By the time of the 981-generation Cayman's arrival in 2012, Porsche's calculated merging of 911 and Boxster assembly lines had radically cut the cost of vehicle production and, crucially, helped the company to return to financial stability. Many saw the 986 and the 987 as much 'lesser' sports cars than the 911, but the 981 presented a different story. Certainly, by the time of 981 Spyder and GT4 production, the Boxster/Cayman twins had finally branched out on their own.
When the 991 was released at the back end of 2011, Porsche ownership was immediately opened up to a much wider group of sports car enthusiasts, a consequence of this generation of 911 introducing a higher number of driver aids, including electronically assisted steering. Where the 997 and earlier 911s would punish their pilot for not concentrating, the 991 made allowances for driver error. Porsche purists didn't see this as a positive character trait, but it was one which saw the 991 find favour with a new sales audience — the 991 went on to become the most successful of all 911s.
The same electronic trickery, including an electronically linked parkingengine operating information back to the driver in a clear, concise manner.
