power and torque when asked to sprint.

Chassis:

Like most Porsches, the Cayman S rides on McPherson Strut suspension front and back.  In 2006, there were two suspension options on the Cayman S.  The 'Standard' suspension, and the 'Porsche Active Suspension Management' system, also known as PASM.

The Standard Suspension is very much like that of the Boxster S but not identical. A soft top car is usually made from a hard top variant, and the removal of the top usually results in lost rigidity.  The Boxster was engineered to be a soft top from day one, so its chassis was made to be rigid without depending on a top for strength.  When you add a fixed hard top to an already rigid chassis like that of the Boxster, you end up with a chassis that delivers exceptional flexural and torsional rigidity. This added rigidity allowed the creators to supply the Cayman S with firmer springs and dampers without sacrificing ride comfort. This sport tuned suspension gives the Cayman S a very sporty personality.  The car is taut and rock solid.  Turn-in is crisp and body roll is impressively flat.

Click the image to open in full size.

Click the image to open in full size.

PASM:

The 'Porsche Active Suspension Management' system cost $1,990 in 2006.  To this day this is one of the most misunderstood options available on a Cayman.  Most people assume that because this suspension package is optional, and because it has a Normal/Sport button, that it must be more aggressive than the standard suspension and/or only beneficial on track driven Caymans.  This assumption could not be more incorrect.  PASM is both more aggressive and less aggressive than the standard suspension.  But most of the time, it's less aggressive.

PASM damping rates are continuously variable based on many different inputs and driving conditions (with emphasis on "continuously").  The PASM system watches vehicle speed, steering inputs, braking pressures, engine torque output, lateral and longitudinal G forces, individual - axle specific and whole vehicle vertical wheel movements, ride height and so on.  Damping rates are adjusted dynamically to aid the specific driving condition.  For example, during hard braking, PASM will stiffen the suspension front and rear to prevent nose dive and rear end lift.  During lane changes, PASM will tighten the damping rates to prevent body roll.  Conversely, if PASM senses a rough surface that might compromise traction, it will soften the damping rates to keep the wheels planted. All of these decisions and adjustments happen in milliseconds.  PASM is really one of the most sophisticated computer controlled suspension systems available. 

Click the image to open in full size.PASM does incorporate the use of stiffer springs that lower a Cayman S by 10mm.  PASM also comes with a stiffer front anti roll bar.  Despite these more aggressive springs rates and roll bar, PASM equipped cars will offer a significantly more comfortable ride than standard suspension cars will because of its ability to vary damping rates over a much wider range.  The chart to the right shows an overlay of the PASM and Standard damping rates.  We can see that in PASM 'Normal' program, the PASM system will vary damping rates from much softer rate than standard, to a somewhat more aggressive damping rate than Standard.  In PASM 'Sport' program, we can see that PASM will vary damping rates from about the same as standard, to much more aggressive.

PASM is just as much a comfort option as it is a performance option.  The system allows you to have the best of both worlds.  You can cruise in comfort, or carve turns with attitude.  You can press the button, or let the computers decide the perfect damping rate.

Brakes:

The 2006 Cayman S gets the 'Big Red' brakes from the Boxster S, sporting 12.5" rotors up front, 11.8" rotors in the rear, both clamped by patented 4 piston monobloc calipers made for Porsche by Brembo.  The open top design of the calipers makes brake pad swaps possible without removing the caliper. 

Brake boost is provided by a mechanical vacuum pump so boost levels will not drop from long applications of wide open throttle like systems that use manifold provided vacuum.  Cooling is well thought out, using the air flow from the radiators to keep the braking system cool, but not so cool that aggressive brake pads can't be safely used.

Click the image to open in full size.

Click the image to open in full size.

Interior & Storage:

When you think about a 2 seat Porsche, storage and comfort typically aren't the first two things that come to mind.  Typically, Porsches are designed to be driving machines.  Vehicle performance and driving dynamics come first.  If you like bells & whistles, a Porsche may not be the right car for you.  If you've owned any older Porsches, chances are your expectations aren't really high here.  Porsche interiors have historically been like anything else that's engineered in Germany.  They are functional, minimal, ugly and maybe a little confusing to those of us that are not familiar with the German symbols and logic.  The interior of the 986 and 996 (1997-2004) were a bit more intuitive, but the materials and layout were anything but exciting.  Well that all changed in 2005 when Porsche introduced the 987 Boxster and 997 Carrera.   

Click the image to open in full size.

The interior of the Cayman S is still very German. It's still very functional and minimal.  But something big happened in regard to beauty and simplicity.  The interior in this car has gone light years ahead of Porsches of the past.  The layout is simple and easy to understand.  Buttons are located in convenient locations and labeled with understandable symbols.  The standard interior delivers a feel of quality and reminds you that you're driving a well made precision machine.  Step up to the full leather, and oh my...  The feel, the look and the smell will remind you every time you get in that you're driving something special. 

