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Archive for the ‘Porsche Cayman’ Category

While most automakers these days are occupied searching for new methods of extracting more and more power from their sports coupes, Porsche seems more concerned with something even more elusive – lower weight. As such, the German automaker has given birth to a string of lightness-adding model variants, including the likes of the 911 Carrera T. Now, Porsche will apply a similar performance philosophy to the Cayman. Like its 911 big brother, the fresh two-door will take the name T, and offer a more driver-focused experience thanks to less heft, a taut suspension tune, and a few extra ponies to boot, all for less than the hardcore Cayman GT4 track weapon.

After the 911 T, the Cayman T will be going under the knife. Well, not for the looks, but for weight. Reportedly, the 2019 Cayman T will be losing 44 pounds and gaining ten horses to become a faster car. These chops have happened to give the car a more focused driving experience.

Having the engine in the middle or as close to the center of the car as possible is deemed ideal in order to have even weight distribution between the two axles. But over the years, the configuration has mostly been reserved for expensive exotics unattainable by only the wealthiest enthusiasts. That’s why cheaper cars that have adopted the configuration have always stood out and usually attract some manner of cult following.

This article focuses on midship cars which you can buy right now without having to factor in the sale of an organ or anything involving a Ponzi scheme and wearing a fake mustache. Rest assured you can get attainable mid-engined kicks these days in the cars posted after the jump (in ascending price order), but don’t go thinking they’re cheap; they’re not.

Man, I can’t remember the last time I was as stoked about a rally car as I am about this one. Ever since the rally scene migrated from awesome sedans (Lancer Evo, WRX, or that magnificent Skoda Octavia), I was a bit disappointed watching small city cars tackling the courses. They are supremely fast, granted, but lack the drama, or the seriousness of the larger machines. Or sports cars. And that is where the newest Porsche Motorsport Rally concept comes into play. This is the Porsche Cayman GT4 Clubsport Rallye Concept. A mouthful isn’t it. Well, after I saw it the first thing I thought about was the 959 Dakar Porsche from the Eighties. It was sublime and, while the new Cayman GT4 Clubsport Rallye isn’t a 918 Rallye, I feel happy to have an opportunity to see it at all.

There is nothing that Porsche engineers can’t do. Case in point: the Cayman GT4 Clubsport Rally Concept. The new machinery is a turnkey, track-spec race car that traces its roots to the Porsche Cayman GT4 Clubsport. It looks different than the GT4 Clubsport, in large part because it was designed specifically for rally racing use. More importantly, the concept will be in attendance at Rallye Deutschland later this month and will serve as a course car for Romain Dumas, the same man who now holds the time attack record at Pikes Peak with the Volkswagen I.D. R electric rally car.

There is nothing that Porsche engineers can’t do. Case in point: the Cayman GT4 Clubsport Rally Concept. The new machinery is a turnkey, track-spec race car that traces its roots to the Porsche Cayman GT4 Clubsport. It looks different than the GT4 Clubsport, in large part because it was designed specifically for rally racing use. More importantly, the concept will be in attendance at Rallye Deutschland later this month and will serve as a course car for Romain Dumas, the same man who now holds the time attack record at Pikes Peak with the Volkswagen I.D. R electric rally car.

With the fourth-generation of the 718 Cayman coming to life in 2016 it didn’t take long for Porsche to pump out the Cayman GTS with a little extra power, nicer materials, some blacked out trim, and more features as standard equipment. It’s a car that looks fabulous in the garage and it can look fabulous on your desktop as well. So, check out our hand-picked wallpapers below and download one of five — the choice is yours.

The new 2019 Porsche Cayman GT4 is on the way, and by all accounts, it’ll once again offer buyers an utterly untainted driving experience and faultless Stuttgart engineering. The up-and-coming performance machine was recently spied testing at the Nürburgring, and our carparazzi was on the scene to capture the coupe in full HD video as it attacked the fearsome race track.

Continue reading for the full story.

The new 2019 Porsche Cayman GT4 is on the way, and by all accounts, it’ll once again offer buyers an utterly untainted driving experience and faultless Stuttgart engineering. The up-and-coming performance machine was recently spied testing at the Nürburgring, and our carparazzi was on the scene to capture the coupe in full HD video as it attacked the fearsome race track.

