After the Cayenne SUV pretty much doubled their production figures at the beginning of this century, Porsche didn't rest on its laurels and continued investments in releasing another addition to the model range. Launched in 2005, the mid-engine Porsche Cayman was first introduced only in "S" guise, followed soon by the regular Cayman model.
Essentially just a coupe version of the Boxster, the Cayman was first met with some reticence, especially since it was more expensive than its soft-top little brother. The clouds soon dispersed and everybody found out the real deal behind the Porsche Cayman's sheer existence. In short, this is probably the truest sports car in the whole Porsche line-up, GT models included.
Why is that? Well, there's only one reason actually. The engine isn't wrongly positioned at the rear, but in the best side possible, the middle. In other words, after the 914, the Boxster and the Carrera GT, the little Cayman is the third road-going Porsche with a mid-engine configuration.
With a name derived from the tax haven going by the name of Cayman Islands, which in turn is derived from the small crocodile species, the second least expensive Porsche is also one of the best handling cars ever built for the road by the Stuttgarter sports car maker.
At the end of 2008, a mid-life facelift was carried out, keeping the exterior quasi-identical, with most of the modifications to be found under the skin. Direct injection and a newly-developed double-clutch gearbox with seven forward speeds found their way onto the Cayman. We tested a "Guards Red" Porsche Cayman S with the PDK double-clutch gearbox and the Sport Chrono Package.
Out of this world handling and stability during cornering? Check. Enough engine grunt to keep you firmly pressed in your seat all the way to... let's say "highly illegal speeds"? Check. Ergonomic interior and enough space in the luggage compartment(s) for longer traveling? Check. Reasonable fuel economy considering the fabulous performance figures? Check. Anything bad to say about this car? Umm... read on and you'll find out.
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