Just as Porsche’s Boxster delivers an invigorating mid-engine experience to fans of open-air sports cars, the closely-related Cayman does likewise for those who prefer a closed coupe. Ever since their inception, Cayman and Boxster have been viewed as less costly but no less stimulating alternatives to the legendary rear-engine 911.
What's New for 2016
Little has changed, except for the appearance of a new model: the Porsche Cayman GT4, with an engine taken from the 911 Carrera S.
Choosing Your Porsche Cayman
Four versions of the Cayman are offered, with a different engine for each.
In the Base Cayman, a 2.7-liter flat-six produces 275 horsepower and 213 pound-feet of torque. This engine mates with either a six-speed manual gearbox or an automated seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. With the manual, 0-60 mph acceleration takes 5.4 seconds, while the DCT reduces that time to as little as 5.1 seconds. With automatic, fuel economy is estimated at a relatively thrifty 22 mpg city/32 mpg highway.
In S trim, a 3.4-liter flat-six makes 325 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque, with the same transmission choices. Acceleration times dip to 4.7 and 4.5 seconds, respectively.
In a GTS, the 3.4-liter engine boosts horsepower to 340 and torque to 280 pound-feet. You can reach 60 mph in 4.6 seconds with manual, or 4.4 seconds with the DCT.
Most potent of the lot, the new GT4 gets a 3.8-liter engine borrowed from the 911, generating 385 horsepower and 309 pound-feet of torque. Only a six-speed manual transmission is available, taking 4.2 seconds for the 0-to-60 sprint.
In addition to engines, each trim level has minor differences and (except for GT4) a selection of available option groups.
- The Infotainment Package with Sound Package Plus adds such items as a nine-speaker audio system, a 7-inch touchscreen with navigation and a 40 GB hard drive, and SiriusXM.
- An Infotainment Package with Bose Surround Sound System features a 10-speaker Bose surround-sound system with a subwoofer, AudioPilot, and 445 watts of power; a 7-inch touchscreen with navigation and a 40 GB hard drive; and SiriusXM with NavTraffic and NavWeather capabilities.
- Next is the Infotainment Package with a Burmester High-End Sound System, with 821 watts of power.
- The Convenience Package adds two-zone climate control and heated seats.
- The Premium Package adds such options as bi-xenon headlights, a dynamic lighting system, an auto-dimming mirror, two-zone climate control and heated seats.
- A Premium Package Plus reaches a step further, adding vented seats, keyless entry and ignition, and ambient lighting.
Moving up the trim-level scale, a Cayman gets rather expensive. Good news! Even a Base model delivers a glorious experience. So, buy what you can afford and prepare to enjoy.