Continue reading for the full story.

Word was that the Cayman GT4 would be powered by a turbocharged engine, but just recently we reported that it would, in fact, have a naturally aspirated flat-six. Now we have clear-cut proof, as the GT4 was just caught testing at Monza without a hint of turbo spool, turbo whistle, or wastegate blow off. And, despite some minor driver errors, it seems like it was handling pretty damn well on the track too. And, that exhaust note? Amazing. Expect to see the Cayman GT4 debut sometime in mid-2019, if not sooner.

Word was that the Cayman GT4 would be powered by a turbocharged engine, but just recently we reported that it would, in fact, have a naturally aspirated flat-six. Now we have clear-cut proof, as the GT4 was just caught testing at Monza without a hint of turbo spool, turbo whistle, or wastegate blow off. And, despite some minor driver errors, it seems like it was handling pretty damn well on the track too. And, that exhaust note? Amazing. Expect to see the Cayman GT4 debut sometime in mid-2019, if not sooner.

With the fourth-generation of the 718 Cayman coming to life in 2016 it didn’t take long for Porsche to pump out the Cayman GTS with a little extra power, nicer materials, some blacked out trim, and more features as standard equipment. It’s a car that looks fabulous in the garage and it can look fabulous on your desktop as well. So, check out our hand-picked wallpapers below and download one of five — the choice is yours.

BMW just unveiled the M2 Competition, a significant upgrade to the already familiar M2. Sporting exclusive features inside and out and a turbocharged engine borrowed from the M4, the M2 Competition is a big step forward for the nameplate on the performance ladder and may open the door to a more track-prepped version in the future. With more than 400 horsepower at its disposal, the M2 Competition seems ready to take on the heavyweights of the performance market, starting with the Porsche 718 Cayman GTS. Does it have what it takes to go against Stuttgart’s mid-engined sports car? Let’s find out in the comparison below.

Continue reading for the full story.

BMW just unveiled the M2 Competition, a significant upgrade to the already familiar M2. Sporting exclusive features inside and out and a turbocharged engine borrowed from the M4, the M2 Competition is a big step forward for the nameplate on the performance ladder and may open the door to a more track-prepped version in the future. With more than 400 horsepower at its disposal, the M2 Competition seems ready to take on the heavyweights of the performance market, starting with the Porsche 718 Cayman GTS. Does it have what it takes to go against Stuttgart’s mid-engined sports car? Let’s find out in the comparison below.

Continue reading for the full story.

Porsche has done as good a job as any automaker in adapting to the times while still keeping its brand identity intact. A good example of that is the upcoming, high-performance plug-in hybrid version of the Porsche 911. We already know that the model is going to happen, but just because the 911 will be offered as a plug-in hybrid, that doesn’t mean Porsche is ready to take it a step further and offer an all-electric version of its most iconic nameplate. A Porsche 911 EV is not happening, though if you cross fingers, an all-electric powertrain could make it eventually find its way to the 718 twins.

Porsche has done as good a job as any automaker in adapting to the times while still keeping its brand identity intact. A good example of that is the upcoming, high-performance plug-in hybrid version of the Porsche 911. We already know that the model is going to happen, but just because the 911 will be offered as a plug-in hybrid, that doesn’t mean Porsche is ready to take it a step further and offer an all-electric version of its most iconic nameplate. A Porsche 911 EV is not happening, though if you cross fingers, an all-electric powertrain could make it eventually find its way to the 718 twins.

Porsche’s decision to fit a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine inside the 718 Cayman and 718 Boxster models didn’t sit too well with some of the brand’s most hardcore supporters. Fortunately, they shouldn’t worry about seeing a smaller engine on future models because Porsche has no plans of ever going that route. The German automaker indicated that it could do it if it wanted to, but it’s not considering that option because it doesn’t make sense from a performance point of view.

Michael Steiner, a member of Porsche’s executive board for research and development, spoke to Autoguide on the sidelines of the LA Auto Show about this specific issue. According to Steiner, Porsche can use an engine as small as a 1.0-liter, but that kind of application wouldn’t make sense for road-going production cars for a number of reasons, including the complexities of adding a hybrid system to work with the engine. “At some point, it would make no more sense to downsize the combustion engine and put more and more electric energy into the vehicle,” he said.

