While rumors about Porsche cooking up a 718 Cayman T had been around since the fall (here's a spy video showcasing the prototype doing its thing on the Nurburgring), the time has come to meet the machine. And the news gets better, since the Germans also introduced the 718 Boxster T.
The T badge is to the base model what the GTS is to the S version, so the entry-level engine is used in combination with go-fast hardware that's not usually offered on the base version.
However, while the Porsche 911 Carrera T comes with a more pronounced purist spec, which includes a shorter final drive and lightweight glass, the 718 T brothers don't go that far.
To be more precise, the special equipment offered on the Porsche 718 Cayman T and 718 Boxster T includes PADM (dynamic transmission mounts), PASM Sport (active suspension, 20mm lower), PTV (mechanical locking rear diff) and Sport Chrono Package (automatic rev matching for the manual tranny and extra-loose electronic nanny setting). We also need to mention the standard 20-inch wheels.
Note that you can also opt for the PDK seven-speed dual-clutch tranny, but this adds 30 kilos. Regardless, as we mentioned above, the T uses the 2.0-liter flat-four of the base car, which still makes 300 horsepower
There's also a... light lightweight treatment, with this meaning the infotainment system is out (putting it back in the center console is a no-cost option), while fabric loops serve as door handles like in GT Division cars. Then we have the sports seats, which are only two-way electrically adjustable.
Alas, the stricter emissions regulations mean the car had to be fitted with a gasoline particulate filter, which offsets the said weight changes. As such, the straight-line performance of the T is identical to that of the nos-S model.
On the visual front, a twin-pipe (oval setup) exhaust and a high-gloss titanium finish for the wheels, along with the specific badging and decals set the model apart - as with the GTS, there are no dedicated body parts.
Inside the car, the T touches are even more subtle, as we're talking about instrument dials and door sill badging, along with embroidered headrests.
As usual with Porsche, the otherwise optional features that come as standard for the T bring better value for money compared to a base model with the same options.
Nevertheless, the 718 Cayman T and 718 Boxster T are over €8,000 more expensive than the base models, while still being almost €4,000 more affordable than the S versions. For instance, on the German market, the Cayman starts at €63,047, while the Boxster kicks off at €65,070.
However, those of you longing for a true purists' choice will be reminded that the 781 Cayman GT4 and 718 Boxster Spyder are just around the corner.
In his quest to bring you the most impressive automotive creations, Andrei relies on learning as a superpower. There's quite a bit of room in the garage that is this aficionado's heart, so factory-condition classics and widebody contraptions with turbos poking through the hood can peacefully coexist. Full profile
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