Porsche Cayman

Overview: Is the Porsche Cayman a Good Sports Car?

The Porsche Cayman is a well-balanced, mid-engine sports car that offers an engaging driving experience. As the hardtop coupe version of the Porsche Boxster, the Cayman shares many of its sibling's attributes, including its mid-engine layout and choice of flat-six or turbocharged four-cylinder engines. The Cayman's rigidity and precision make it a favorite among enthusiasts seeking a pure sports car experience. This overview focuses on Porsche Cayman models sold in the USA since 2008. The Cayman debuted in the U.S. for the 2006 model year and continued through 2012. After skipping a year, Porsche debuted a new generation for 2014. The car officially became the Porsche 718 Cayman with the launch of the latest generation for the 2017 model year. Other models in the lineup included the Porsche Boxster, Macan, Cayenne, Panamera, and the 911 (including variants like the Carrera and GT3). Porsche regularly adjusts its model range. For instance, the automaker dropped the Cayman GT4 and the Boxster Spyder (a more powerful version of the convertible Boxster).

Note: Equipment, features, and trims can vary by model year. Always confirm these details when looking for used Porsche Cayman cars for sale.

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Related: Here Are The Porsche Cayman Years To Avoid

Key Features

The Porsche 718 Cayman offers:

• Two-door fastback coupe body style
• Turbocharged flat-four or flat-six engines
• Manual transmission or PDK dual-clutch automatic transmission
• Rear-wheel drive

Trims

The Porsche Cayman's trims include the base model, S, GTS, and GT4 variants. The base Cayman and Cayman S trims have four- or six-cylinder engines, while the GTS and GT4 grades offer enhanced performance and track-focused features. Trim availability varies greatly by model year (for instance, 2023 is the last year of the Cayman GT4).

Comfort, Technology & Cargo

The Cayman's interior prioritizes driver engagement with a cockpit-like design and supportive sport seats. Available features include heated and ventilated seats, a sport steering wheel, and the Porsche Communication Management (PCM) infotainment system. Cargo space is limited but sufficient for a weekend getaway, with front and rear trunks.

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How It Drives

The Porsche Cayman is renowned for its exceptional handling and balance, thanks to its mid-engine layout and well-tuned chassis. The base Cayman offers ample performance, while the S, GTS, and GT4 models provide increasing levels of power and agility. The available PDK transmission delivers lightning-fast shifts, while the manual gearbox offers a more engaging experience for purists.

Safety

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has not conducted crash tests on the Porsche Cayman.

Reviews

Porsche Cayman reviews on Kelley Blue Book average 4.8 out of 5.0 across all model years. The Cayman consistently receives high marks for its performance, comfort, style, and reliability.

Learn More: Do Porsches Hold Their Value? What To Know About Resale & Depreciation

FAQs

What is the difference between a Porsche Cayman S and a Porsche Cayman GTS?

The Cayman S and GTS models differ primarily in their engines and performance upgrades. The Cayman S features a more powerful engine than the base model. At the same time, the GTS offers further enhancements, such as a sport exhaust system, Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM), and distinctive styling elements.

Is there a new Porsche Cayman coming?

Porsche regularly updates the Cayman lineup. Preliminary reports indicate that a new-generation Porsche 718 Cayman could arrive for the 2026 model year. An all-electric Cayman is also rumored to be in the works.

How much horsepower does a Porsche 718 Cayman S have?

For the 2024 model year, the 718 Cayman S is equipped with a 2.5-liter turbocharged flat-four engine that produces 350 horsepower and 309 lb-ft of torque.

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