PDK (Porsche-Doppel-kupplungsgetriebe, if you have to ask) is made up of two transmission units each connected via a separate clutch with the drivetrain.

One unit works with first, third, fifth, seventh and reverse gears, while the other operates second, fourth and sixth. The shifts come fast but not furiously. There's no interruption of traction or acceleration; the clutch on one transmission unit is opened while the clutch on the other unit is closed simultaneously. And the driver has the choice of shifting manually by means of the paddles on the steering wheel or the console-mounted gear lever. As a purist (or Luddite, whichever you prefer), I still prefer the Cayman with the six-speed manual, but there's no denying the speed and efficiency of PDK.

While the chassis and suspension of the 2009 Cayman remain more or less the same, Porsche says the setup has been adjusted for the extra horsepower while still offering a higher standard of all-round comfort. The tester was also fitted with Porsche Active Suspension Management, an electronically controlled damper system. With rain in the hillsides and roads often slick with dirt and mud from the numerous farms that dot the area, a lesser car could easily have been a nightmare to drive quickly.

Not the Cayman S. It tracked beautifully in the plentiful ess turns, transitioning from corner to corner with nary a wiggle. Even when exiting a corner and meeting a local coming the other way, taking his share of the narrow road out of the middle,
altering the line produced no negative effect -- the sports coupe simply steered itself out of the path. Backing things up were the S's heroic ABS-equipped brakes -- four-piston calipers on 318-millimetre-diameter front discs and 299-mm rears. Porsche's stability management system now comes with Brake Assistant and a brake pre-loading function.

While the 911, especially with all-wheel drive, is a more complete and viable all-season sports car, the Cayman's attraction is undeniable. It is arguably better looking, it's just about as quick as any normally aspirated 911, it's more fun to drive in everyday situations -- and probably on the track, as well -- and it is significantly more affordable. Ultimately, the Cayman has my heart, while the 911 has my soul.

When the Cayman arrives in dealerships in March, pricing will start at $63,900 for the base model and $75,800 for the S.

Canwest News Service