The new Porsche 718 Cayman:
the benchmark mid-engined coupé
Porsche has proudly unveiled the new 718 Cayman. The latest
and fourth generation of the mid-engined, two-seater sports
coupé is distinguished by a distinctive athletic and purposeful
appearance, with new flat-four turbocharged ‘boxer’ engines
delivering upwards of 300 hp beating at its heart.
Viewed from the side, the new coupé reveals its striking sculptured
wheel-arches and side sills. The re-designed rear also has a much
wider appearance, emphasised by a high-gloss black strip with
integrated Porsche badge between the tail lights. The tail lights
themselves have been completely re-designed and are
distinguished by their technological three-dimensional styling
and four brake individual brake lights that appear to float freely.
Since its debut in 2005, the Porsche Cayman has earned a
particular reputation as a driver’s car among owners and fans
alike. Now, the new 718 Cayman aims to once more set the
class benchmark for driving performance.
Like the 718 Boxster, the new 718 Cayman models continue the
tradition of the Porsche 718 mid-engined sports cars that won
numerous races in the 1950s and 1960s. The 718 Cayman
derivative is powered by a 300 hp (220 kW) 2.0-litre engine. The
718 Cayman S features a 350 hp (257 kW) 2.5-litre engine. This
represents 25 hp more power compared to the prior models,
with fuel economy also increasing to 34.9 - 40.9 mpg Combined.
The comprehensively retuned chassis of the 718 Cayman has
increased dynamic responsiveness and cornering grip; springs
and anti-roll bars have been designed to be firmer and the tuning
of the shock absorbers has been revised. The steering, which
has been configured to be ten per cent more direct, enhances
agility and consequently increases driving pleasure further still.
The rear wheels, which are half an inch wider, in combination
with the re-developed tyres result in an increased lateral force
potential and hence greater cornering grip.
Behind the wheel, subtle revisions are apparent in both the 718
Cayman and the 718 Boxster. The new sports steering wheel in
‘918 Spyder’ design as well as the extensive connectivity options
have now been added to the 718 cockpit, along with the Porsche
Communication Management (PCM) as a standard feature.
The 718 Cayman is priced from £39,878.00 RRP, and the 718
Cayman S costs from £48,834.00 RRP.
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