Porsche Cayman

Porsche Cayman (987) (2007–2012)

Porsche had teased fans with the prospect of a coupe version of the Boxster roadster so it was no surprise when we first saw the Cayman S in 2005, created on the new 987 Boxster platform. With a new body shell that included a fixed hard top and that amazing Boxster chassis as a base, the Cayman was epic from day one.

In the mid-2000s, Porsche found itself at an interesting crossroads. The iconic 911 was thriving, and the Boxster had successfully established itself as a beloved roadster for those who craved wind-in-your-hair driving. Yet, a gap lingered in the lineup – a space for something that bridged the gap between these two machines. Enter the Porsche Cayman (987): a perfectly poised mid-engine coupe that promised the agility of a Boxster and the hard-edged precision of a fixed-roof sports car.

In 2005, when Porsche unveiled the first Cayman, enthusiasts quickly took notice. The Cayman S was the first to hit the roads, powered by a lively 3.4-liter flat-six engine that produced a thrilling 295 horsepower. From the first twist of the ignition, the Cayman S made its intentions clear. This wasn’t merely a “Boxster with a roof” – it was something more rigid, more precise, and eager to carve through mountain roads with an intensity that seemed to defy its place in the Porsche hierarchy.

The engine sat behind the driver’s seat, a layout borrowed from the Boxster, but in the Cayman, the fixed roof added a new level of structural integrity. This gave the car a beautifully balanced feel, a dance partner that always knew where to place its feet. Critics praised its handling, calling it one of the most balanced sports cars ever made. The Cayman’s short wheelbase and low center of gravity meant it hugged corners with unwavering confidence, allowing drivers to explore their limits without fear.

The following year, in 2006, Porsche introduced the standard Cayman. While it may have been the "entry-level" model, its 2.7-liter flat-six engine was anything but ordinary. Producing 245 horsepower, it delivered a purer, slightly less aggressive experience than the S, but one that still brimmed with character. The sound of that flat-six engine reverberating off canyon walls became a defining trait of the Cayman experience – a mechanical symphony for the lucky few behind the wheel.

But Porsche wasn’t finished refining the Cayman. In 2009, the 987 generation received a significant facelift. This wasn’t just about aesthetics; under the hood, changes made the Cayman even more exciting. The base model grew to a 2.9-liter engine, now delivering 265 horsepower, while the Cayman S saw its 3.4-liter engine upgraded to produce 320 horsepower. Porsche also introduced the 7-speed PDK dual-clutch transmission as an option, a gearbox that shifted with lightning speed and transformed the Cayman’s character. The old Tiptronic automatic was gone, and in its place, the PDK ensured the Cayman stayed relevant in an era where technology was advancing rapidly.

The Cayman’s story, though, was about more than just numbers. It was about the feeling of driving something that seemed to anticipate your every move. The steering, weighty and precise, felt alive in your hands. The car’s mid-engine layout meant that weight distribution was nearly perfect, allowing drivers to make corrections mid-corner with an ease that few cars could match. Whether you were a seasoned track-day warrior or a weekend enthusiast, the Cayman made you feel like a hero.

Yet, despite its brilliance, the Cayman lived under the shadow of its older brother, the 911. Some believed Porsche intentionally held the Cayman back, fearful that it might outperform the 911 if given free rein. The Cayman’s engines, while potent, were always slightly detuned compared to what they could have been. But for those who drove it, this only added to the car's mystique. The Cayman felt like a hidden gem – a secret weapon for those who knew that balance and handling sometimes trumped outright power.

Of course, like any great story, the Cayman’s tale includes a few cautionary notes. Owners have often warned of potential issues with the IMS bearing (Intermediate Shaft Bearing) in early models, a problem that could lead to catastrophic engine failure if not addressed. Additionally, rear main seal leaks were known to plague some cars, while the air-oil separator occasionally required replacement. Yet, for those willing to maintain their Cayman with the care it deserved, these were minor hurdles in an otherwise thrilling ownership experience.

Inside, the Cayman’s cabin was a lesson in Porsche’s understated luxury. The seats held you snugly, the gauges were clear and purposeful, and everything was oriented toward the driver. This was a cockpit for those who cared about driving above all else. Even on long journeys, the Cayman proved itself a surprisingly comfortable companion, with enough storage to make it practical for weekend getaways.

