Porsche 718 Cayman (2016 – present) | Expert Rating [hide]
Summary
The Porsche Cayman first appeared in 2005, effectively as a hard-top version of the second-generation Boxster cabriolet. The current model launched in 2016, when both the Cayman coupé and Boxster convertible gained the 718 moniker recalling a 1950s Porsche sports car. More pertinently, it also switched from naturally-aspirated versions of Porsche’s signature flat-six engine to mostly turbocharged flat-four units.
Mid-engined and cheaper than other models propelled from the rear, the Cayman is sometimes derided as a “poor man’s 911.” Reviewers are generally positive about it, however, though disappointed at the emissions-led change in engines.
Four power outputs are on offer ranging from 300hp of the regular Cayman to the 420hp of the hardcore GT4 model.
This and the GTS were launched after other Cayman variants, and saw a return to six-cylinder power. “They’re expensive,” says The Telegraph, but “these are the sort of cars about which you’ll remember the driving quality long after you’ve forgotten the price.”
Testers praise the excellent handling of the Cayman, so much so that the more recently introduced lightweight T model is not considered different enough to justify its price – “the standard Cayman is such a find-handling car that 90% of drivers would never sufficiently exploit the T’s chassis to notice the extra benefits it brings,” says Auto Express.
Some reviewers point out that the interior does not include the modern touchscreens of other Porsches, but others consider this a good thing. And it is regarded as a minor issue in a car with prodigious potency and exemplary handling – Top Gear describes the Cayman as “a fantastic sports car with a real breadth of ability.”
Reliability appears to be an issue for the Cayman. In a 2021 reliability survey, What Car? rated it as the third-worst new car on sale, with more than half of owners having problems and two-thirds of those having to pay for repairs themselves rather than being covered by the car’s warranty.
As of January 2022, the Porsche 718 Cayman holds an Expert Rating of 86% from 24 reviews. That’s exactly the same score as its convertible sibling, the Porsche 718 Boxster.
Cayenne highlights
- Good-looking sports car
- Excellent handling
- Comfortable ride for sports car
- Quality interior
Cayenne lowlights
- Small engines for a Porsche
- Interior tech not as current as other Porsches
- T model not different enough to justify price
- Reports of many reliability problems
Key specifications
Body style: Two-door coupéPowertrain: petrol
Price: From £45,230 on-road
Launched: Autumn 2016Last updated: Summer 2020
Update due: TBA
Image gallery
Porsche 718 Cayman GTS 4.0
Porsche 718 Cayman GTS 4.0
Porsche 718 Cayman GT4
Porsche 718 Cayman GTS 4.0
Media reviews
Reviews, road test and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.
The Car Expert
Model reviewed: GTS“The Porsche 718 Cayman GTS is a bit of cracker. It’s sharp, nimble and brilliantly suited to the UK’s roads – and it gets better the harder you drive it.”
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Auto Express
Model reviewed: 4.0-litre petrol manual GTS 4.0Score: 10 / 10“It may not look any different, but this new Porsche 718 Cayman GTS is a transformation – and the pick of the range. At face value, it may seem pricey compared with a regular Cayman S, but the extra cash is worth it for the new naturally-aspirated 4.0-litre engine alone.”
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Model reviewed: GT4Score: 10 / 10“The new Porsche Cayman GT4 is one of the best performance car bargains of the last decade.”
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Model reviewed: Cayman T 2.0-litre petrol automaticScore: 8 / 10“However you specify it, the Porsche 718 Cayman is a fantastic sports car that can hold a torch to models costing twice the price.”
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Auto Trader
Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 8 / 10“The Porsche 718 Cayman looks a million dollars and, when it comes to handling and driving fun, sits right at the top of the pile. What’s more, its sublime steering, superb control weights and exceptional ride quality make it a brilliant long-distance GT.”
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Autocar
Model reviewed: GT4Score: 9 / 10“The Cayman GT4, then, is a near pitch-perfect introduction to the world of the Porsche GT. For you it’s fast, fun and almost absurdly accessible.”
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Model reviewed: GT4Score: 9 / 10“And we’ll say it again: this chassis is nothing short of sensational. It’s simply joyful on a charge.”
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Model reviewed: Cayman TScore: 9 / 10“If you really get a kick out of punting a sports car along a deserted road, the Porsche 718 Cayman T deserves as much of your consideration as any other current Cayman.”
