Now a couple years into production, is the sum of the Cayman still greater than its Boxster parts? We evaluated the Cayman S based on its cumulative luxury and practicality relative to other cars in its class. An even 100 points could be had if the car pegs the two 50-point categories. Read on to find out if the Porsche can meet perfection.
The luxury ride
Think of all the mid-engine European exotics that love to show off their powerplants. Some even put them on permanent display. The Cayman takes exception by hiding its 3.4-liter flat six behind the driver and ahead of the rear wheels. Nevertheless, what it’s lacking in appearance it more than makes up for in adequate prowess (295 horsepower @ 6,250 rpm and 251 lb-ft of torque @ 4,400 rpm) and tone. The Cayman has one of the best engine notes since the air-cooled 911 3.2 Carreras from the ‘80s. Call it sentimentality, but we can hear a hint of similarity in the exhaust growl. Similarly, performance is very much the same. Zero to 62 mph comes in 5.4 seconds and the Caymen can reach a top speed of 170. That’s for the six-speed manual, by the way. Tiptronic lovers aren’t exactly left in the dust either. Opt for the five-speed automatic and you can still nail 62 mph in 6.1 seconds and top off at 165. In all, it’s not much slower around the track than a new base 911.As you would expect, feedback from the brakes and steering are honest but not intrusive, making it easy to drive briskly. Hacks need not apply, but the Cayman S’ handling and performance near the limit is still forgiving, thanks in part to the standard Porsche Stability Management (PSM) system. At 75 mph and above, a small spoiler raises from the hatch and generates more downforce to keep you firmly planted on the road. Thankfully, it’s a lot more subtle than the 911 whale tales of the past. The optional Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) system is a couple thousand dollars well spent if you want the best of a compliant ride with the ability to get stiff (the car, not you) for winding roads or the track.
It’s hard to imagine tiring of the sound of the Cayman S’ engine, but it offers a decent sound system just in case. As long as you’re spending, you may as well throw in another grand for the upgraded Bose audio system. Elsewhere inside, the standard appointments do not disappoint by any means. An added interior bonus: The tach is front and center, where it belongs in a Porsche. Yet also true to Porsche fashion, scores of options and packages can be had -- again, for a price. It’s easy to get caught up in this personalization, so choose wisely if you’re attempting to keep the bottom line un-911-like. The estimated MSRP for the 2008 Cayman S is around $60,000 for starters. That really is a good value and judicious option selection will keep it that way.
The verdict
So cool, so quick, so rewarding, so easy to exploit: The Cayman S poses a compelling argument to would-be base-model 911 buyers.Luxury score: 46
The practical ride
Through the decades, most Porsche models have been well-suited to everyday use. They can typically even accommodate weekend luggage for two. The Cayman S is no exception. If the two-trunk layout in the Boxster is nice, the Cayman’s 14 cubic-foot capacity is even better, owing to the greater height of the coupe’s sloping roofline than the convertibles belt line. We would comment on the ability to haul clubs, but we would hate to inadvertently condone golf over Porsche driving.Whether or not you splurge on the array of mostly superficial options that have little to no effect on performance, the Cayman S interior gets it right. Call us crazy, but high performance and fatigue rarely conspire to deliver happy endings. This is a perfect example of how a sports car cockpit can be purposeful without punishing the driver. If you don’t mind being below eye level of SUV captains, there’s little reason not to commute in this car, especially knowing head and thorax airbags are standard.
Another argument for daily use is the gas mileage. Even with the power bump over the standard Cayman, the six-speed manual S version still manages 18 mpg in the city and 26 on the highway (or 18 and 25 with the Tiptronic). That’s based on the EPAs revised 2008 methodology for more accurate estimates, and that’s not bad at all. In other words, you’ll probably have to empty your bladder before you’ll need to refill the 14-gallon tank.
Dealer visits will probably consist of routine maintenance -- and little else -- whether you like it or not. The hidden nature of the engine poses a hassle for the few DIY-inclined that will buy these, but there’s not much DIY opportunity here anyway. Most Cayman owners will be content to drop by a dealer for their cars needs -- which shouldn’t be extensive. Caymans are not high-maintenance drama queens that require a fresh clutch and engine belts every 3,000 miles. If that ever happens, we suggest an introspective assessment of your driving technique.
The verdict
Continuing the company tradition of comfort and practicality as standard features, the Cayman S poses the argument that you really can have your cake and eat it too.Practicality score: 40
and the total is...
Call the Porsche Cayman S the everyday exotic. It’s a sports car experience that will satisfy purists, with the modern comfort and design to keep the rest enthused. If you’re not dead set on having an open car like the Boxster and won’t miss the extra power you’ll rarely exploit from the range of 911s, the $60,000 Cayman S could be the best Porsche to buy.86/100
Resources:http://autos.aol.com/
http://www.caranddriver.com/carnews/11785/2012-porsche-928.html?al=140
http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/findacar.htm
http://www.porsche.com/
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