The mid-engine Porsche Cayman has been regarded as a viable alternative to the more expensive 911 since it arrived as a hardtop companion model to the entry-level Boxster.
What's New for 2015
After a redesign for 2014, the Cayman receives few changes, except for the addition of a GT4 trim level.
Choosing Your Porsche Cayman
The Porsche Cayman comes in four flavors, the main difference being the engine that powers each:
- The Base has a 2.7-liter flat-six that produces 275 horsepower and 213 pound-feet of torque. This engine can mate to a six-speed manual transmission or an automated seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. With the manual, 60 mph comes in 5.4 seconds, while the DCT drops the sprint time to as little as 5.1 seconds.
- In S trim, the Cayman gains a 3.4-liter flat-six that makes 325 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. Transmission options remain a six-speed manual or seven speed DCT. Acceleration times drop to 4.7 seconds and 4.5 seconds, respectively.
- The GTS sticks with the 3.4-liter engine, but cranks up horsepower to 340 and torque to 280 pound-feet. You'll hit 60 mph in 4.6 seconds with the manual or 4.4 seconds with the DCT.
- The range-topping GT4 gets a 3.8-liter engine borrowed from the 911 that produces 385 horsepower and 309 pound-feet of torque. This model is available only with a six-speed manual transmission. The 0-to-60 sprint takes only 4.2 seconds.
On top of the engines, each trim level does have minor differences. Let's have a look at all four and go through some of the key differences:
A Cayman purchase is made more with the heart than the head, and it can get expensive very quickly. Even a Base model is a glorious thing, so buy what you can afford and enjoy every minute of it.