Launch drive of Porsche’s 718 Cayman.

We drive the new Porsche Cayman 718 at the international media launch. The car is now on sale in South Africa.

What is it?

New Porsche 718 Cayman represents the biggest upgrade in the model’s lifespan by cleaning the slate that has served Porsche so well. This is not a subtle tweak of the suspension or a new headlight design – although painfully for the competition either would be sufficient to see it remain as the benchmark. Instead the latest 718 Cayman gets a top to bottom makeover that readdresses its commitment to efficiency while simultaneously maintaining the performance gap to the faster 911 Carrera models.

What’s it like?

Slightly controversial in that 718 Cayman eschews the flat six normally aspirated motor for a 4-cylinder turbo charged lump. Ostensibly this mechanical blueprint is similar to competitors like the Audi TT although Cayman retains its rear-wheel drive USP.

One can’t argue with the facts. Without the S-badge on its rump 718 Cayman makes 220kW and 380Nm but the Cayman S with the 2.5-litre engine, opposed to the 2.0-litre, winds that up to 257kW and 420Nm. Models fitted with the 7-speed PDK shave a fraction off acceleration compared to the 6-speed manual with 0-100km/h in 4.7 seconds and 4.2 seconds. Figures that are identical to the 718 Boxster launched in South Africa earlier this year. Read about that here.

The new engine gives 718 Cayman serious performance kudos, the likes of which the normally aspirated engine couldn’t. Negatives? It can’t quite send shivers down your spine like 8000rpm of normally aspirated power but it still possesses an effervescent warble at low speeds that’s unlike any turbo charged 4-cylinder we’ve ever driven. And the new engine spreads power evenly rather than dumping it all below 3000rpm.

Progressive delivery is key to a car that drives the rear wheels, especially when dealing with 90Nm and 50Nm increases stirred from 1900rpm . You can shove in some extra gunpowder with the Sport Response System which configures maximum acceleration for 20-second periods at the push of a button. This compliments the Normal, Sport, Sport Plus and Individual modes selected by a new rotary dial positioned conveniently on the steering wheel.

We don’t have to be happy about downsizing but Porsche 718 Cayman does it well.

In the days when Cayman S’s achilles heel was straight-line speed, it would always catch them in the corners and new 718 Cayman hasn’t suddenly forgotten its primary weapon. Communication between driver and machine is telepathic; steering feedback from the electromechanical setup is 10% more direct and the chassis conveys every dimple in the tarmac without being uncompromisingly rigid. No other car is this fluid or neutral and sawing down the narrow roads of the Black Forest, you could confidently challenge anything… and beat it.

I would be lying if I said Cayman is noticeably stiffer than 718 Boxster but for the first time it’s now cheaper and to our eyes at least, sexier. It could quite actually be the best looking Porsche on sale thanks to neat proportions and organic styling. Apart from a slightly different exhaust design, Porsche hasn’t fussed over making the S model look all that different.

The other major upgrade is visible once you slink down into the snug cabin. Apple CarPlay (no Android Auto, sadly) forms part of Porsche Communication Management for quick cloning of smartphone media but if you don’t have an Apple device the touchscreen system still offers a plethora of bells and whistles. Yes the TT has the customisable Virtual Cockpit but this comes a close second, lacking only a bit of the Audi’s customisation and still being rather cluttered by buttons. If you can push the budget close to that psychological million Rand, options like heated/cooled seats, active cruise control, navigation and multi-function steering wheel can be added. It’s just about as advanced as a serious driver’s car should be – everything else is superfluous.

Should I buy one?

With the ghastly Mercedes SLC and the unclear future of BMW Z4, it’s only Audi’s TT and the more expensive Jaguar F-Type as reasonable alternatives. We’ll take the Porsche 718 Cayman every time, specifically the Cayman S which exposes the chassis’ magic just that little bit more and adds the final fizz to the soundtrack.

Pricing in South Africa

Porsche 718 Cayman:    R854 000

Porsche 718 Cayman S: R934 000