Turbocharged for the first time.
For years, enthusiasts have been begging Porsche to make the Cayman turbocharged and push the platform further. They struck gold with the Cayman GT4, and now they’re getting another wish with the new all-turbocharged Porsche 718 Cayman and 718 Cayman S.
The fourth-generation mid-engined sports cars slot right alongside the 718 Boxster models and even come in at a price beneath their hard-top siblings for the first time ever. Much of the same revisions and styling carries over into the 718 Cayman models, and that’s a very, very good thing for driving enthusiasts.
One of the biggest changes from the previous-generation models is that the new Porsche 718 Cayman and 718 Cayman S feature turbocharged four-cylinder engines as opposed to the naturally-aspirated flat-sixes. This not only improves overall fuel economy, but torque can be tapped into from virtually anywhere in the power band.
The Porsche 718 Cayman uses a 2.0-liter turbocharged flat-four engine that produces 300 horsepower at 6,500 RPM and 280 lb-ft. of torque from 1,950 to 4,500 RPM, matching that of the 718 Boxster. The 718 Cayman S uses a larger 2.5-liter flat-six with a turbocharger featuring Variable Turbine Geometry (VTG) like the 911 Turbo and a wastegate to create 350 horsepower at 6,500 RPM and 309 lb-ft. of torque from 1,950 to 4,500 RPM.
That power, when coupled with the PDK gearbox and optional Sport Chrono package sends the Porsche 718 Cayman to 62 mph from rest in 4.7 seconds while the 718 Cayman S with the same options does the sprint in just 4.2 seconds. Top speed is 170- and 177 mph, respectively. Customers also have the option to select a six-speed manual instead of the seven-speed dual-clutch PDK gearbox.
Part of what has made the Cayman model line so great since its inception has been its handling and driving dynamics thanks to its mid-engined layout. The new Porsche 718 Cayman models continue to shine in the corners thanks to revised and improved suspension that increases lateral rigidity and wheel tracking. The steering is now 10-percent more direct thanks to a new configuration while the rear wheel and their redeveloped tires are now 0.5 inches wider.
Stopping power is also increased in the Porsche 718 Cayman and 718 Cayman S. The base model comes standard with 330 mm front and 299 mm rear discs with the same brakes as the previous-generation Cayman S. The 718 Cayman S gets beefed up too with four-piston calipers from the 911 Carrera with discs that are six-millimeter thicker discs.
Optionally, customers have the choice of a wide range of upgrades such as the Sport Chrono Package, Porsche Torque Vectoring (PTV), and PASM, the latter of which reduces ride height by 10- and 20-mm for the 718 Cayman and 718 Cayman S, respectively.
Visually, the new 718 Cayman and 718 Cayman S borrow a great deal of their design language from the 718 Boxster and draw upon classic Porsche racers. A sharper, wider front fascia creates a confident look that continues into the muscular rear fenders with air inlets and to the striking rear. Thin LED lights above the larger front air intakes emphasize the new width and sit below the bi-xenon or optional LED headlights with four-point DRLs.
At the rear, the Porsche 718 Cayman and 718 Cayman S have a distinct and wider look thanks to a high-gloss black accent strip featuring the Porsche badge that sits between the taillights. Each of the taillights boast a three-dimensional design that gives the impression that each of the four brake lights are floating inside the housing. Dual-oval, centrally-mounted tailpipes distinguish the 718 Cayman S from the single-tip exhaust of the 718 Cayman.
Inside, the entire top-portion of the dashboard has been redesigned in the 718 Cayman. New air vents and a Porsche 918 Spyder-style sport steering wheel face driver and passengers. Coming standard is a 150-watt Sound Package Plus along with new cell phone and audio integration systems.
The new Porsche 718 Cayman and 718 Cayman S are currently available for ordering with prices starting at $53,900 and $66,300, respectively.
Porsche 718 Cayman and 718 Cayman S Specifications
Engine:
718 Cayman:
Displacement: 2.0 liters
Number of Cylinders: Flat-four
Aspiration: Turbocharged
Maximum Horsepower: 300 at 6,500 RPM
Maximum Torque: 280 lb-ft. from 1,950 to 4,500 RPM
718 Cayman S:
Displacement: 2.5 liters
Number of Cylinders: Flat-four
Aspiration: Turbocharged
Maximum Horsepower: 350 at 6,500 RPM
Maximum Torque: 309 lb-ft. from 1,950 to 4,500 RPM
Performance:
Acceleration 0-60 mph: 4.5 seconds / 4.0 seconds (Cayman / Cayman S)
Top Speed: 170 mph / 177 mph (Cayman / Cayman S)
Porsche 718 Cayman and 718 Cayman S Gallery
Source: Porsche
Are you excited for the new turbocharged four-cylinder Porsche 718 Cayman and 718 Cayman S?