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Car
Model reviewed: TScore: 8 / 10“Yes, it’s a four-cylinder 2.0-litre turbo and we’ll get this out of the way now: it doesn’t sound like naturally-aspirated flat-six – because it’s not.”
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Model reviewed: 718 Cayman GT4Score: 10 / 10“The latest Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 remains one of the most impressive and enjoyable road cars to drive on a circuit, especially if you subscribe to the theory that less equals more, and value the way a car makes you feel rather than its outright speed.”
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Model reviewed: 718 Cayman GTSScore: 8 / 10“The GTS polarises. It is expensive, it does not have a clear edge on performance, and the engine is no more refined than the lesser engines. On the other hand, it looks sexier, has a potentially higher resale value and when everything falls into place the 360bhp Cayman easily matches the 444bhp 911 in grins-per-mile.”
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Model reviewed: 718 Cayman SScore: 10 / 10“We love the Porsche 718 Cayman. It’s a bit like Usain Bolt. Still brilliant and best in class – we just rue the passing of that super six-cylinder from yesteryear. We remember how much more sizzling Bolt was back at Beijing and London; but he was still at the top of the podium in Rio too.”
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Carbuyer
Model reviewed: (range review)Score: 8.6 / 10“The Porsche 718 Cayman is a joy to drive, a pleasure to sit in and great to look at. It’s just a shame the turbo engines are more sensible than they are characterful.”
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Evo
Model reviewed: 718 Cayman GT4Score: 10 / 10“For a combination of pure driver appeal and value, the Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 has no rivals. An instant modern classic, if ever there was one.”
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Model reviewed: 718 Cayman GTSScore: 9 / 10“Even with lots of suspension and drivetrain trickery, you can’t quite ignore the noise from the 718’s unlovable engine.”
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Model reviewed: (range review)Score: 8 / 10“Whether it’s the base Cayman or the GTS, the 718’s fine handling outshines its disappointing engine.”
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Model reviewed: SScore: 9 / 10“Turbo engine is a step back, but Cayman S still a gem.”
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Honest John
Model reviewed: (range review)“Styling changes are minimal, with the Porsche 718 Cayman basically a very thoroughly facelifted version of the outgoing car. The interior architecture remains, albeit now including the latest version of Porsche’s multimedia interface.”
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Parkers
Model reviewed: Range reviewScore: 9.2 / 10“A sublime sports car: Porsche’s cheapest coupe may also be its best”
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The Intercooler
Model reviewed: 4.0-litre petrol manual GTS 4.0Score: 9 / 10“It a fabulous all season, all reason, daily driver’s car, setting a new standard for GTS models the 992 will now need to follow.”
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The Sunday Times
Model reviewed: 718 Cayman GTSScore: 6 / 10“The previous generation Porsche Cayman GTS was sublime. This one isn’t.”
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The Telegraph
Model reviewed: 4.0-litre petrol manual GTSScore: 10 / 10“While we’ve become used to the instant low-rev torque of turbo engines and electric motors, there is something immensely satisfying about a large capacity, naturally-aspirated engine and few do it as well as Porsche.”
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Model reviewed: 718 Cayman TScore: 10 / 10“Simple but highly effective changes make the already-great Porsche 718 Cayman into that little-bit-greater-still 718 Cayman T. Blinding chassis, strong drivetrain, appealing character – this is a first-class sports car.”
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Top Gear
Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 8 / 10“The base engines are gruff, but the handling is as sweet as ever. Very few sports cars are this complete.”
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Safety rating
No safety rating
Neither of the Porsche 718 Cayman and Boxster twins have not been crash tested by Euro NCAP, and we’re not expecting it to happen anytime soon. If it does, we’ll include the results here.
Eco rating
No eco rating
As of January 2022, the Porsche 718 Cayman has not yet been lab tested by Green NCAP. Given that the Cayman is a high-performance, petrol-engined sports car that prioritises performance over economy, it’s unlikely to win any environmental awards…
Awards
Trophies, prizes and awards that the Porsche 718 Cayman has received
2022
- What Car? Awards – Best Sports Car
2021
- What Car? Awards – Best Sports Car
2018
- What Car? Awards – Best Sports and Performance Car under £50K
2017
- World Car Awards – World Performance Car
- What Car? Awards – Best Sports Car
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Alpine A110 | Audi TT | BMW Z4 | Jaguar F-Type | Lotus Elise | Porsche 718 Boxster | Toyota GR Supra
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Keyword: Porsche 718 Cayman