The new Porsche 718 Cayman has been unveiled with the two-seater sports coupe now having four-cylinder turbo boxer engines to replace the previous naturally aspirated six cylinder engines.
However, purists may not like the new turbocharged flat fours but Porsche insists they will deliver more power and be more efficient.
Since its launch in 2005, the Porsche Cayman has become popular and enjoyed a strong reputation for being a ‘driver’s car’ and the firm says the new model will set the benchmark for driving performance in its class.
The new Porsche 718 Boxster
The new engines are shared with the new Porsche 718 Boxster with the 2.0 litre engine producing 300 HP and a 2.5 litre unit producing 350 HP – that’s around 25 HP more than the previous engines. Fuel economy will range between 35 mpg and 41 mpg on the combined cycle.
The new engines also deliver more torque, particularly at lower revs, with the 2.5 litre unit coming with a variable turbine geometry turbocharger – which is unique to Porsche petrol engines (and is the same as the one fitted to the 911 Turbo).
Sprint times for the Porsche 718 Cayman
The 0 to 62 mph sprint times for the Porsche 718 Cayman with the 2.0 litre engine is 4.7 seconds with a top speed of 170 mph and in the larger engine it is just 4.2 seconds with a top speed of 177 mph.
Driving dynamics have been improved with a new chassis which, Porsche claims, has been tuned for greater precision and to boost its cornering stability.
These dynamics can also be boosted with options such as the Sport Chrono Package which offers an electronically-controlled rear limited slip differential so the Cayman’s sporting character can be altered to suit the owner’s references.
Get this car on personal contract hire
Porsche have also added stronger brakes since the 718 Cayman is more powerful than the car it replaces and they have made the car’s nose sharper which makes the vehicle look wider and delivers a ‘purposeful appearance’.
The car is available for ordering now with the more powerful 718 Cayman S costing from £48,834 while the Porsche 718 Cayman is priced from £39,878 – owners will also be given the chance to enjoy a bespoke driving experience at Silverstone to help develop their Porsche driving skills.