Aimed at people who love driving, the Cayman T brings all the handling options available for a better price. In other words, it offers better value for a pre-selected set of upgrades catered to the discerning canyon carver. Like its bigger sibling, the Cayman T is an old-school approach for those who simply want to dance more intimately with their mechanical partner. There’s more too—it’s lower than the lowest the standard Cayman can go by 10mm, and as a result, it is one of the pointiest, eager, and most reassuring machines available for the money.
It is a true driver’s car, as Autocar’s Dan Prosser points out repeatedly. A short throw, an alcantara-wrapped wheel, “beautifully weighted” controls, and incredible balance gives the driver huge confidence. With the lowered suspension, the T is sharper, more predictable, and allows the car to be exploited that much more. Is it worth $77,000? For the people who don’t want to spring for the upcoming GT4 but enjoy the utmost in agility from the 718 lineup and a distinct character than the standard car, it’s not completely unreasonable.
Hunkered down 10mm lower than the standard car, the athletic Cayman T looks perfectly suited to canyon carving.
Of course, some of potential buyers will sniff at the idea of a flat-four for that sort of coin. The 2.0-liter turbo has a zinging top end though, and the torque is more than enough for the tire. Low-end power is an issue, though, as is the sound. Though that’s a subjective matter, the Subaru-like burble in the cockpit doesn’t quite pull the heartstrings like the old six did. Is a decrement in musical quality enough to spoil a rewarding engine and plenty of mid-range shove? It’s doubtful.