Another issue with this powertrain equation is weight, something that Porsche has always been very careful of in the development of its cars. “If you would like to have good performance and very precise and fast reaction to any movement of the gas pedal, you need torque, not only power,” Steiner added. A smaller 1.0-liter engine may be lighter in comparison to a 2.0-liter mil, but if Porsche wants more torque out of the whole hybrid setup, it’s going to need to add a bigger and more sophisticated hybrid system to account for the needed torque figures to help the car perform like a proper Porsche. Developing that kind of hybrid system will also cost Porsche money, something it’s not keen on doing if it doesn’t have to do it.

So while it is possible to see a 1.0-liter engine on a Porsche — the 919 racer has one — it’s not something that Porsche is keen on doing with its production cars. Rest easy, purists. You can put the pitchforks down now.

References

Porsche 718

Read our full review on the 2017 Porsche 718 Cayman.

Read our full review on the 2017 Porsche 718 Boxster.

Read more Porsche news.

When it unveiled the 2016 Porsche Cayman GT4 in February 2015, Porsche finally did what gearheads had been asking for a very long time: it allowed the mid-engined Cayman to live up to its true potential, which had been kept leashed to prevent it from being faster than the base 911. Now that the first Cayman GT4 has come and gone and the mid-engined sports car it was based on received a mid-cycle update, it’s time for a new track-ready coupe.

Ever since the first GT4 was announced, enthusiasts have been asking themselves whether Porsche will take things up a notch and develop a GT4 RS. But, despite favorable rumors and the fact that an RS version would make sense, a more powerful GT4 has yet to happen. This could change with the upcoming model. And even though there’s no confirmation whether it will be called the GT4 or GT4 RS, the new coupe will definitely pack a significantly beefed-up engine. So I’m tempted to go with an “RS” badge.

Updated 08/20/2018: Our spy photographers caught the upcoming Cayman GT4 out for one final testing before its official debut set for the 2018 Paris Auto Show.

Continue reading to learn more about the Porsche Cayman GT4 RS.

2017 has been quite the year for the automotive industry. We’ve seen hypercars make their debuts. We’ve seen incredible advancements and electrification and autonomous driving technology. Heck, we’ve even seen deceased brands come back to life – shout out to TVR! – with a vengeance. One of the best parts of all these releases is that at some point, some of them will inevitably skip the depreciation curve and become collectible cars. The trick is figuring out which ones will be able to navigate down that road, and if you’re trying to do that, there’s no better source of authority in matters pertaining to the collector car market than Hagerty.

It’s safe to say that when the insurance company talks, all of our ears perk up. If it says that one of today’s models is on the inside track to be a future classic, there’s a good chance that it could turn into one. Ok, so enough small talk. Hagerty’s has already released its picks of 2017-2018 models that are trending on the right path. It’s not a guarantee that these cars will earn collectible status in the future, but having Hagerty’s stamp of approval goes a long way in shaping the opinions of car collectors all over the world.

Continue after the jump to read the full story.

Chevrolet Camaro ZL1

Current price: $61,140

We’ll start with a car that’s expected to be a collectible in the future. There are no surprises here, at least not when the car in question is the Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, which has been described as the most powerful factory-built Camaro in history. It also comes with arguably the most comprehensive aerodynamic package ever given to a Camaro. The result is a car that not only tips the scales at 200 pounds less than its predecessor, but also has power numbers that add up to 650 horsepower and 660 pound-feet of torque. These figures translate to an acceleration time of just 3.5 seconds to 60 mph and 11.4 seconds at 127 mph to a quarter-mile. It may not be as powerful as the Challenger SRT Demon, but rest assured, Camaro collectors from all corners of the world would be smart to get the 2018 ZL1 while it’s price tag of just over $60,000 is still where it is now. Wait a few years and you might end up being forced to pay far more than that.

Read our full review on the 2017 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1.

Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport

Current price: $65,450

It is a bit surprising that Hagerty did not include the Dodge Challenger SRT Demon – or even the Challenger Hellcat – in its list. Is it possible that both Challenger models are overhyped? That’s a question for another time, though, because this spot is dedicated to the Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport. It’s not the most powerful Corvette in the market today – that would be the ZR1 – but the Corvette Grand Sport is arguably the best Corvette for your money. It’s priced at a shade over $65,000, and for that amount, you stand to get an all-American sports car that features a 6.2-liter V-8 engine with 460 horsepower on tap. Beyond the numbers, the Corvette Grand Sport also has the chops to handle its business against European sports car elite. Very few American-made sports cars are capable of doing that, but the Corvette Grand Sport can do it. Add the nostalgia that’s traditionally associated with Corvette models and the Grand Sport is shaping up to be one of the best sports car purchases today.

Read our full review on the 2017 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport.

Fiat Abarth 124 Spider

Price: $28,195

Is it a surprise that of the ten cars on this list, three of them are entry-level sports cars that cost somewhere in the vicinity of $30,000? I don’t think it is, especially when you see the three sports cars that Hagerty identified. One of them is the Fiat Abarth 124 Spider, the spiffy roadster that brought back the now-iconic 124 Spider name. It says a lot about the new 124 Spider’s predecessor that it lasted almost 20 years on the road (from 1966 to 1985) and is now considered a collectible piece. The new Spider isn’t the most powerful car out there, but with 164-horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, it has enough juice to become this generation’s go-to Italian roadster. It’s even capable of sprinting from 0 to 60 mph in 6.3 seconds, so that’s another feather in the cap of the sports car. Ultimately though, the new 124 Spider will be judged by how it’s going to handle the test of time. Can it live up to its predecessor’s status and become a collectible itself? It’s too early to say now, but give it 20 years, and the conversation could turn into which of the 124 Spiders is the more collectible version.

Read our full review on the 2017 Fiat Abarth 124 Spider.

Mazda MX-5 Miata RF

Price: $31,555

This feels like a cop-out answer given how Mazda’s MX-5 sports car is already considered a collectible. But to make it more interesting, Hagerty put the spotlight squarely on the shoulders of the MX-5 RF variant. I personally think it’s a good call because the MX-5 RF has history on its side for being the first MX-5 to feature a targa roof. Think about that for a second. The MX-5 has been around for almost 30 years and it’s only now that a targa roof version is created. Add that to the revered legacy of the sports car and this is probably one of Hagerty’s easiest calls. It doesn’t even matter that the MX-5 RF has a 2.0-liter SkyActiv-G engine that pumps out 155 horsepower and 148 pound-feet of torque. Those figures are just bonuses to what ultimately be the MX-5 RF’s legacy: it’s a Miata that has “first of its kind” attached to its name. That kind of distinction is tantamount to a fast-track to “collectible” status.

Read our full review on the 2017 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF.

Toyota 86

Price: $26,500

I’m actually surprised by this one. Hagerty legitimately thinks the Toyota 86 has the potential to be a collectible car. It’s not that I don’t like the 86, but ever since it was released in 2012, the only thing that sticks to me about the 86 is how much Toyota has left – and continues to leave – off the table as far as allowing the car to reach its full potential. I think Toyota has short-changed the 86 to the point that the lack of any meaningful improvements in the five years it’s been in the market will hamper its long-term outlook as a collectible. For sure, it’s a great entry-level sports car that just about anyone can buy these days. But the 86 could’ve been more if Toyota had just given it more freedom to realize its sports car lineage. There’s still room for that to happen, but with the return of the Supra, it’s hard to imagine the 86 being more than what it already is. Again, it’s a good sports car to own. It just could’ve been a lot better. Regardless, Hagerty is a lot more bullish on its long-term outlook than I am so I’m going to trust its judgment on this one.

Read our full review on the 2017 Toyota 86.

Audi TT-RS

Price: $60,000

We’re going a segment up in the sports car market for the next two cars on this list. Unlike the Toyota 86, the inclusion of the Audi TT-RS on this list is far from a surprise. In fact, it’s another one of Hagerty’s easy calls. It’s true that the Mazda MX-5 Miata has garnered much of the attention as far as being one of the most engaging sports cars in the past 20 or so years. But let’s not sleep on the Audi TT-RS either because it’s just as distinctive in terms of driver engagement as the MX-5. It doesn’t even matter that the TT-RS costs twice as that of the MX-5. Their two sports cars that occupy two different segments, and more is that evident than the numbers the Audi can offer on the table. Think about it. It has 400 horsepower coming from a 2.5-liter turbocharged inline-five engine. It’s got a sprint-to-60-mph time of 3.7 seconds. It’s even dressed like a proper sports car, thanks in large part to an aerodynamic kit that makes it look like a baby Audi R8. All plaudits aside, the TT-RS’s long-term outlook is bright because it really is a supercar dressed up in a sports car body. As far as “collectible” potential is concerned, the Audi TT-RS is dripping with it.