As the sun began to set on the 987 generation in 2012, Porsche enthusiasts reflected on what the Cayman had achieved. It had taken a place of its own in the sports car world – not just a lesser 911, but a car with its own identity. For many, the Cayman 987 remains the purest expression of what a Porsche coupe can be: focused, balanced, and endlessly rewarding.

If you find yourself behind the wheel of a Cayman 987 today, know that you’re driving more than just a car. You’re experiencing a chapter in Porsche’s history where engineering brilliance and driving pleasure came together in perfect harmony.

Porsche Cayman (981) (2013 - 2016)

The 981 generation Cayman got a beautiful design update as well as revised engine and transmission specifications. The chassis was also revised and was available in both the standard trim with a 2.7-litre engine, and in the S trim with a 3.4-litre engine.

Introduced in 2012, the 981 Cayman was a car born out of a relentless pursuit of balance and precision. Porsche had taken everything it learned from the previous 987 and elevated it to new heights. For the engineers at Stuttgart, the goal was simple yet ambitious: to create a car that captured the pure essence of driving.

When the wraps came off the 981 Cayman at the 2012 Los Angeles Auto Show, it was clear this was no ordinary sports car. The design was sharper, sleeker, and more sophisticated than ever before. The 981 shared its DNA with the Boxster, but where the Boxster exuded freedom and open-air joy, the Cayman was about purpose and intensity.

The body was longer, lower, and wider than the model it replaced. Flowing lines swept from the headlights to the rear haunches, where a set of sculpted air intakes fed the eager flat-six engine. The headlights, now more angular, seemed to peer ahead with an intense focus. The LED tail lights glowed like fiery streaks at dusk, accentuating the car’s poised stance.

Inside, the driver’s seat felt like a command center. The center console, inspired by the 911 Carrera (991), swept upwards, housing a series of neatly arranged controls and a touchscreen for Porsche’s latest infotainment system. Leather and aluminum trims added to the sense of refinement. Everything was angled towards the driver, a subtle reminder that in this cockpit, you were the one in control.

But the real magic of the 981 Cayman lay beneath its sculpted skin. At its core, Porsche placed a naturally aspirated flat-six engine, the type of powerplant that had defined the brand for decades. The base model’s 2.7-liter engine produced 275 horsepower, a figure that seemed modest on paper but came alive on the road.

For those who craved more power, the Cayman S offered a 3.4-liter flat-six with 325 horsepower. The S could launch from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.7 seconds, a rush of acceleration that pinned you back into your seat, heart pounding and eyes wide.

And then there was the Cayman GTS, a machine that seemed to have a heartbeat of its own. With 340 horsepower, a symphony of intake growls and exhaust pops filled the air as the GTS danced through corners. The optional Sport Exhaust System amplified the experience, a switch that turned the Cayman’s voice from a purr to a roar.

The engine was paired with either a 6-speed manual gearbox, offering a tactile, mechanical connection to the car, or Porsche’s lightning-quick 7-speed PDK dual-clutch transmission. Each shift, whether by hand or paddle, was a moment of precision.

On the road, the 981 Cayman revealed its true character. The mid-engine layout gave it an almost supernatural balance. As the driver pushed into a sweeping corner, the car responded with a grace that seemed to defy physics. The front end darted in with razor-sharp accuracy, while the rear stayed planted, rotating just enough to make you feel like part of the machine.

Porsche had worked wonders with the chassis. The electric power steering—a controversial addition for purists—felt as if it had been tuned by the hand of an artisan, delivering feedback that kept the driver’s senses alive. The available Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) allowed the car to switch between composed comfort and track-hungry aggression with the flick of a switch.

But the true joy of the 981 Cayman was found in the details. The way the car settled itself under hard braking, the satisfying weight of the steering wheel, the way the engine’s note climbed as you chased the redline—all these elements came together to create a driving experience that was as rich as it was addictive.

