Porsche Cayman

Introduction

Porsche Cayman is a mid-engined two-seater sports car in the model lineup of Porsche which surfaced the market in the year 2006 in its coupe attire. After Cayman, Porsche came up with the S variant of the Cayman which is the higher performance version of the first coupe. The first generation Cayman was launched in the year 2007 and quickly set the bars high with its compelling and powerful handling. This model is the coupe version of the highly appreciated Porsche Boxster and has received various revisions and advancements since its first launch to meet with the need of the customers over the years.

Engine, Mileage and variants

Back then introduced with only 2.7-litre flat six engine, the latest Porsche Cayman carries a range of powertrains underpinned in different variants. Porsche has brought the entire lineup of Cayman in the market in five variants: Cayman, Cayman S, Cayman Black Edition, Cayman GTS and Cayman GT4. While the base variant of Cayman and its Special Black Edition wears the 2.7-litre flat six-cylinder engine offering a maximum power of 275 hp with a maximum torque showing 290 Nm with a PDK transmission in tow, the Cayman S comes with the 3.4-litre flat six power unit with a peak power output of 325 hp at 7400 rpm and peak torque counting to 370 Nm at 4500-5800 rpm. Last year Porsche launched the new Cayman with the GTS treatment with the same 3.4-litre engine but offering higher power output counting to 340hp and an impressive torque worth 380 Nm. Lastly, the newest addition to the Porsche GT family is the Porsche Cayman GT4 which is the most powerful model in the lineup of Caymans featuring motor sports-oriented technology with the 3.8-litre flat six engine with thrilling power output of 385 hp and equally good torque measuring 420 Nm transmitted only by six-speed manual transmission with dynamic gearbox mounts. Porsche’s mid-engined models with manual and PDK transmission can sprint from naught to 100 kmph in just 4.4-5.6 secs while touching the top speed of up to 295 kmph and claimed to return a decent fuel economy in the range of 6.75 - 9.17 kmpl.

Exterior

Attention is not a new thing Porsche gets for its models and Cayman is no exception at all with its higher haunches, swept-back roofline and bigger as well as bulgier arches. The latest models of the mid-mounted engine coupe have shed around 30 kgs of weight with a cutting-edge concoction of aluminium and high-strength steel which make it more efficient, robust and the strongest in its segment. The front fascia features the prominent signature aerodynamic wings with the Bi-Xenon headlamps, front spoilers, large air intakes and the Titanium-finished huge metal grille to cover the radiators. Cayman’s extended addition Black Edition Cayman comes with either black or metallic black paint with Black Edition logo in the door sills. The base and S variant come with the dimension of 4380 mm x 1801 mm x 1294 mm (L x W x H) which is like 24 mm and 58 mm shorter than the GTS and GT4 respectively. The latest and most powerful GT4 sits lower than that of Cayman which gives it a lower centre of gravity mainly for sporty handling. 20-inches alloy wheels in Platinum color standard on all four models while the Black edition Cayman sports two-tone 20-inch Carrera Classic wheels giving it a distinctive black-on-black appearance.

Interior

Porsche’s interior architecture is equipped with everything one could ask in a perfect mid-engine sports car, stylish aesthetics, ergonomic layout and numerous comforting features. The driver can concentrate on the main essentials sitting further away from the controls feeling not at all confined with the plenty of free movement around the standard sports seats. The only sports car of Porsche with a rear hatch above the luggage compartment offers 275-litre capacity which is pretty decent in its class. The black-themed interior breaths motorsport in its each and every element including an upgraded audio system, dual-zone climate control, heated seats and electrically powered steering wheel as a Convenience Package. The Black-Edition Cayman’s interior is as black as they get with the Black Edition Lettering in the door sills while the black floor mats get the white “Porsche” lettering. The Porsche Communication Management system with GPS and Sound Package Plus including a 235-watt amplifier, seven amplifier channels and nine speakers are also available as standard features providing a higher level of comfort and entertainment to the occupants.

Safety, Braking and Miscellaneous

Along with the steep turn and winds, the Cayman offers exceptional handling and an engaging driving experience. Cayman models are integrated with four-piston aluminium monobloc fixed caliper brakes with Anti-Lock Braking System and an optional Porsche Ceramic Composite brake for sensitive braking and shorter braking distance even in the intense race conditions. The reduced body weight of the new Cayman makes it more efficient while the structure made of aluminum and steel create a rigid cage allowing more safety. Cayman with Adaptive Cruise Control is also equipped with Porsche Active Safe and the passive safety features include an array of eight airbags to give a sense of safety even under the toughest driving conditions. Porsche Stability Management available as standard provides traction control and stability using Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) and Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR).

Verdict

The exceptional handling and performance of Porsche Cayman with a range of powerful mid-mounted engines are enough to lure the Porsche fans and racers. The choice given to the customers in terms of engines and the advanced safety elements plotted in this coupe make it a leader in its class.