Porsche rolled out its all-new third-generation 2014 Cayman at the 2012 Los Angeles Auto Show last November, but the automotive press wasn’t allowed behind the wheel until just this week. And, as expected, the first drive reviews (all from the European continent) have just started to show up online. Taking a look at some of the early impressions, it seems that Porsche has delivered yet another impressive little sibling to the 911 — some are saying it is an even better driving machine that the icon.
We’ll hold off our judgement until we get behind the wheel, or at least hear from our peers on this side of the pond:
Auto Trader UK
Inside, the quality of the materials and the construction is a match for the first-rate driving experience. Everything, with the exception of the decidedly cheap-looking light on the steering wheel to let you know you’re in ‘Sport’ or ‘Sport Plus’ modes, is entirely in keeping with the Porsche premium brand.
However, that premium feel has a cost. The base models look a fair price, but there are several exceedingly desirable options. For example, on either model you’d do well to consider the various sports suspension packs if you like driving quickly (and which Porsche driver doesn’t?).
Then there’s the biggest decision: the optional PDK semi-auto gearbox. Both the manual and PDK are excellent and you’d be very happy with either. However, the PDK adds a few functions which mean the car is slightly more economical and also slightly quicker. Trouble is, at £2000, plus a further £200 for the essential steering wheel paddles, it’s a hefty sum.
Even with these options, and the associated higher price, the new Cayman is easily worth it. So much so, in fact, that you have to question whether the car will steal some sales from its larger and more expensive stable-mate, the 911.
Read the full article here.
The Telegraph UK
With a mid-engine configuration, the nose turns into corners faster than anything with its engine in the front. The rest of the car snakes through behind and the effect at the wheel is of carving along a wave like a surfer, exhilarating, quicksilver fast and slightly horrifying. Go in too fast and the chassis understeers, balance it through a corner and all four wheels drift out.
That’s all with the traction control on – if you turn it off and get out of shape, you’ll need to be quick and accurate with the steering correction. That steering is very, very good, but doesn’t quite have the feedback and feel of the system in the old Cayman R, which was an exemplar of hydraulic assistance. What are utterly brilliant are the brakes. Not just their power, but the perfect pedal weighting and linearity. You can almost think this car to a halt.
In standard trim, or with the active damping in soft, the ride is supple but stiff. The 18in wheels crash across potholes, but that’s in keeping. Add in the 19in wheels of the Cayman S, or worse, the 20in options combined with the sports suspension, push all the buttons and you’ll wonder if there’s any springing apart from the seat. The Sport Chrono system locks the transmission mounts rigid with the body, which reduces the secondary reaction when you turn in to corners. It works, but you’ll only want to use in on track days.
It’s at this point that we’re supposed to encourage you to dig deep and buy the larger engine, the twin clutch ‘box, the leather, the options, the stereo and the bells and whistles. To spend, in short, a lot more than you intended. Don’t. Buy the standard 2.7 instead. It’s a car that encourages you to drive it better and rewards you when you do. The Cayman wasn’t a bad car before, but this one is a world-beater.
Read the full article here.
Auto Express
On the move, the new Porsche is quite simply sensational, particularly on twisting back roads. Thanks to its motorsport-inspired mid-engined layout, the Porsche always feels beautifully balanced, while the dizzying levels of grip allow you to attack corners with confidence. Better still, the new electrically assisted steering is beautifully weighted and full of feedback. Powerful and progressive brakes, rock solid body control and a precise six-speed gearbox complete the dynamic masterclass.
As you’d expect, the Cayman S is an explosive performer. The six-speed manual car will blast from 0-62mph in only 5.0 seconds, while models equipped with the £1,922 seven-speed PDK twin clutch gearbox require only 4.7 seconds. Whatever transmission you choose, you get the same spine-tingling howl from the engine. There’s also the option of a £1,473 Sports exhaust, which adds to the dramatic soundtrack with plenty of pops and bangs on the overrun. Yet there’s more to this Porsche than undiluted driving thrills.
Read the full article here.
