New Porsche Cayman 718 – With Down-sized Engines; More Power, Less Road Tax

718 Cayman S and 718 Boxster S

I was waiting for it, and now it will become a reality – Porsche will have down-sized engines for the new 718 Cayman and Cayman S, and these models will be available for sale in Malaysia by end 2016.

The Cayman is actually based on the same platform as the Porsche Boxster – the Boxster is the soft top version whilst the Cayman has a hard top. For the first time, the Boxster and the Cayman will share the same engines, which will be horizontally flat fours, mounted in a mid-engine configuration, and turbo-charged to provide even higher power than their respective predecessors. There will be a 2.0 litre engine for the Cayman, while the Cayman S will sport a 2.5 litre engine. The down-sized engines mean that we motorists can now have powerful engines without having to pay higher road tax amounts.

The entry-level version starts with 221 kW (300 hp) from two litres of displacement. The S model delivers 257 kW (350 hp) with a displacement of 2.5 litres. This represents 18 kW (25 hp) more power compared to the predecessor models with an NEDC (New European Driving Cycle) fuel consumption of 8.1 to 5.7 litres per 100 kilometres.

The tremendous torque of the new engines in the 718 Cayman promises driving fun and agility even at low revs. The two-litre engine of the 718 Cayman achieves a torque of up to 380 Nm (plus 90 Nm), which is available between 1,950 rpm and 4,500 rpm. The 2.5-litre engine of the 718 Cayman S features a turbocharger with variable turbine geometry (VTG), a technology hitherto used exclusively in the 911 Turbo.

In the 718 Cayman S, the VTG charger additionally has a waste-gate for the first time. It delivers up to 420 Nm (an extra 50 Nm) to the crankshaft at engine speeds between 1,900 and 4,500 rpm. For the driver this means even better torque in all engine speed ranges. The 718 Cayman with PDK and optional Sport Chrono Package sprints from zero to 100 km/h in 4.7 seconds. The 718 Cayman S completes this sprint in 4.2 seconds. The top speed of the 718 Cayman is 275 km/h, and the 718 Cayman S can reach a speed of 285 km/h.

In terms of driving dynamics, the new 718 Cayman models follow in the tracks of the classic 718 cars. Thanks to their outstanding agility, the historic mid-engine sports cars won numerous races in the 1950s and 1960s such as the Targa Florio and Le Mans.

718 Cayman S

718 Cayman

Lateral rigidity and wheel tracking have been improved in the completely re-tuned chassis of the 718 Cayman; springs and stabilisers have been designed to be firmer and the tuning of the shock absorbers has been revised. The steering, which has been configured to be ten per cent more direct, enhances agility and driving fun. The rear wheels have been designed half an inch wider, and this in combination with the redeveloped tyres result in an increased lateral force potential and hence in greater cornering stability.

Driving dynamics options such as the Sport Chrono Package and Porsche Torque Vectoring (PTV) allow the sporty character of the 718 Cayman to be further customised. Another available option is PASM with a ten-millimetre lowering of the ride height and additionally in the S model PASM sport suspension with a 20-millimetre lowering of the ride height for the first time. As in the other Porsche sports cars, the Sport Chrono Package can be adjusted via the programme switch on the steering wheel. Supplementing the previous settings of “Normal”, “Sport” and “Sport Plus” is the “Individual” programme, which is able to call up previously programmed individual settings for various systems.

On account of the car’s greater driving performance capabilities, stronger brake systems are now in use with 330-millimetre brake discs in front and 299-millimetre discs at the rear. The 718 Cayman now has the brake system that was previously used in the Cayman S. The 718 Cayman S, on the other hand, uses the four-piston callipers of the 911 Carrera combined with six millimetre thicker brake discs.

The new 718 Cayman has been further developed as comprehensively in its design as in its technology. The taut proportions, prominent air intakes at the front and sides and low side profile underscore the boost in dynamics. The nose has a much sharper profile, which gives the front end a wider and more masculine appearance. The ultra-slim front lights above the air intakes, which contain the parking lights and indicators, further reinforce this impression.

Rounding off the front end of the 718 Cayman, are the significantly larger cooling air intakes and bi-xenon headlights in their new design with integrated LED daytime running lights. LED headlights with four-point daytime running lights are available as a new option. Viewed from the side, the new sport coupé reveals its striking wings and side sills. The redesigned rear has a much wider look due to the accent strip in high-gloss black with integrated Porsche badge between the tail lights. The tail lights have been completely redesigned and are distinguished by the three-dimensional technology and four brake spots that appear to float freely.

Inside, revisions are visible for both the 718 Cayman and the 718 Boxster. The upper part of the dash panel including air vents is new. The new sport steering wheel in the 918 Spyder design as well as the extensive connectivity options have now been added to the 718 cockpit along with the Porsche Communication Management (PCM) as a standard feature.

Mobile phone preparation, audio interfaces and the 150-watt Sound Package Plus are all part of this standard. Options are available to extend the PCM. The Connect module, for example, includes special extensions for smart phones, such as the USB port and Apple CarPlay.

718 Cayman:

Combined fuel consumption: 7.4 – 6.9 l/100 km,

Urban: 9.9 – 9.0 l/100 km,

Extra-urban: 6.0 – 5.7 l/100 km;

CO2 emissions 168 – 158 g/km; efficiency class (Germany): E-D.

718 Cayman S:

Combined fuel consumption: 8.1 – 7.3 l/100 km,

Urban: 10.7 – 9.5 l/100 km,

Extra-urban: 6.5 – 6.0 l/100 km;

CO2 emissions: 184 – 167 g/km; efficiency class (Germany): F-E.

Watch the Porsche 718 Cayman S in motion below:

Keyword: New Porsche Cayman 718 – With Down-sized Engines; More Power, Less Road Tax