Lee Sibley

Porsche 981 Boxster and Cayman: evolution of tech Both the 981 Boxster and Cayman were unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2012, but the soft-top would arrive in showrooms first. With styling that drew upon the 991 and Carrera GT, the basic Boxster was 29mm longer but 35kg lighter than its 987 predecessor. A 60mm longer wheelbase aided comfort and stability, while a 40 percent stiffer body helped sharpen the handling. Electric steering made its debut on Porsche’s smallest sports cars, too.

PERFORMANCE UPGRADES Launched a year after the 987 Boxster in late 2005, the Cayman was a completely new model for Porsche (there was no 986 version). To make a sufficient splash, it debuted in full-fat ‘S’ specification, with a 295hp, 3.4-litre flat-six – good for 0-62mph in 5.4 seconds and a top speed of 171mph. The regular 245hp, 2.7-litre Cayman followed soon afterwards, with figures of 5.8 seconds and 162mph respectively.

The Sport Turismo launch starts from Salzburg, but the complexities of post-Covid logistics mean we fly to Munich, then drive the final leg into Austria. No matter: Porsche has laid on a Turbo S Cross Turismo for back-to-back comparison and the autobahn lies ahead. Warping to 200kph (124mph) in near-silence, it feels like flying first-class. Arriving in Salzburg ahead of schedule, we swap into the equivalent Turbo S Sport Turismo, then head eastwards and upwards into the mountains.