Cay sera sera

PITSTOP

Porsche is all set to launch the new Cayman S, which will morph from the teaser curly logo we showed you here earlier, into this eye-pleasing automobile by November.

The sporty two-seater is based heavily on the Boxster (read will be excellent) and will have a new six-cylinder boxer motor displacing 3400cc and making a welcome 295 bhp.

The coupe, designed to take position between the Boxster and the 911, will hit 275 kph flat out and pass the 100 kph mark in just 5.4 seconds. The engine has Porsche's camshaft and valve timing control system that ensures a jaw-dropping 34 kgm on tap from 4400 to 6000 rpm.

The system sees its first application outside the 911 range. A six-speed manual gearbox takes forward the excellent Boxster S unit, and the Tiptronic S with steering wheel paddles is also going to be on offer.

The coupe line with a longer wheelbase makes the Cayman look very inviting, while the powerful haunches and auto-extend spoiler are typical Porsche touches. Like the Boxster, the dual exhausts will be centrally located. The rear lid is actually functional, and the Cayman will have a useable boot, in addition to the space in front.

Porsche are promising that the Cayman, with new aluminium suspension, wide track, 18-inch wheels, stability and suspension management programmes will handle like the supercar of your dreams. Just keep the cash ready.

Great Exelerotion!

Er... you're drooling. Perhaps you shouldn't, for what you're ogling at is just another Maybach. A one-off DaimlerChrysler threw together for Fulda Reifenwerke (a tyre company) as a reference vehicle for a new generation of tyres. But don't ho-hum already, those tyres are going to be something special.

The Exelero concept, as it's called, uses a 5900cc biturbo V12 engine to make some 700-odd bhp (and a 100 kgm of torque!). And for a car as long as the QE2, it just seats two. The exterior proportions are modelled on the SLR McLaren, while other inspiring autos include the 1930s Maybach SW38.

At 5.9 metres, you'll be paying a lot for parking, but with a top speed of 351 kph, scintillating acceleration and looks that'll shame a Batmobile, we don't think anyone's going to be complaining.

The Maybach design team developed the custom model with help from students from the Pforzheim University, and the car was built by prototype specialists, Stola of Turin in Italy.