Maxhouse97

Latest issue - the annual lightning lap article (which I love). Same times with a 60 hp deficit. The better the Cayman looks, the worse the 911 does. And this is coming from a 911 owner (albeit an old one).

If Porsche produces a Cayman Clubsport in the same mold as the Boxster Spyder, I'm there. I wonder if Piech (who left Porsche early on in the 911's life and is a techno nut) and VW will be as protective of the 911 as others. I think the 911s are going to be hurting in ALMS next year. Too much competition. Keep your eye on the Corvettes...

Ghostcloak

Here's a link:
http://www.caranddriver.com/features...p_2009-feature

Introduction
LL1: 2010 Volkswagen GTI > 3:19.3
LL1: 2009 Mini Cooper John Cooper Works > 3:17.1
LL1: 2009 Subaru Impreza WRX > 3:16.6
LL1: 2010 Mazdaspeed 3 > 3:16.2
LL1: 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe 3.8 > 3:14.8
LL1: 2010 Ford Mustang GT > 3:13.3
LL2: 2009 Nissan NISMO 370Z > 3:12.0
LL2: 2010 Audi S4 > 3:10.8
LL2: 2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS > 3:09.5
LL2: 2009 Audi TTS > 3:08.4
LL2: 2010 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 > 3:07.4
LL2: 2009 BMW M3 > 3:05.4
LL2: 2010 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport > 2:58.8
LL3: 2010 Jaguar XKR > 3:06.4
LL3: 2009 Porsche 911 Carrera S > 3:05.8
LL3: 2009 Porsche Cayman S > 3:05.8
LL3: 2009 Lotus Exige S 260 Sport > 3:05.0
LL3: 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 > 2:51.8
LL4: 2010 Audi R8 5.2 FSI > 2:59.5
LL5: 2010 Lamborghini Murciélago LP670-4 SV > 2:53.9
LLU: Ariel Atom 3 > 2:57.6 and KTM X-Bow > 2:52.3

cfjan

I think it is a good showing by the Cayman S! Only 0.4 seconds slower than the M3. (being down on power by 90hps+?! granted M3 is quite a bit heavier)

I think the Carrera S can probably go a little bit faster, though.. but I am guessing that the none of the test drivers were too familiar w/ the 911's rear engine dynamic?!

krenshaw

+1 on that. Even though C&D noted that they used 2 drivers to try and beat the Cayman (who both ended up with the same lap times), it definitely seems to be a case of '2 wrongs don't make a right.' The brief review certainly made it sound like they were quite uncomfortable driving the 997.

On the other hand, it really is great to see the Cayman up on that chart where it belongs. One thing I'm curious about is if this Cayman had the LSD option or not.

cfjan

?! R8 V10 did not beat ZR-1, I think... ?! ZR-1 had the fast time of the day, I think..

Riz

They did not even put the new GT3 3.8L in the test. They were also missing the Miata. Those two cars should be on any test of sports cars IMO.

krenshaw

Wow... guess it's time for me to schedule another eye Dr. appointment. You're right, I glanced at the list and didn't read it very well.

cfjan

I think the biggest embarrassment was the NISMO 370Z.. I mean, the brake completely went out and the car hit the wall.. OUCH!

For some reasons, the Nissan (the Z, not the GT-R) has never done too well in the brake department in magazine test.. similar fade was recorded in a brake comparison.. I was really surprised back then, as the 350Z Track at the time had Brembo 4-pot up front.. which isn't too bad..

It was either the pads or the fluid that's used by Nissan..

Jim Michaels

C&D said the 370Z's pads were the low noise/low dust pads rather than their more track oriented pads (a dealer installed option).

Riz: They tested the Miata and the GT3 in previous Lightning Laps (LL). The Miata turned a 3:29.3 in 2006 (the slowest time ever), and the GT3 turned a 3:01.8 in 2007. The quickest ever time was in a Mosler MT900S in the 2008 LL (2:45.9). I counted 76 cars tested in LL so far.

jason952

where was the GTR?

Jim Michaels

Nissan GT-R (with all-season tires) clocked at 2:59.0 in 2008.

95spiderman

more interesting is that 07 tt was only .2 sec faster than the new cayman/911. must be due to pdk so new tt with pdk probably much quicker

Riz

Thanks Jim - was that the 3.6L GT3 997 Mk1? It had to be, I was hoping they tried the new 3.8L version which would probably be under 3 min. I hope they test the RS when it comes out.

cfjan

But judging from the Carrera S' time, I am not so sure if they are too familiar w/ the rear-engine chassis dynamic. So I don't know if they will get a great time w/ the RS! They need to get some drivers w/ experience w/ 911.. any of those Porsche factory drivers will do.. !!

10 GT3

One thing would certainly make a difference is how each is equipped. Both were PDKs. Did the Carrera S have the PASM Sport Suspension (M030 supension + LSD) and did the Cayman have an LSD? In other words, were they the best versions of each?