Porsche 718 Cayman

New for 2017

Porsche completely redesigned the Cayman for 2017 and now calls it the 718 Cayman. The turbocharged

Vehicle Summary

The mid-engined Cayman is Porsche’s entry-level two-door, two-seater that sits below the 911 in the company’s sports car lineup. The mechanically related convertible is called the 718 Boxster.

Overview

Porsche’s fun to drive 718 Cayman is powered by a pair of turbocharged four-cylinder engines; the flat-sixes are gone from the Cayman and Boxster lineups. The more powerful 2.5-liter flat-4 produces 350 hp and 309 lb-ft of torque. On the 718 Boxster S that also has that engine, 2017 EPA-rated fuel economy is 21/28 mpg city/highway with the seven-speed PDK automatic and 20/26 mpg city/highway with the six-speed manual transmission. The standard 2.0-liter flat-four engine, which is good for 300 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque, delivers a respectable 22/29 mpg city/highway with the seven-speed PDK automatic in the Boxster and 21/28 mpg city/highway with a six-speed manual transmission.

The previous-generation Porsche Cayman was known for its handling prowess and the new 718 Cayman takes it to another level with firmer springs and sway bars, retuned shock absorbers, and wider rear tires to improve lateral grip and tracking stability. The steering rack has a 10-percent quicker on-center ratio adapted from the 911 Turbo, enhancing agility as well as driving pleasure. For additional driving pleasure, the Sport Chrono package and Porsche Torque Vectoring (PTV) are also available. Significantly larger cooling air intakes and HID headlights with integrated LED daytime running lights complete the new front fascia. The redesigned rear fascia appears wider than before due to the high-gloss black accent strip with an integrated Porsche logo.

Inside, Google Street View graphics and Apple CarPlay are both available.

Safety

The 2017 718 Cayman standard safety features include antilock brakes, traction and stability control, driver and passenger front, side, head, and knee airbags, front and rear parking sensors, and a rearview camera. Porsche’s Side Impact Protection System is comprised of side impact protection elements in the doors, including the side and head airbags previously mentioned. The Porsche Car Connect option adds emergency telephone assistance when paired to a smartphone.

What We Think

Our first driving impressions of the 718 Boxster and 718 Cayman were very positive. In the First Drive review of the 718 Cayman, we missed the signature sound of Porsche’s flat-six engine but was impressed with the power and speed the new and more efficient powertrains deliver. Unlike its competitors, the 718 Cayman offers a deep front luggage compartment. Porsche’s pricing on the 718 Cayman and 718 Boxster is finally a bit more conventional, with the Cayman coupe priced below the Boxster roadster.

Look for at least one lower-volume, high-performance model above the 350-hp 718 Cayman before long.

Cool Fact

Due to the car’s increased performance, the 718 Cayman uses brakes from the previous Cayman S, andthe 718 Cayman S is equipped with the four-piston calipers of the 911 Carrera.

Key Competitors:

Audi TT
BMW Z4
Mercedes SLC-Class