The coupe version of the mid-engine 718 Boxster roadster, the 718 Cayman, delivers Porsche-grade thrills for less money than the flagship 911 sports cars. More than closing the top on the Boxster, the Cayman has a sleek and classy look that signals its heritage and track-ready performance.
The Cayman always has been about unflappable, scalpel-sharp handling. That hasn't changed one bit with the latest 718 Cayman. It remains a superbly balanced, two-seat sports car that's comfortable enough to be driven daily. The biggest downside is that, even though its starting price is on the low side for a Porsche, it's considerably more expensive than the average car. And Porsche's dizzying level of customization options means the price can skyrocket quickly.
We rented a 718 Cayman S from Porsche outfitted with many of those pricey options. Although we probably wouldn't check the box on several options, if it was our money, we were able to evaluate the more powerful S version versus the base-engine 718 Boxster we previously tested.
The Porsche 718 Cayman S competes against cars such as Audi TTS, BMW M2, Chevrolet Corvette, and the Nissan 370Z—all enthusiast-targeted sports cars with distinct personalities.
What we rented: 2018 Porsche Cayman S
Powertrain: 350-hp, 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder; 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission; rear-wheel drive
MSRP: $69,300
Options: $24,730 (7-speed PDK automatic transmission, ceramic composite brakes, sport exhaust tailpipes, adaptive sport suspension, navigation, 20-inch Carrera S wheels, Sport Seats Plus)
Destination fee: $1,050
Total cost: $95,080
How It Drives
Like the Boxster, the 718 Cayman has made the switch from six-cylinder engines to turbocharged four-cylinders. This results in the loss of the high-revving zing we loved in the previous Cayman but also means drivers can get power more easily and better fuel economy.
The Cayman S fires up with a bark from its centrally located, twin-outlet exhaust. After an initial hesitation when accelerating from a standstill, the turbocharged four-cylinder engine responds vigorously to the driver's right foot, moving the Cayman S down the road with impressive speed. It won't be mistaken for the wailing, high-revving six-cylinder engine that came in the last Cayman, but the new flat-four has a unique sound of its own, which becomes sweeter as the revs increase.
Porsche's optional seven-speed automatic transmission delivers quick, direct, and timely shifts. Paddles behind the steering wheel can be used to manually control shifts during enthusiastic driving, but the transmission works well even when left to its own devices. For driving purists, a six-speed manual comes standard.
The EPA rates the Cayman S at 24 mpg combined, which is pretty efficient for a high-performance sports car. We got 26 mpg overall during our testing of the 718 Boxster with the smaller, base four-cylinder turbo.
The Cayman takes to corners with a precision few other cars—regardless of price—can match. The mid-engine layout and well-tuned suspension endow the Cayman with fantastic balance, while the precise steering communicates excellent feedback. Not only is the Cayman capable of taking corners with great speed, but it's also a stable and forgiving partner, helping even less skilled drivers feel at ease with its capabilities.
Our rented Cayman S had a sport version of Porsche's optional adaptive suspension system, which rides nearly an inch lower than the standard setup. Switching the adjustable suspension to its stiffer setting makes the car unyielding to the point that it's best reserved for canyon strafing and track days. The car rides on the firm side even in its normal mode, but there's enough bump absorption to make it livable driving around town or when cruising on the highway.
Porsches are usually known for having firm, easy-to-modulate brakes, and the 718 Cayman doesn't disappoint. This Cayman S had Porsche's optional ceramic-composite brakes, which tack on nearly $7,500. They're probably only a worthy investment if track days will be a big part of the owner's Cayman lifestyle.
The Cayman is louder inside than most cars. The biggest ruckus comes from the engine that's just behind the driver's head. The sound is ever-present and clatters even when driven gently. The exhaust roar becomes more invigorating as the revs climb.
Inside
The Cayman sits low to the ground. It helps if occupants are limber enough to slide over the wide sill and drop down into the contoured seats; exiting means they'll have to pull themselves up and out in a less-than-graceful manner.
Once in, the driving position feels perfect for sporty driving, with a great view out over the low hood. The well-bolstered seats hold occupants in place, and provide all-day comfort. Larger drivers will feel crowded by the wall-like center console and relatively scant foot space.
The instrument cluster is dominated by a large tachometer that sits directly in the middle, a reminder of Porsche's racing heritage. The center console is chock full of tightly packed, similar-looking buttons that take some familiarity to understand their purpose, but the infotainment screen has clear graphics and is easy enough to use.
Small-item storage inside the cabin is sparse, but the Cayman comes with not one, but two trunks: a narrow, deep well under the hood and space behind the engine under the hatchback.
Safety and Driver-Assist Systems
Overall, the Cayman is skimpy on available driver-assist features, and a forward-collision warning system is available as part of the optional adaptive cruise control package. This important safety feature is only available on cars with the automatic transmission. Blind-spot warning is another helpful option, especially because the Cayman's rear visibility is hampered by thick back pillars.
CR's Take
The Porsche 718 Cayman S is an absolute blast to drive. It's a pure sports car with elite levels of grip and speed, yet it's comfortable and useful enough to be more than just a weekend toy. As much fun as the Cayman S is, though, a buyer can get nearly the same driving excitement for about $12,000 less by sticking with the still quick and thrilling, 300-horsepower base model. After all, driving a Porsche is about the superb handling and tactile sensations. The top-level Cayman GTS, which boasts 365 horsepower and starts at $80,700, is for those who feel they simply must have the ultimate version and who ideally have access to a track to explore its impressive capabilities.
Sticking with the standard six-speed manual transmission saves about $3,200 over the optional automatic, and we'd argue the manual gearbox adds to the sports-car experience. At $56,900, the base Cayman is an incredibly capable sports car, and it starts about $2,000 less than the Boxster convertible.
