Porsche Cayman & ‘S’ (987) Review
Simply adding a roof to the Boxster created what is
probably the best-handling mid-engined sports car in the world
They're such teases those Porsche people. Ever since the
Boxster was launched it seemed entirely obvious that a fixed head version
should be developed too, but it took an agonising eight or so years before it
finally happened, arriving as it did in 2005 (nearly ten years ago. Where does
the time go?).
Porsche Cayman ‘S’
(987) front rear view
It proved to be a massive hit with us journos, but perhaps
slightly less so for the buying public, although as a niche model, that wasn't
too much of an issue. What the Cayman achieved was to turn the Boxster into
something that was pretty much 100% complete as a driver's car, thanks mainly
to its more rigid shell. Add to that the low centre of gravity thanks to the
flat-six engine, and the low polar movement from its mid-mounted position, and
this was pretty much the best handling mid-engined sports car at any price.
Porsche Cayman ‘S’
(987) engine
The Cayman arrived in full fat S guise straight at launch
with a 295bhp, 3.2-litre engine attached to a shiftastic six-speed gearbox (or
PDK if you must). With it came gizmos like PASM (Porsche Active Suspension
Management), which defied road surfaces to combine ride quality with digitally
assisted handling. The passive set up was nearly as good, too.
A year later a 2.7-litre version arrived with 245bhp and a
five-speed gearbox and the option of six ratios if you ticked the right box.
The S feels noticeably quicker, but the standard 2.7-litre Cayman feels even
sweeter in terms of balance, particularly on standard 18in wheels.
Porsche Cayman ‘S’
(987) side view
A refresh arrived in 2009 with the gen2 Cayman which, like
the 911, was on the receiving end of the new DFI (Direct Fuel Injection) engine
and the new PDK seven speed gearbox. Power for the 3.4-litre S was up to 300bhp,
while the 2.7-litre engine grew to 2.9-litres and 265bhp. At the end of the
Cayman's first incarnation came the brilliant R version, which is now within
our $84,000 budget and another tour de force of handling prowess and a multiple
magazine group test winner.
For many people, to drive a Cayman is to question the point
of the 911. Logic dictates that it’s mid- engined set up, and one that is set
low in the chassis too, is always going to be superior to the 911 rear- engined
layout. Yes, there's no denying it - the Cayman is the better handling car, but
it's not the faster car that accolade will always go to the 911 because Porsche
have made sure of it. That said, as the current generation of 911 becomes ever
more a GT, then the Cayman is being allowed to close the gap as the de facto
sports car. But here, in our up to $84,000 world, the choice is really going to
be Cayman or 997.
Porsche Cayman ‘S’
(987) interior
As a Porsche novice you would be forgiven for being
immediately attracted to the Cayman driving experience. It is, after all,
rather special. Make sure it's a manual and revel in the interaction of the
perfectly weighted controls and the full of feel steering. The 3.2 S is fast by
anyone's standards too, while the 2.7 or 2.9 satisfies in the slightly more
calculating approach required to getting the best out of it.
Compared to a 911? For some there is no comparison, but
ultimately the 911 is the slightly more involving, three dimensional driving
experience. But this is where the 911's rear-engined weight bias comes in,
adding an element to the handling that, while flawed, can be exploited too. At
first it feels odd, but for some it's the defining 911 trait. Us? We're
probably spilt 50/50 on this one, but for this scribbler, a Cayman would be at
the top of the Porsche wish list.
Porsche Cayman ‘S’
(987) back rear view
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Technical Specifications
·
Model: Porsche Cayman ‘S’
·
Engine: 3.4-litre flat-six
·
Power: 315bhp @ 7200rpm
·
Torque: 273lb ft @ 4750rpm
·
Transmission: 6-speed manual or 7-speed pdk
·
Brakes: 320mm ventilated discs front; 299mm rear
·
Tyres front: 235/40zr18 rear: 265/40zr18
·
Economy: 35.3mpg (combined)
·
Top speed: 171mph
·
0-62mph: 5.1 secs
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