Porsche 718 Cayman S - still the perfect sports car? | First Drive | Autocar

Like the 718 Boxster we drove a few months ago, Porsche has given the 718 Cayman a four-cylinder turbocharged engine, rather than the old, soulful six-cylinder. Does it matter as much here? Or is the four-pot really a fine replacement?

We find out, and wonder: if the 718 Cayman still is as close as you can get to being the perfect sports car, what from Porsche's huge options list would you need to tick to make it the optimum version of it?

Which Cayman would you have?

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[Guy_de_Loimbard]

"It doesn't sound great..." Yes it does, and I can't wait for these things to come off-lease in a couple years.

[michaelpersiano]

Whoever thinks there is ANY deficiency in the 718 Cayman S PDK...well, you are crazily mistaken. This car is unbelievable, and this is an ATYPICAL 4-cylinder engine that blows away the prior 981 flat 6--blows it away. My last car had a world-class V8, and the new Porsche makes that car--the RC F carbon TVD--look silly. This is the future and a direction being taken my Porsche to achieve incredible performance while breaking from old standards. This 4-cylinder, 350 hp engine with PDK and sport chrono has created a uniquely capable supercar. Sound: this is what the new Porsche sounds like. It growls, it's aggressive, and it unapologetic. This car is FASTER than most of the 911s, handles better with remarkable balance, devours the corners, and, for all intents and purposes, is the best Porsche today for the true Porsche-phile.

[GroppaRacing]

Personally I think that the previous Cayman looked much more aggressive from the front, and that 6 cylinder... Well it just can't be replaced by a 2 litre turbo...

[wightcyclist]

Took an S out for 90mins and can honestly say it is very (yes, very) difficult to find fault - with any aspect. Yes, the sound is different to the traditional six pack, but it is by far not unpleasant. Certainly, the improvements on the previous Cayman are there and I'd guess that this is the direction Porsche are happy to go > 4 cylinders + turbo. They are selling a lot and maybe a new generation of Porsche owners are falling in love without even knowing what went before. Again, it's not a bad sound, just different. Love or hate it, it's still a cracking sports package and I'd have it !!

[amoghgajankush]

I think the deficiency of the noise is the biggest excuse people have been making to not buy this car. I got the sports exhaust package and man this car is a blast to drive. People to really understand you have to drive one and this car will not disappoint you.
You feel low if you don’t drive this car. Has added a new dimension to my life and I have only driven naturally aspirated Manual transmissions so far.

[jamessuttie]

Tragic because of the exhaust note? A bit extreme perhaps? Strikes me that you are like many Porsche fans that decry advancements in technology such as water cooling, Dual clutch transmissions and more powerful, more fuel efficient turbocharged engines. When a 718 Cayman S can run around Nurburgring 6 seconds faster than my 997 GT3 RS, what is to debate? I look forward to my new Cayman S, and will keep my GT3 RS for shows and Sunday runs because it looks cool. But the 718 is a better car. Even with a wimpy exhaust note!

[Venturakts]

Had mine 3 days. Its epic in every way

[mmajunkie]

I know its a efficient turbo four cylinder but damn a flat six just feels better knowing that's what under the hood

[DonFather]

I'm very happy to see somebody not trying to tippy toe around the issue of the engine sound. Thanks for not trying to hide the truth like many other reviewers do

[anneallman]

A move meant to lessen costs and meet the CAFE MPG requirements here in the USA, among other countries. A shame - I've owned a number of Boxsters and Caymans and it was ALL about that lovely flat six. It always has been, for me. Sorry, lads, you can keep this one. Looks like I'll be driving USED Porsches from now on. You've gone far wrong on this and I suspect there will be resistance from the enthusiast community..I think this chap's review was fabulous - thanks so much.

[NubletPie]

Totally agree, I would buy the old one in a heartbeat.

[NewWine]

£50-60K and you get a 4 cylinder engine. Sad times. :(

[Iwo]

Issue is that on US site when you built to spec 718 Boxter, it comes up to $100, 000.
100K for a 4cyl car..? That's where Porsche has lost

[pksangavaram]

in addition, the rear wheel has been widened by .5 inch, but the tire width has remained the same. it makes the traction much more predictable. you can feel the slip and the hook and go. the front suspension utilizes the 991.1 control arms, the 991.1 turbo steering box, and i think they made the steering programming similar to the 981 GT4. i also think the smaller steering wheel has helped.

[Malcom]

Owned both but the h4 just too good to spend anytime thinking about my old 981. Each to their own.

[detaart]

Finally someone being honest about the pitiful four banger in these cars.

[appk]

If the sound is the only problem you could find, I can overlook it. I test drove one and it's one of the best handling cars I've ever driven.

[slaWterCH]

I'm so glad I have the old one. Sounds incredible.

[jamesj]

No ones paying £48k for a four cylinder, wouldn't mind if it came with a big price drop 😐

[jayman]

I watched a video by Matt Farah the other day, he drove a 991.1 carerra gts after driving the new turbo carerra s, and while it sounded good he said that the lack of torque in the older motor kept him bored.
I think once people experience how hard these engines pull, nobody will care.