New Car: 2012 Porsche Cayman S Black Edition

Black is perhaps most evocative of death or misfortune, but when sprayed on a car, it creates a sinister, menacing aura that we find more than a little alluring. It’s not quite magical enough to make us think differently of, say, the Pontiac Aztek, but pour it over something that has some zing and suddenly, it’s got a lot more pull. Porsche, no stranger to lusty products—and apparently with a surplus of black paint, judging by the previously revealed Black Editions of the Boxster S and 911—is now extending the Black treatment to the Cayman S.

As the name suggests—to say nothing of the other Black Edition cars—the Cayman S Black Edition is the color of evil, as are its lightweight 19-inch Boxster Spyder wheels, air intakes, and exhaust tips. The theme continues inside, including black cloth seats with leather trim—all-hide chairs are an option we expect most buyers will choose—black-faced gauges, and, of course, black trim for the dash and center console. “Black Edition” script adorns the sill plates, and a plaque on the glove box denotes each car’s production number within the limited run. The Cayman Black will be the rarest of the group with only 500 copies set for production. (Porsche will build up to 1911 Black Edition 911s and 987 Black Boxsters.)

Accompanying the visual treatments is a predictable 10-hp bump in output, compliments of the Cayman R’s exhaust. The 3.4-liter flat-six produces a total of 330 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque, the latter unchanged from the S. A six-speed manual transmission comes standard, while the equally excellent but not as engaging PDK seven-speed dual-clutch transmission will be on the options list. Other costly extras like carbon-ceramic brakes and an adaptive suspension also are on the menu.

Like the Boxster Black Edition, the darkened Cayman actually represents a savings of several thousand dollars compared to a similarly spec'ed S. For $68,450, the Black Cayman includes navigation, xenon headlights, an upgraded Bose stereo system, and other assorted goodies. Deliveries begin in July, and with just 500 being produced worldwide, you’ll probably need to move quickly to get your hands on one. Given the ominous looks and bargain pricing, it’s certainly worth a shot.

Thanks to: Car and Driver