2019 Porsche 718 Cayman First Drive
Malmo, Sweden 鈥?First, let me explain where the new 718 nameplate stems from, because to understand this we need to take a short stroll back through history. In 1957, Porsche produced a small roadster predominately designed for racing. This lightweight 2-seater called 鈥?18鈥?was powered by a 4-cylinder boxer engine and, although meek in some respects, it set quite the name for itself by taking on the likes of Ferrari. Enjoying class wins at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, with later versions boasting victories at the 12 Hours of Sebring and Targa Florio, the Porsche 718 surprised many fans of the day. Zip forward 60 years or so, and we hail the return of the 4-cylinder 718. With a nod to its famous forefather, I predict that the illustrious nameplate is bound to surprise again. Just like the all-new 718 Boxster convertible, the 2017 Porsche 718 Cayman hard-top coupe is all about progress and gathering the most from the technology available today.
In fact, it鈥檚 the closest these two models have ever been. Both have received multiple visual enhancements such as the crisp new lines running up over the hood that help create a more sculptured appearance. The revised Cayman also boasts a wider, more muscular stance, while the now-familiar (optional) LED headlights with 4-point daytime running lights add to its stunning new looks. The car鈥檚 rear even sports the glorious new tridimensional Porsche badging. However, it鈥檚 what鈥檚 beneath the skin that makes these new 4-cylinder models so special. Similar to the 718 Boxster, the 2017 Porsche 718 Cayman gets an all-new, horizontally opposed 2.0L engine producing 300 horsepower, while the sportier S version of both uses a 2.5L H-4 offering 350 horsepower. These turbocharged 4-cylinder engines are simply superb, and while some may snarl at the lack of the old 6-pot exhaust rumble, the added performance should more than make up for this.
The 2.0L in the base 718 Cayman trumps the outgoing model by 25 horsepower, while the 718 Cayman S with VTG (Variable Turbine Geometry) does the same to its 6-cylinder predecessor. And if that wasn鈥檛 enough, the power in both engines now comes on at considerably lower revs. Acceleration times have benefitted, obviously. Plus, fuel economy has improved at the same time. So, yes, Porsche may have removed two pistons, but in doing so, it鈥檚 made everything so much better! Naturally, in order to accommodate these new powerplants while maintaining the perfect balance Porsche cars are known for, engineers had to completely retune the chassis. Weight savings found in one area have been wisely utilised in others areas with certain components being beefed up to improve rigidity. Likewise, the pitch and roll characteristics have been improved by modifying the vehicle鈥檚 hydraulic vibration dampers, together with higher stabiliser and spring rates.
The rear wheels on the 2017 Porsche 718 Cayman are now 0.5鈥?wider; combined with newly developed tires, this results in greater lateral force potential and better cornering stability. Braking capabilities have also been increased in line with these new performance figures. This was also an excellent opportunity to revisit the steering, so the electromechanical system has been configured to be 10% more direct, improving not only the car鈥檚 agility on a track, but also its maneuverability in everyday use. The new 718 models come with a 6-speed manual transmission as standard, although a 7-speed, dual-clutch PDK is available as an option. I鈥檒l admit to enjoying a little arm-throwing myself, but the PDK is the way to go. It works with such efficiency that the manual box simply can鈥檛 compete. Not only that, but the PDK-equipped models actually achieve better fuel economy than those with sticks, so there鈥檚 no downside. The optional Sport Chrono Package now includes an Individual program in addition to the three settings of Normal, Sport, and Sport Plus. From within the instrument cluster, drivers can now individually combine and save settings for the PASM active suspension, sport exhaust system, auto start/stop function, and active rear spoiler.