The mid-engine Porsche Cayman 2-seat coup? underwent a complete design overhaul for the 2009 model year,including the addition of an optional state-of-the-art automated manual transmission,and the 2010 version is a carryover,save for a slightly different steering wheel on both trims. The Cayman has a fixed hard top and places more emphasis on performance,but otherwise is similar to the Porsche Boxster.

The base 2010 Porsche Cayman features 17-inch wheels with summer performance tires,air conditioning,cruise control,some power accessories (including a power-retractable spoiler),trip computer,and a 4-speaker sound system. The Cayman S trim features a larger,more powerful engine,18-inch wheels,and an upgraded sound system. Options?packaged and stand-alone?are plentiful on both trims. The buyer has considerable choice of upholstery and interior trim materials,suspension,brakes,wheel sizes,and sound systems. Several different seat designs are offered,from traditional to ultra-sporty,from basic to fully featured. A limited-slip rear differential lock is available; so are adaptive bi-Xenon headlights,navigation system,voice controls,Bluetooth connectivity,and various automated features. Front and rear trunks combine to provide 10 cubic feet of cargo space,according to Porsche.

The base power plant in the 2010 Porsche Cayman is a 265-horsepower,2.9-liter flat 6-cylinder engine with direct fuel injection,working with a 6-speed manual or an optional double-clutch 7-speed automated manual transmission with paddle shifters and rear-wheel drive. This combination delivers 19 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway with manual transmission,and 20/29 with automated manual transmission,according to the EPA. The Cayman S trim features a 320-horsepower,3.4-liter flat 6-cylinder engine; its fuel efficiency is virtually the same.

Standard safety features on the 2010 Porsche Cayman include anti-lock brakes,traction control,stability control,side air bags,and side curtain air bags.

Starting MSRP for the 2010 Porsche Cayman was $51,400.