Today Porsche revealed its new 718 Cayman, the fourth generation since its birth in 2005. It will come in two trim models, the Cayman and the Cayman S, priced at £39,878.00 and £48,834.00 respectively. You can order either model now and deliveries will start in the autumn. This is the first time that Cayman has been cheaper than its convertible brother, the Boxster.
All change!
The new model is likely to cause a stir with die-hard Porsche fans as the new Cayman has the new four-cylinder turbocharged boxer engine that is also used in the new Boxster. Why will this cause upset though? Well the models that preceded this generation featured a naturally-aspirated flat six but change isn't always bad right?
But, what this does mean is that the Cayman is not any faster than the equivalent Boxster - a first - which will take away some bragging rights. The engine may have lost two cylinders but that doesn't mean it's a slouch. The regular Cayman features a 2.0 litre engine that produces 300 bhp and the Cayman S has a 2.5 litre which offers 350 bhp. They will 170 mph and 177 mph respectively and they will both get to 60 mph in under 5 seconds.
It's not just the engine that's changed
The chassis has been re-tuned as well to make sure that the new Cayman has improved responsiveness and cornering grip. The suspension and anti-roll bars have been firmed up too, ensuring that the car is able to give a more dynamic drive. Maybe that will come as solace to the Porsche fans mourning the six cylinder engine. The steering is 10% more direct and the rear wheels are half an inch wider, both of which will help in the bends.
Customers will be also invited to drive their new model at the Porsche Experience Centre, Silverstone to see what the car is really capable off. That's certainly not a bad way to christen a car...
