Porsche Cayman – If the idea of a Porsche intrigues you, you’ll be glad to know that you have plenty of options to dip your feet into the world of Porsche ownership. With a lengthy and varied history, there are many ways to go about with your first Porsche. However, if you want an entry-level Porsche that provides a satisfactory hint of the world of Porsche, the Porsche Cayman might just be what you’re looking for.
Initially introduced in late-2005, the Porsche Cayman really be explained as the fastback-coupe variant of the second-generation Porsche Boxster. Even during the Boxster’s initial inception, it attracted a fair amount of contrasting opinions from a tumultuous crowd. So you can only imagine how they felt about a Porsche fastback-coupe that could threaten the throne that the marque-defining Porsche 911 has fostered over the years. As of now, there have been three-interpretations of the Porsche Cayman, and all of them enjoy the distinct advantage in being a mid-engine sports coupe powered by a flat engine. Since Porsche didn’t have a tradition or ardent fans they needed to please with the Cayman, unlike the 911, they could adopt a more sensible powertrain layout with the Cayman.
This means that the Cayman technically puts more emphasis on canyon carving, and hence why the Cayman has garnered such popularity amongst the track day crowd. With Porsche’s cornering know-how and an actually pragmatic engine layout meant that the Cayman is endowed with a capable chassis and a range of competent engine options.
It’s an enjoyable car to drive, and one that avid drivers can actually drive well with the electronics turned off. The short wheelbase, consistently precise driver inputs, responsive engine, darty nose and assertive cornering demeanour means that the Cayman is a genuinely inspiring car to drive fast, and one that rightly rewards you so. All generations even enjoy a sweet manual for those particularly keen on track days.
Of course, being a mid-engine Porsche, it may be perfectly tuned for the track, but it’s less impressive if you have perilous asphalt to deal with. It’s also not that practical, but driveability remains admirable around urban traffic. Being a Porsche though, it does suffer from the maintenance and upkeep of a Porsche as well.
There are three distinct generations, and the key here is to buy the newest model you can. In general, the Caymans that you should avoid even with a 10-foot pole are those that can’t produce a regular service and maintenance record or are dubiously affordable. Remember, even though it’s entry-level, regular care and attention is absolutely crucial, and something that can prove to be catastrophic when skimped on. It’s easy to end up with a money pit should you end up with a neglected Cayman. Desirable options are the active ride suspension and interior conveniences, with the Cayman GT4 models reigning as the best trim that the Cayman has to offer.
Although it’s worth noting that the latest generation 982 Caymans have actually ditched the flat-6 in favour of a a range of turbocharged flat-4s. Of course, it’s downsizing due to increasingly stringent emissions standard, but make no mistake, it’s a Cayman in every sense of the term.
It’ll be interesting to see how Porsche will proceed with the Cayman. Now that it has lost its flat-6 powerplant, the line between a 911 and Cayman has been segregated. Going forward, the path that follows can only be a hybrid powerplant, and perhaps even a full-electric variant.