Essentially a coupe version of the Boxster, the second generation Porsche Cayman is linked with the third generation Boxster. Conceived together, the fixed roof coupe and fabric roof roadster were actually produced alongside each other, with their designs being fundamentally similar.
First launched in 2006, the mid-engined, rear-wheel drive two-seater sports coupe has always been considered a 'poor man's 911'.
While such a statement may have its relevance in the past, it's hard to comply with such a stereotypical mentality now, no thanks to the fact that sports cars in Singapore have become very expensive and very much a status symbol.
But with the latest Porsche Cayman, the 'poor' is about to strike rich.
Exterior
The Cayman receives a stronger identity and a noticeably edgier appearance with tauter surfacing, distinctive lines and greater shaping within its flanks while a bold line now runs across the doors and into the dominant cooling air inlets in front of the rear wheels.
And as you would expect, all these are done without losing the signature silhouette that's known only to Porsche (and some say the Beetle).
First launched in 2006, the mid-engined, rear-wheel drive two-seater sports coupe has always been considered a 'poor man's 911'.
While such a statement may have its relevance in the past, it's hard to comply with such a stereotypical mentality now, no thanks to the fact that sports cars in Singapore have become very expensive and very much a status symbol.
But with the latest Porsche Cayman, the 'poor' is about to strike rich.
Exterior
The Cayman receives a stronger identity and a noticeably edgier appearance with tauter surfacing, distinctive lines and greater shaping within its flanks while a bold line now runs across the doors and into the dominant cooling air inlets in front of the rear wheels.
And as you would expect, all these are done without losing the signature silhouette that's known only to Porsche (and some say the Beetle).
The Cayman has a series of changes under its metal sheet. Measuring at 4,380mm x 1,801mm x 1,294mm (L x W x H) and tipping at just over 1.3 tonnes, it's 33mm longer while having a reduced weight of 47kgs than the previous model respectively, thanks to its new lightweight body design.
While the Cayman is essentially a hard-top version of the Boxster, it's no bad thing. Considering the Boxster's superb proportions, muscular haunches and sound aerodynamics make the car one of the most striking Porsches in the brand's lineup, a hard-top entry-level Porsche will help to set the Cayman apart as a model-specific DNA.
In this context, there are some minor touches that differentiate the Cayman from its drop-top sibling. Other than the round front lights with four-point daytime running lights, the rear spoiler that has been integrated into the horizontal lid (yes, it can be deployed either automatically or manually) that runs across its bulged butt is higher and deploys at a steeper angle than on the Boxster.
While the Cayman is essentially a hard-top version of the Boxster, it's no bad thing. Considering the Boxster's superb proportions, muscular haunches and sound aerodynamics make the car one of the most striking Porsches in the brand's lineup, a hard-top entry-level Porsche will help to set the Cayman apart as a model-specific DNA.
In this context, there are some minor touches that differentiate the Cayman from its drop-top sibling. Other than the round front lights with four-point daytime running lights, the rear spoiler that has been integrated into the horizontal lid (yes, it can be deployed either automatically or manually) that runs across its bulged butt is higher and deploys at a steeper angle than on the Boxster.
Interior
Porsche has given the Cayman a more visually inviting cabin. Like all current Porsches, the second gen Cayman sports a Carrera GT-inspired centre console.
Although bucket seats aren't exactly the best comfort choice, the broader and heavily contoured electric seats are surprisingly supportive as they keep you in place when the going gets excitingly twisty.
More importantly, the driving position is spot on, providing you with a clear view of all four corners of the wide car. This immediately translates to a stronger sense of confidence when you're piloting the car at high speeds through tighter corners and narrow streets.
Porsche has given the Cayman a more visually inviting cabin. Like all current Porsches, the second gen Cayman sports a Carrera GT-inspired centre console.
Although bucket seats aren't exactly the best comfort choice, the broader and heavily contoured electric seats are surprisingly supportive as they keep you in place when the going gets excitingly twisty.
More importantly, the driving position is spot on, providing you with a clear view of all four corners of the wide car. This immediately translates to a stronger sense of confidence when you're piloting the car at high speeds through tighter corners and narrow streets.
The mid-mounted engine allows some surprisingly good packaging in the Cayman, too. You can have a choice of stowing cargo in the back or in front, giving you plenty of space for a weekend trip across the border if you choose to. And by no means is the cabin space compromised in any way.
