Porsche is preparing the new Cayman coupe for launch at the Frankfurt motor show this fall. It’ll likely go on sale in the U.S. in spring 2006.

Positioned and priced between the Boxster S and the 911 Carrera, the new Cayman S is aggressively styled to reflect its enhanced handling and more powerful engine. At the same time, highly efficient space utilization makes it one of the most practical sports cars in its class. The Cayman derives its name from the smallest of crocodiles, the caiman, which is known to be swift and nimble. With its more powerful 295-hp, 3.4-liter, six-cylinder boxer engine mounted in the middle of its chassis, the new fixed-roof model reflects the strength and agility of its namesake.

The new coupe will go head to head with coupes such as the Mercedes-Benz SLK55 AMG and the Chevrolet Corvette.

This photo shows an almost undisguised prototype during testing near Porsche’s home base in Germany.