Read our full review on the 2017 Audi TT-RS.

Porsche 718 Cayman

Price: $50,000

It’s hard to imagine a Porsche not having collectible potential. It’s even harder to imagine a Porsche not being a collectible when its name is taken from a legendary race car that won the 12 Hours of Sebring once and the Targa Florio three times. That’s what we have with the 2017 Porsche 718 Cayman. It has turbocharged boxer engine that pumps out 300 horsepower and it’s got an assortment of Porsche’s class-leading technology at its disposal. The result is a sports car that not only serves as a cheap alternative to the Porsche 911, but just as important, it carries with it the legacy of a racer that lived up to its name. Hard to think that the 718 Cayman can’t do the same, right?

Read our full review on the 2017 Porsche 718 Cayman.

Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio

Price: $73,000

We’re already up to the eighth car on this list and this is the first four-door model to make it. Goes to show how popular performance cars are as potential collectible cars. Is it a surprise that Hagerty identified the Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio as a potential future classic? I’m actually on the same page here, and it’s not just because I count myself as a fanboy of the Giulia Quadrifoglio. First, let’s talk about what’s at the heart of it: a 2.9-liter twin-turbo V-6 that has the fingerprints of Ferrari all over it. The result is an output of 505 horsepower and a sprint-to-60-time of 3.8 seconds. Outside of the numbers, you have to look at its impact, not only as Alfa’s new flagship sedan but also as a representation of the automaker’s return to the US market. If the Giulia Quadrifoglio hits big here in the US, it has the credentials and the legacy to prove Hagerty right. I wouldn’t put it past Alfa Romeo to make that happen.

Read our full review on the 2017 Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio.

Ford SVT Raptor

Price: $50,000

Pick-up trucks are probably the last type of car you’d see on a “future collectible” list, and yet here we are. The Ford Raptor isn’t an old model – it’s only been around since 2010 – so it doesn’t have the legacy of a model like the Mazda MX-5 or even the Fiat 124 Spider. But in the short amount of time that it’s been around, it’s arguably become one of the most popular production pickups in the business. At the very least, the first-generation model of the Raptor is already being singled out as a potential collectible, and that model only went out of production a few years ago to give way to a second-generation model that’s already being touted as better in every conceivable way compared to its predecessor. This is the what the Ford SVT Raptor has done to the segment. If any of you have any doubts about the Raptor’s chances of turning into a collectible, try looking for one that’s for sale at a decent price. You might find it harder than you expected.

Read our full review on the 2017 Ford SVT Raptor

Chevrolet Colorado ZR2

Price: $40.995

It may not be as popular – or as big – as the Ford Raptor SVT, but the Chevrolet Colorado more than holds its own in the mid-size pickup segment where the ZR2 trim is holding court as one of the best picks in the market today. It’s not the most powerful pick-up, nor is it the cheapest. But it has a suite of tech and aerodynamic features –
dynamic shocks, electronic locking front/rear differentials, increased ride height, and widened track – that has it on Hagerty’s short list of potential future collectibles. You may not agree with it, but the insurance company has the pulse of this market and if it thinks that the Colorado ZR2 could have the same impact as the Raptor in its segment, then we could be looking at a spot-on prediction from Hagerty.

Read our full review on the 2017 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2.

Introduced in 2005 as a hardtop coupe iteration of the ever-popular Porsche Boxster roadster, the Cayman gets all the same good stuff as its topless sibling, plus the added rigidity and aggressive looks of a fixed roof. The latest fourth-generation was introduced in 2016, dubbed the 718 after the racer Porsche built in the late ‘50s. Now, Porsche is adding a new GTS iteration for the 2018 model year, and although we’ve seen a Cayman GTS in the past, this is the first time the formula has been applied to the fourth-gen 718. Per usual, the upgrades include a marginal power increase, more standard equipment, blacked-out trim pieces, and high-end interior materials.