Each version of the 981 Cayman had its own personality. The base Cayman was the purist’s choice, a car that rewarded momentum and finesse. Its 2.7-liter engine encouraged the driver to work the gearbox and find the rhythm of the road. It was not the fastest, but it was perhaps the most rewarding.

The Cayman S added muscle to the mix. Its 3.4-liter engine provided effortless power, making highway passes and canyon sprints a thrilling exercise. The S struck a balance between precision and potency, a car that could thrill on the track and relax on the daily commute.

And then there was the Cayman GTS. This was the athlete of the family, dressed in subtle performance cues and armed with every tool in Porsche’s dynamic arsenal. The GTS felt alive, as if it anticipated every command before you gave it. On a twisty road, it was a dance partner that never missed a step.

It was one of the last Caymans to feature a naturally aspirated flat-six engine, a dying breed in an age of turbocharging and downsizing. This alone made the 981 special, a bridge between Porsche’s rich heritage and an uncertain future.

When the 981 Cayman bowed out in 2016, it left behind a legacy of pure, unfiltered driving joy. Its successor, the 718 Cayman (982), brought turbocharged engines and new technology, but many enthusiasts still hold the 981 close to their hearts. The howl of its flat-six engine, the sublime balance of its chassis, and the tactile joy of its controls make it a modern classic in every sense.

Porsche 718 Cayman (982) (2017 - Present)

The Porsche Cayman (982), introduced in 2016 is know as the 718 series, a homage to the legendary Porsche race cars of the late 1950s and early 1960s. It had significant changes to the engine lineup and design philosophy. This model replaced the naturally aspirated flat-six engines of previous generations with turbocharged four-cylinder units.

Sparking both enthusiasm and controversy among Porsche purists, the move to turbocharged four-cylinder engines was a monumental move for Porsche. Nevertheless, the 982 Cayman maintained its position as a benchmark for balance, agility, and driving pleasure, embodying the essence of Porsche’s sports car legacy.

The 982 series introduced sharper lines, a more aggressive stance, and updated technology, combining classic Porsche aesthetics with modern engineering. While the change to four-cylinder engines was divisive, the Cayman 982 continues to deliver an exhilarating driving experience. Whether tackling winding mountain roads or cruising on the highway, it remains one of the most accessible ways to enjoy Porsche’s engineering excellence.

When Porsche unveiled the 982 Cayman, it was clear that they aimed to modernize the car while staying true to its roots. The Cayman received a more refined design, reflecting the brand's commitment to aerodynamics and visual appeal. The front fascia was redesigned with larger air intakes, enhancing both cooling and the car’s aggressive demeanor. The headlights featured Porsche’s distinctive four-point LED daytime running lights, giving the Cayman a sharp, contemporary look. The rear end was equally striking, with a sleeker bumper and a continuous light strip that accentuated the car’s width.

Inside, the Cayman 982 offered a driver-centric environment that emphasized simplicity, precision, and quality. The cabin featured Porsche’s PCM (Porsche Communication Management) system with a 7-inch touchscreen, providing access to navigation, audio controls, and Apple CarPlay integration. The optional Sport Chrono Package added a mode selector on the steering wheel, allowing drivers to switch between Normal, Sport, Sport Plus, and Individual driving modes. High-quality materials, such as leather upholstery and aluminum trim, underscored the car’s premium feel, while the layout ensured that all controls were intuitively placed for maximum convenience.

Ergonomically, the Cayman 982 was designed to offer optimal comfort and engagement. The GT Sport steering wheel, inspired by the 918 Spyder, was available as an option, adding a further layer of performance-oriented style. Every element within the cabin, from the seating position to the instrument layout, was meticulously crafted to enhance the driving experience.

The most controversial aspect of the 982-generation Cayman was its switch from naturally aspirated six-cylinder engines to turbocharged four-cylinder units. This change was driven by the need to meet stricter emissions regulations while maintaining performance. The base 718 Cayman came with a 2.0-liter turbocharged flat-four engine producing 300 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. It could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds, or 4.7 seconds with the optional PDK (Porsche Doppelkupplung) dual-clutch transmission. The top speed was an impressive 170 mph.

