The Porsche Cayman was created purely to fill a gap. It was an artificial car that was purposefully hampered in performance to slot in immediately between the Boxster and 911. Despite sharing its entire platform, engine and suspension setup with the Boxster, the Cayman was always just a touch more powerful and bit more expensive than its drop-top sibling. Basically the exact opposite way the market normally operates. But that all finally changes with the launch of the 2017 Porsche 718 twins.
Now dubbed the 718 Cayman and 718 Boxster, both cars are completely identical in power output and performance, with the only major option between the two of them being whether you want a roof or not. That means that the price of the Cayman has fallen, and what is arguably the best car Porsche makes is now the cheapest.
Enthusiasts rejoice.
Along with the name change and the smaller price tag, the 718 Cayman is getting a smaller engine. Stuffed behind the seats is Porsche new 2.0-liter turbocharged flat-four. Horsepower sits at an even 300 ponies with torque peaking at 280 lb-ft. The more powerful 718 Cayman S model gets a slightly larger 2.5-liter turbo four that bumps horsepower and torque up to 350 hp and 309 lb-ft.
Matching the new muscle is updated suspension including the option for the various PASM sport suspension systems. Brakes have also been upgraded to larger equipment borrowed from the 911.
If you have been on the lookout for a purist’s sports car, it’s hard to find fault in the Cayman. Now that you can snag one for a price tag that starts at just $53,900 there has never been a better time to park a Porsche in your driveway.
