2009-2012 (987.2)
Porsche gave the Cayman a comprehensive mid-cycle update for 2009, and unlike the mild cosmetic refresh the Boxster and Cayman had seen before, this one touched nearly everything under the skin. New direct-injection engines replaced the old port-injected units, bringing more power and better efficiency at the same time, and the PDK dual-clutch transmission arrived as an option for the first time in Cayman history, replacing the old Tiptronic automatic entirely.
The base Cayman's 2.7-liter grew to 265 hp, while the Cayman S moved to a 3.4-liter direct-injection engine producing 320 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque, up from 295 hp in the outgoing 987.1 S. Porsche capped off the generation in 2011 with the Cayman R, a lighter, more focused variant built on the S's engine but tuned to 330 hp, with the extra output paired to reduced sound insulation, lightweight door panels, a fixed rear spoiler, and a ride height dropped 20mm versus the standard S, positioning it as the closest thing to a road-going track car the 987 lineup ever offered. Styling across the refreshed lineup picked up revised bumpers and LED taillights shared with the contemporary Boxster, and the interior gained an updated infotainment system.
- Model years: 2009 to 2012
- Trims: Cayman, Cayman S, Cayman R (2011 to 2012)
- Power range: 265 hp (base) to 330 hp (Cayman R)
- Transmission: 5-speed manual standard (base), 6-speed manual standard (S and R), PDK dual-clutch automatic optional across the lineup
- Notable firsts: first Cayman with direct fuel injection; first Cayman with PDK dual-clutch transmission; first Cayman R
- Available as: Coupe only