For those seeking more power, the 718 Cayman S featured a 2.5-liter turbocharged flat-four engine with a variable-geometry turbocharger. This engine delivered 350 horsepower and 309 lb-ft of torque, propelling the car from 0 to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds (4.2 seconds with the PDK). The top speed increased to 177 mph, making the Cayman S a formidable sports car with a broad powerband and excellent mid-range punch.

In 2018, Porsche introduced the 718 Cayman GTS, which also used the 2.5-liter engine but tuned it to produce 365 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque. This model could sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 4.1 seconds with the manual transmission or 3.9 seconds with the PDK, offering an exhilarating driving experience that bridged the gap between the S and the track-focused variants.

For purists who longed for the classic Porsche sound and feel, the introduction of the 718 Cayman GTS 4.0 in 2020 was a game-changer. Powered by a naturally aspirated 4.0-liter flat-six engine, this model produced 394 horsepower and 309 lb-ft of torque. The 0-60 mph time dropped to 4.3 seconds, and the car could reach a top speed of 182 mph. This engine, shared with the 718 Cayman GT4, delivered a linear power delivery and an intoxicating exhaust note that many felt restored the Cayman’s heritage.

The pinnacle of the 982 lineup is the 718 Cayman GT4, which features the same 4.0-liter flat-six but tuned to produce 414 horsepower. This track-focused variant boasts a 0-60 mph time of 4.2 seconds and a top speed of 188 mph. The GT4's chassis, aerodynamics, and suspension were all optimized for high-performance driving, making it a favorite among enthusiasts who frequent the racetrack.

The 982 Cayman’s mid-engine layout continues to be one of its greatest strengths. This configuration provides near-perfect weight distribution, resulting in exceptional balance and agility. Porsche’s engineering expertise is evident in the car’s PASM (Porsche Active Suspension Management) system, which electronically adjusts the damping based on road conditions and driving mode. This allows the Cayman to deliver a compliant ride during daily driving while maintaining razor-sharp handling when pushed to its limits.

The optional Porsche Torque Vectoring (PTV) system further enhances cornering by applying brake pressure to the inside rear wheel, helping the car rotate more effectively. The Sport Chrono Package adds dynamic transmission mounts, which minimize engine movement during spirited driving, ensuring that the car remains stable and responsive. Whether on tight, twisty roads or wide-open highways, the Cayman 982 feels planted, predictable, and incredibly communicative.

Drivers can choose between a six-speed manual gearbox and the seven-speed PDK dual-clutch transmission. The manual offers a more engaging experience, with precise shifts and a rewarding mechanical feel. The PDK, on the other hand, delivers lightning-fast gear changes, making it ideal for those who prioritize speed and convenience.

The Porsche Cayman 982 is generally reliable, but prospective buyers should be aware of a few potential issues. Turbo lag can be noticeable in the 2.0-liter and 2.5-liter models, especially at lower RPMs. Additionally, the direct-injection engines can suffer from carbon buildup on the intake valves over time, which may affect performance. Regular maintenance, such as oil changes and periodic carbon cleaning, can help mitigate these concerns.

Brake components, particularly on high-performance variants like the GTS and GT4, can wear out quickly with aggressive driving. It’s essential to inspect the brake discs and pads during a pre-purchase inspection. Routine maintenance costs are reasonable for a sports car of this caliber, with oil changes costing between $200 and $300 and major services around $1,500.

Depreciation has been a factor for the early 982 Caymans, particularly the base and S models, due to the mixed reception of the turbocharged engines. However, models like the GTS 4.0 and GT4 have held their value remarkably well, thanks to their naturally aspirated engines and enthusiast appeal.

The Porsche Cayman (982) offers a compelling mix of modern performance, timeless design, and exceptional driving dynamics. Despite the controversy surrounding the switch to turbocharged four-cylinder engines, the 982 Cayman remains a true driver’s car, with the 718 Cayman GTS 4.0 and GT4 reaffirming Porsche’s commitment to its purist roots. Whether you’re a daily driver, weekend warrior, or track day enthusiast, the Cayman 982 provides a level of balance and engagement that few other sports cars can match. For those seeking a mid-engine sports car that delivers Porsche’s legendary engineering in a versatile package, the 982 Cayman stands as a definitive choice.