Storage is more generous that you'd expect from a small two seat mid engine sports car.  In fact, the Cayman S provides more storage space than any other Porsche sport car.  Thanks to the rear hatch plus front 'trunk', the Cayman S can gobble up  over 14 cubic feet of cargo (4.9 up front, 9.6 in the back).

Click the image to open in full size.

Click the image to open in full size.

This storage makes the Cayman S a comfortable cruiser capable of cross country road trips. This is one more way in which the Cayman S lets you have your cake and eat it too.  The Cayman S is a great dual purpose car, capable of providing comfort and luxury, and with the push of the accelerator pedal, power and sport.  With close to a hundred options to chose from, the Cayman S can be configured to please a wide array of owners, but that doesn't mean that it's right for everyone.  This is a purpose-built sports car that trades some creature comforts for absolute driving performance. If you've read this far, then you're obviously pretty interested in the Porsche Cayman.  At this point, the very best way to find out if a Cayman is right for you is to go drive one.  Visit your local Porsche dealer and get behind the wheel.  I bet that you will almost instantly know if this car belongs in your garage.

Promotional Video: "True to Yourself"
© Copyright Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG July 2006
Specifications:
Engine Water-cooled, mid-mounted, horizontally opposed "boxer" six-cylinder
Construction Engine block and cylinder heads made of aluminum
Valvetrain Four valves per cylinder (two intake, two exhaust) activated by four overhead camshafts with dual profiles and continuous camshaft adjustment (VarioCam Plus)
Intake System Variable-length double-chamber manifold, sequential multipoint fuel injection
Lubrication Integrated dry sump
Exhaust Two parallel mufflers with crossover pipe and integrated catalytic converter
Management DME (Digital Motor Electronics) engine management for ignition and fuel injection with six ignition coils
Electrical System 12 volt (2100 watt alternator with 70 Ah battery capacity)
Fuel Premium unleaded (91 octane or greater)
Bore 3.78 in. (96 mm)
Stroke 3.07 in. (78 mm)
Capacity 3387 cc
Maximum horsepower 295 @ 6250 rpm
Maximum torque 251 lb-ft @ 4400-6000 rpm
Compression ratio 11.1:1
Output per liter 87.1 (but not SAE)
Transmission Engine and transmission bolted together to form one drive unit, engine power transmitted via driveshafts
Drivetrain Rear-wheel drive
Torque split 2100 percent rear
Gearbox Six-speed manual Tiptronic S
Gear Ratios
1 3.31 3.66
2 1.95 2.00
3 1.41 1.41
4 1.13 1.00
5 0.97 0.74
6 0.82 n/a
R 3.00 4.10
Final Drive Ratio 3.88 4.16
Clutch/Converter diameter 9.45 in. (240 mm) self-adjusting
Body Two-seat monocoque coupe with all-steel lightweight body shell, hot-galvanized on both sides
Coefficient of drag (Cd) 0.29
Suspension
Front Independent, Porsche-optimized McPherson spring strut axle with wheels suspended on transverse arms, longitudinal arms and spring struts; twin-tube gas-pressure shock absorbers
Rear Independent, Porsche-optimized McPherson spring strut axle with wheels suspended on transverse arms, longitudinal arms and spring struts; twin-tube gas-pressure shock absorbers
Brakes Twin circuits (front and rear) with four-piston, aluminum monobloc, cross-drilled and internally ventilated discs
Front 12.52 x 1.10 in. (318 x 28 mm)
Rear 11.77 x 0.94 in. (299 x 24 mm)
Wheels and Tires
Standard front 8J x 18 in. with 235/40 ZR
Standard rear 9J x 18 in. with 265/40 ZR
Weights and Dimensions
Curb Weight 2954 lb (1340 kg)
Wheelbase 95.1 in. (2415 mm)
Length 172.1 in. (4372 mm)
Width 70.9 in. (1801 mm)
Height 51.4 in. (1305 mm)
Front Track 58.5 in. (1486 mm)
Rear Track Luggage compartment 60.2 in. (1528 mm) 14.13 cu. ft. overall (400 liters)
Maximum load capacity 3594 lb (1630 kg)
Towing capacity not applicable
Fuel tank capacity 16.9 ga. (64 liters)
Performance
Top Speed 171 mph (275 km/h)
Acceleration (0-60 mph) 5.1 sec. 5.8 sec.
(0-99 mph/ 160 km/h) 11.7 sec 13.5 sec.
(0-124 mph/ 200 kmph) 18.6 sec 21.6 sec.
(standing kilometer) 24.3 sec. 25.4 sec
More Information:
*Photographs and video property of Porsche AG, used under license by the PCA Cayman Register.

