New Cayman: Entry-level variant starts with 300 hp

The fourth generation of the Porsche Cayman, together with the Boxster, forms the new 718 model series.

If there's such a thing as an underrated Porsche model, it's probably the Cayman. The Boxster, as the entry-level model, is so familiar, and the 911, as the ultimate model, is certainly familiar. But the Cayman—at least in terms of the overall model—is perhaps less in the spotlight. It's worth taking a look at the current fourth generation, which, together with the Boxster, forms the new 718 model series.

A new development: For the first time, the closed two-seater is priced below the Roadster – similar to the 911 models. The 718 Cayman costs from €51.623 in Germany, and the 718 Cayman S from €64.118, including VAT and country-specific equipment. The 718 Cayman and 718 Cayman S are available to order now. Market launch begins in Europe at the end of September 2016.

Coupé and Roadster with the same engine power

Photo: Porsche

The 718 Cayman uses the same new turbocharged four-cylinder boxer engines as the 718 Boxster. For the first time, the Coupé and Roadster offer the same engine power. The entry-level variant starts with 300 hp from a two-liter displacement. The S model boasts 350 hp from a 2,5-liter displacement. This is 25 hp more power than the previous models, with fuel consumption in the standard cycle of 6,9 to 8,1 liters per 100 kilometers, according to Porsche. CO2 emissions for the new models are between 158 and 184 grams per kilometer.

The two-liter engine in the 718 Cayman achieves a torque of up to 380 Newton meters (an additional 90 Newton meters), available between 1950 and 4500 rpm. The 2,5-liter engine in the 718 Cayman S features a turbocharger with variable turbine geometry (VTG), a technology that, according to the Zuffenhausen-based company, has previously only been used in the 911 Turbo. In the 718 Cayman S, the engine delivers up to 420 Newton meters (an additional 50 Newton meters) to the crankshaft between 1900 and 4500 rpm. For the driver, this means even better pulling power across all engine speed ranges. The 718 Cayman with PDK and the optional Sport Chrono package accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 4,7 seconds. The 718 Cayman S accomplishes this sprint in 4,2 seconds. The 718 Cayman reaches a top speed of 275 km/h, while the 718 Cayman S reaches a top speed of 285 km/h.

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PASM with ten millimeter lowering of the body

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With driving dynamics options such as the Sport Chrono Package and Porsche Torque Vectoring (PTV), the sportiness of the 718 Cayman can be further customized. PASM, which lowers the body by ten millimeters, is also available as an option, and for the first time, the S model also offers a PASM sports suspension with a 20 millimeter lower ride height. The Sport Chrono Package can now be adjusted via the program switch on the steering wheel – as with other Porsche sports cars. In addition to the three existing settings of "Normal," "Sport," and "Sport Plus," there is now an "Individual" program, which allows previously saved individual settings for various systems to be recalled.

The interior of the 718 Cayman, like the 718 Boxster, has been redesigned. The upper section of the instrument panel, including the air vents, is new. The new sports steering wheel in the 918 Spyder design and comprehensive connectivity options are now integrated into the 718 cockpit with the standard Porsche Communication Management (PCM). Mobile phone preparation, audio interfaces, and the 150-watt Sound Package Plus are standard. PCM can be optionally expanded. The Connect module includes special add-ons for smartphones such as a USB interface, Apple CarPlay, and Porsche Car Connect. A navigation module with voice control for convenient destination entry is also available as an option.

 Photos: Porsche