Earlier this year Porsche debuted the new 718 Boxster. Today, in China, Porsche unveiled the 718 Cayman. Like the Boxster before it, the new 718 Caymans are powered by turbocharged four-cylinder engines, have more aggressive exterior styling, an updated interior, new chassis tuning, and for the first time, the Cayman is priced lower than the Boxster.
The base model 718 Cayman is powered by a 2.0 liter engine making 300 HP. Zero to sixty is reached in just 4.5 seconds on the way to a top speed of 170 mph. The S model has a larger 2.5 liter engine producing 50 more horses than the base and can reach a top speed of 177 mph while hitting 60 mph in just 4.0 seconds.
The Turbocharged Flat-Four Engines of the Porsche 718 Cayman
One of the benefits of the new turbocharged motors is the almost instant torque availability. The 2.0 liter engine of the 718 Cayman delivers up to 280 lb.-ft., which is available between 1,950 rpm and 4,500 rpm. This represents a 67 lb.-ft. increase over the previous Cayman. The 2.5 liter engine in the 718 Cayman S features a turbocharger with variable turbine geometry (VTG), technology previously utilized in the 911 Turbo. That engine delivers up to 309 lb.-ft. of torque (37 lb.-ft. more than the previous Cayman S) to the crankshaft between 1,900 and 4,500 rpm.
Both engines used in the 718 Cayman models are equipped with an integrated wastegate to optimize boost pressure across driving scenarios. The result: confidence inspiring passing power and superior drivability in any situation. The 718 Cayman with PDK and optional Sport Chrono Package reaches 60 miles per hour in 4.5 seconds. The 718 Cayman S is able to accelerate from 0 to 60 in just 4.0 seconds. The top track speed of the 718 Cayman is 170 miles per hour, and the 718 Cayman S can reach a top track speed of 177 miles per hour.
New chassis tuning for greater cornering precision and more lateral grip
Firmer springs and sway bars as well as retuned shock absorbers improve lateral grip and tracking stability. The steering rack with a 10% quicker on-center ratio compared to the previous model has been adapted from the 911 Turbo and enhances agility. The rear wheels, which are one-half inch wider, and a new generation of tires increase lateral grip to allow for even better cornering.
Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) with a 10 millimeter reduction in ride height is also optionally available. In addition, the S model can be ordered with the PASM Sport suspension for the first time, which lowers the car by 20 millimeters. As in other Porsche sports cars, the Sport Chrono Package can now be adjusted using the Mode Switch on the steering wheel. Supplementing the previous settings of “Normal,” “Sport,” and “Sport Plus” is the “Individual” program, which can store and call up the driver’s preferred settings.
Updated Brakes
Due to the car’s increased performance, uprated brake systems with 330 mm brake rotors at the front and 299 mm rear rotors are now standard. The 718 Cayman uses the brakes from the previous Cayman S, while the 718 Cayman S is equipped with the four-piston calipers of the 911 Carrera combined with six millimeter thicker front brake rotorsDistinctive design for a more muscular appearance
The new 718 Cayman has been enhanced as comprehensively in its design as it has in its technology. The taut proportions, prominent air intakes on the sides and at the front, as well as the low side profile underscore the uprated dynamics. The front fascia has a sharper profile, which gives the front of the car a wider and more muscular appearance. The ultra-slim front lights above the air intakes, which house the positioning lights and indicators, reinforce this impression. Significantly larger cooling air intakes and Bi-Xenon™ headlights with integrated LED daytime running lights also characterize the new 718 Cayman. LED headlights with four-point daytime running lights are available as a new option. The redesigned rear fascia appears wider than before due to the high-gloss black accent strip with integrated Porsche logotype. The taillights have been completely redesigned and are distinguished by the three-dimensional look and four-point brake lights that appear to float freely.
Redesigned interior with standard PCM
Inside, revisions are visible for both the 718 Cayman and the 718 Boxster. The upper part of the dashboard and the air vents are new. The new 918 Spyder design sport steering wheel and extensive connectivity options have now been added to the 718 cockpit. Porsche Communication Management (PCM) and the eight speaker Sound Package Plus audio system are standard. The capabilities of the PCM can be extended with options such as the Connect module. It includes special extensions for smartphones, such as the USB port, Apple CarPlay and Porsche Car Connect. Another available option is the navigation module with voice control, which makes it easy to enter driving destinations. The Connect Plus module offers real-time traffic information, Apple CarPlay, Google Earth, Google Street View, and WiFi connectivity. Drivers can also make use of additional comprehensive services via their smartphone, which include the Porsche Connect App and Porsche Car Connect.
718 Porsche Cayman US Pricing
The 718 Cayman and 718 Cayman S are on sale now and will reach U.S. dealers in late November, 2016. The 718 Cayman starts at $54,950, and the 718 Cayman S starts at $67,350, including delivery charges.
718 Porsche Cayman Canadian Pricing
Pricing for the 2017 Porsche 718 Cayman starts at $61,500 and pricing for the 718 Cayman S starts at $75,600. It can be ordered now and Canadian deliveries will start in late November, 2016.
718 Porsche Cayman German Pricing
718 Cayman pricing starts at 51,623 euros in Germany, and the 718 Cayman S costs from 64,118 euros, each including VAT and country-specific features. First deliveries should start in September.