Over-Rev History

Description:

The Cayman's DME (Digital Motor Electronics) records the number of ignition cycles that occur when the engine speed passes 7,300 RPMs.  It also records the 'hour' of operation in which the incident took place.  These records can be retrieved by using a PIWIS or Durametric Diagnostic Cable.  The information can be used by a Porsche dealer to deny a warranty claim when abuse is the cause, or by a potential buyer to identify abuse of a used Cayman.

There are six ranges of over-revving that are logged by the DME:

Range Engine Speed Comments
1 7,300 - 7,499 RPM Ranges 1 and 2 can be achieved by bumping the rev limiter (more likely if a car driven in Sport Chrono sport mode).  Most dealerships will accept ignition cycles here without denying a warranty claim.  
2 7,500 - 7,699 RPM
3 7,700 - 7,899 RPM This ranges (and beyond) can only be achieved by something mechanically forcing the engine to this speed, like a miss-downshift.  These speeds are pushing the range of physical damage and may result in warranty denial. 
4 7,900 - 8,399 RPM With cycles in this range, it is very likely that the engine has been damaged and will likely suffer a premature death.  Budget for a new engine. This range is considered abuse, so warranty coverage is very unlikely.
5 8,400 - 9,499 RPM An M97 engine will be severely damaged by these engine speeds and will likely have failed as a result. A 9A1 engine is more likely to survive this range but not without damage.
6 9,500 - 11,000 RPM There is almost no chance that this engine is running. The Cayman engines are likely to spin bearings and eat valves at far lower speeds than this. 

Don't be alarmed if you see 1,000 or more cycles in a range.  That sounds like a lot, but keep in mind that a Cayman engine sees 3 ignition cycles per revolution.  You can determine how much time was spent in the range by using the following formula: Time at Over Rev = Ignition Cycles / (RPM/20) .  So, 1,000 cycles would be less than 3 seconds, or more likely, three 1 second bumps into the rev limiter.

It is possible to use aftermarket software to erase over-rev records, so this test should not be used as a definitive or exclusive identifier of abuse.  If buying a used Cayman, a pre purchase inspection conducted by an experienced Porsche repair shop or dealership is a very good idea.


FAQ Information:

This FAQ was written by Gator Bite.
Last Revised: April 2012


Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)

Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
By Michael Souza, November 2011

TPMS is an electronic system that can report real time individual tire pressures to the driver of a Cayman.  It will also provide a warning in the instrument cluster if a tire's pressure falls below a safe threshold.

TPMS communicates the exact pressure of each tire and/or their deviation from ideal pressure.  This does away with the need for regular air pressure checks at the service station, which often prove highly inconvenient.

© Copyright Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG July 2006

Additionally, having the correct air pressure reduces tire wear (a deficiency in pressure of 0.3 bar (4.4psi) and can reduce the service life of tires by up to 25%). Driving on under inflated tires also results in increased fuel consumption.

TPMS is a valuable safety device that can be of great value when you're driving around on expensive wheels and tires with no spare tire or jack.

Accuracy:

Many have suggested that TPMS is not as accurate as a good quality hand held tire gauge.  This is normal because TPMS delivers an absolute pressure instead of a relative pressure, which can fluctuate with atmospheric conditions. When using a tire pressure gauge to measure ambient pressure, environmental conditions can introduce up to a 15% variability in tire pressure due to temperature and altitude variations. TPMS also adds correction based on temperature.  Therefore, TPMS readings may be significantly different from those delivered by a hand held tire pressure gauges.

TPMS is not intended to be a replacement of your hand held tire pressure gauge.  It's intended to be a safety device that can alert you of a dangerous drop in tire pressure.

Click image to enlarge.

Click image to enlarge.

Click image to enlarge.

Drawbacks:

Using tire pressures outside of those recommended by Porsche may deliver a 'Flat Tire' warning.  For example, if a Cayman is used on the track it will be necessary to release about 8 psi from each tire to reach the proper tire pressures when hot.  In this situation, the TPMS will be very unhappy and will report a false flat tire.

There are different versions of TPMS and the radio frequencies used by the system vary from country to country. When installing TPMS sensors into your wheels, it is very important that you select sensors that are compatible with your vehicle. 

The TPMS system cannot be disabled.

Details:

  • Option Code: 482

  • Price: $590 option in 2006, Standard equipment from 2007 up on all US Caymans.

More Information:

discussion  for "TPMS" and show that contain results, or for current pricing and more information visit the Porsche website.

*Photographs and Videos property of Porsche AG, used under license by the PCA Cayman Register.



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