The only thing we felt can be improved, still, is the plasticky stalks behind the steering. Although a small quibble for a car like the Cayman, we reckon paying a quarter million (without COE, mind you) warrants for a better quality material used.
The only thing we felt can be improved, still, is the plasticky stalks behind the steering. Although a small quibble for a car like the Cayman, we reckon paying a quarter million (without COE, mind you) warrants for a better quality material used.
Drivetrain
On the go, the Porsche Cayman is simply sensational. In just that short span of a sweaty six-hour session we spent with the car, we'd gained a sniff of the Cayman's spirit.
There is a pleasing immediacy to the linear delivery at the lower end of the rev range. But it is through the mid-range and up high where the car is most engaging, allowing you to do what you wish, when you wish. The fact that the newly adopted electro-mechanical steering feels tremendously alive helps a lot in this context.
Although many reckon that the current setup lacks the engagement and feedback as the old hydraulic system of the previous model, we honestly couldn't tell the difference. The weight consistency and absolute accuracy of the steering make it simply hard to fault. It is marvellously sublime and harmonious.
As a result, the Cayman is a point-and-shoot weapon that devours distance like a devil on the loose. Mash the accelerator and the tacho needle will swiftly and steadily hit the 8,000rpm redline, sending the car straight to the century mark in 5.6 seconds, accompanied by a throaty and invigorating roar that will send shivers down anyone's spine.
On the go, the Porsche Cayman is simply sensational. In just that short span of a sweaty six-hour session we spent with the car, we'd gained a sniff of the Cayman's spirit.
There is a pleasing immediacy to the linear delivery at the lower end of the rev range. But it is through the mid-range and up high where the car is most engaging, allowing you to do what you wish, when you wish. The fact that the newly adopted electro-mechanical steering feels tremendously alive helps a lot in this context.
Although many reckon that the current setup lacks the engagement and feedback as the old hydraulic system of the previous model, we honestly couldn't tell the difference. The weight consistency and absolute accuracy of the steering make it simply hard to fault. It is marvellously sublime and harmonious.
As a result, the Cayman is a point-and-shoot weapon that devours distance like a devil on the loose. Mash the accelerator and the tacho needle will swiftly and steadily hit the 8,000rpm redline, sending the car straight to the century mark in 5.6 seconds, accompanied by a throaty and invigorating roar that will send shivers down anyone's spine.
While credit for its brutal performance can be given to its capable 2.7-litre powerplant, it's the PDK transmission that deserves the final applause. The shifts from this dual-clutch gearbox are so lightning quick and seamless it's probably redundant to even put the car in manual mode.
While it's all fun and games in the normal driving mode, the dynamics of the Cayman increases a notch in Sport mode, which is available as standard now.
You can feel the body's rigidity and exceptionally well sorted suspension. More notably, in this mode, acceleration sharpens while exhaust note deepens, giving you the sign that the car is ready to unleash the flat six's 275bhp and 290Nm of torque.
Conclusion
The most striking characteristic of the Cayman is how undemanding and unpretentious it actually is. It's the kind of car you buy for pure performance and driving pleasure, not for women.
Thus, it's hard not to respect what Porsche have accomplished here. The Cayman has been honed and perfected until it's so complete and so capable that it won't come as a surprise that competitors will have trouble creating one that comes close.
Whatever the Cayman lacks - be it fame or proper ego-numerical badging - it certainly makes up for in road-biased usability and the ability to captivate a driver with its dynamic integrity. Exactly how a car should be, if you ask us.
While it's all fun and games in the normal driving mode, the dynamics of the Cayman increases a notch in Sport mode, which is available as standard now.
You can feel the body's rigidity and exceptionally well sorted suspension. More notably, in this mode, acceleration sharpens while exhaust note deepens, giving you the sign that the car is ready to unleash the flat six's 275bhp and 290Nm of torque.
Conclusion
The most striking characteristic of the Cayman is how undemanding and unpretentious it actually is. It's the kind of car you buy for pure performance and driving pleasure, not for women.
Thus, it's hard not to respect what Porsche have accomplished here. The Cayman has been honed and perfected until it's so complete and so capable that it won't come as a surprise that competitors will have trouble creating one that comes close.
Whatever the Cayman lacks - be it fame or proper ego-numerical badging - it certainly makes up for in road-biased usability and the ability to captivate a driver with its dynamic integrity. Exactly how a car should be, if you ask us.