Continue reading to learn more about the 2018 Porsche 718 Cayman GTS.

Official video

Exterior

Per Porsche tradition, the 718 Cayman GTS looks only marginally different next to non-GTS iterations. The basics are completely unchanged – you still get a two-door coupe that’s low, wide, and rounded. The 911-inspired front end gets teardrop-shaped headlight housings, each with a set of quad lighting elements. The profile leads the eye rearwards, with a swept-back, streamlined shape, plus a prominent intake added just ahead of the rear wheels. The tail is curvy and short, bulging at the sides with sizable hips that give the whole thing a forward-leaning, raked stance.

Basically, it’s a two-door coupe version of the two-door Boxster roadster. We think it looks good, albeit a bit predictable.

To help the GTS variant stand out, Porsche added a series of subtle, yet effective upgrades. Kicking it off is a redesigned front fascia, which the Stuttgart automaker has dubbed “Sport Design.” Basically, this encompasses a new lower half for the front bumper, gaining tweaked intakes and additional black components that seem to stretch from fender to fender. The result is a wider look for the GTS.

The Cayman GTS looks wider than the standard Cayman thanks to a new front fascia.

The complement the new front fascia, Porsche also added a few updates to the tail, although differences here are a bit more difficult to pick out.

Finally, a slew of black accents were added front to back, and include black badging and insignia, as well as a tint added to the front turn signals and taillights. Finishing it off are matte-black wheels, sized at 20 inches in diameter at each of the four corners.

Interior

Step into the Cayman GTS’s interior, and you’ll find the traditional two-seat layout, just as you’d expect. The space is tight, hugging the passengers in the typical sports car fashion, while drivers grip a three-spoke multifunction steering wheel. Prominent handles can be found on the doors, while rounded air vents are on the dash. Adorning the center console is a digital infotainment screen, plus a plethora of buttons and switches to adjust the various onboard systems.

All pretty standard stuff, if we’re honest. However, much like the exterior, the GTS stands out thanks to a few choice upgrades. For starters, you’ll notice the Porsche chronometer placed high on the dash, a feature you’ll find on every Cayman GTS thanks to the standard Sport Chrono Package (more on that in the next section).

Further upgrades include a variety of black accents, plus standard Sport Seats Plus

sitters specifically engineered to provide ample lateral support while exploring the Cayman’s lofty cornering abilities. High on the seats, you’ll find the GTS logo embroidered into the seat headrest, while Alcantara adorns the seats’ center sections. Further Alcantara was added to the steering wheel, center console, and door armrest.

Options include the Navigation Module Package and Connect Plus Package, as well as the Porsche Track Precision App, which basically relays pertinent track data to your smartphone as part of the Sport Chrono Package.

Drivetrain

Mounted behind the cabin, the Cayman GTS comes equipped with a turbocharged 2.5-liter boxer flat-four engine, the same lump you get with the Cayman S. As an upgrade over the standard 2.0-liter flat-four in the base model Cayman, the S produces as much as 350 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, a sizeable increase over the base model’s 296 horsepower and 280 pound-feet. Properly motivated, the Cayman S can manage a run to 60 mph in 4.0 seconds and a top speed of 177 mph.

The GTS sees a little more added on top thanks to a new intake plenum and update to the turbocharger. Displacement still comes in at 2.5 liters, but peak power is rated at 365 horses, 15 more than the S. Sending the power to the rear axle is a standard six-speed manual gearbox, although a seven-speed double-clutch automatic (popularly known as the “Porsche Doppelkupplung,” or PDK), is also offered as an available option.

Torque in the 718 Cayman GTS is rated at 317 pound-feet when equipped with a PDK, or 309 pound-feet with the manual transmission. Max torque hits at 1,900 rpm, lasting until 5,000 rpm with the PDK and 5,500 with the manual.

Clearly, the PDK is the faster option, and as such, acceleration with the seven-speed looks like 3.9 seconds to 60 mph – about a tenth of a second quicker than the S. Top speed is rated at 180 mph, 3 mph faster than the S.

Finally, the GTS comes standard with a sport exhaust, finished with black pipe tips to complement the rest of the black trim.

Chassis And Handling

While certainly quick, one of the Cayman’s biggest selling points is the way it handles. Indeed, with a mid-/rear-mounted engine and relatively low curb weight (roughly 3,000 pounds), not to mention Porsche’s reputation for building razor-sharp track toys, the Cayman GTS has the right stuff to be an absolute delight in the corners.

Making the most of it is the standard Porsche Torque Vectoring system, which throws in a mechanical rear-differential lock to keep the traction flowing. Buyers also get standard Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM). Also note, the PASM lowers the car by 0.39 inches compared to the standard Cayman suspension set-up.

Finally, the Cayman GTS comes standard with the popular Sport Chrono Package, which enables a sportier drive mode perfectly suited for track driving. Features like Launch Control, faster gear changes, a sharper throttle response, and dynamic transmission mounts are all included.

Prices

Order books are open now for the 2018 Porsche 718 Cayman GTS, with first deliveries expected to arrive by March of 2018.

Pricing for the Cayman GTS is set $79,800, which is a little over $27,000 more than the standard model Cayman.

Competition

Jaguar F-Type

If you prefer a sports car with an extra dose of grand touring style, then Jag has what you need with the F-Type. Offering a variety of trim levels and price points, Jag’s best fit for the 718 Cayman would be the $80,000 R-Dynamic Coupe, which equips a front-mounted 3.0-liter V-6 that’s supercharged to produce 380 horsepower at the rear wheels. Not only does it look incredible, but it’s also got enough muscle to hit 60 mph in 4.8 seconds and reach a top speed of 161 mph.

Read our full review on the Jaguar F-Type.

BMW M4 Coupe

Slotting in as the Bavarian’s compact two-door performance machine, the M4 Coupe is a muscle-bound luxury sports car dripping in track-inspired styling cues. Even better, it’s got the goods under the hood to back the aesthetic, rocking 425 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque thanks to a turbocharged inline six-cylinder. And although pricing starts at $64,200, well below the sticker for the Cayman GTS, the M4’s long list of options is sure to pad the bottom line significantly.

Read our full review on the BMW M4 Coupe.

Chevrolet Corvette Z06

Sometimes, subtlety needs to take a back seat to raw, unbridled performance, and in circumstances such as those, the Bow Tie offers the Corvette Z06. Producing a whopping 650 horsepower and 650 pound-feet of torque from a supercharged 6.2-liter V-8, this all-American bruiser trounces the competition in terms of acceleration, hitting the 60-mph mark in just 3 seconds flat. Either a seven-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic routes the muscle rearwards, while mammoth grip comes courtesy of real working aero and wide Michelin tires. It’s even got carbon brakes to slow it down. And starting at just over $80,000, the Z06 won’t break the bank either.

Read our full review on the Chevrolet Corvette Z06.

Conclusion

At first glance, the Porsche 718 Cayman GTS might seem a bit too pricey for its own good. After all, this thing is nearly thirty grand more than standard model, which begs the question – is it really worth it to pay the equivalent of a brand new Dodge Challenger or Toyota 86 to get the GTS?

For many folks, the answer is an unequivocal yes. Sure, in terms of power, the GTS isn’t setting any sort of new benchmarks, and although an extra 15 horses over the S isn’t a lot, it’s good enough to optimize the rest of the equipment you get with the model. The active suspension, Sport Chrono Package, and torque vectoring system are all included with the GTS badges, which should go a long way in making this Cayman even more impressive in the corners.

And at the end of the day, that’s what Porsche’s customers really want. If a blistering 0-to-60 mph is more your speed, then the ‘Vette is where you should look.

Long story short, the Cayman GTS is worth it – just so long as you were originally planning on getting a little heavy-handed with that options list anyway.

• Love it
  • More power
  • More standard equipment
  • Better handling
  • Looks good
• Leave it
  • Seriously expensive
  • Much faster options already on the market
  • Standard Cayman might be the smarter buy for some

References

Porsche 718

Read our full review on the new 2017 Porsche 718 Cayman.

Porsche Cayman

Read our full review on the previous 2015 Porsche Cayman GTS.

Porsche Boxster

Read our full review on the 2018 Porsche Boxster GTS.