Porsche Cayman GT4, Boxster Spyder
While undoubtedly fast, the current-generation sports cars have been roundly criticised for uninspiring engines that sound like the love child of a Subaru WRX and VW Beetle. That changes in the new GT4 and Spyder, which bring a new 4.0-litre flat six capable of revving to 8000rpm, bringing the sort of sound people expect from a high-performance Porsche. While the brand鈥檚 compact Cayman and Boxster duo have been a driver鈥檚 pick from day one, Porsche has been reluctant to put a powerful motor in the mid-engine sports cars for fear of tarnishing the more expensive 911鈥檚 halo. The 911 remains faster and more powerful than 718 twins now capable of sending 309kW and 420Nm to the rear wheels through a six-speed manual transmission, hitting 100km/h in 4.4 seconds before reaching a 304km/h top speed. But the new engine should offer similar characteristics to the much more expensive 911 GT3, a model revered for its instantaneous response and soaring redline as much as its outright performance. 218,800 for the more focused Cayman GT4 coupe reaches Australia in the first quarter od 2020. Interested customers shouldn鈥檛 wait long, as Porsche鈥檚 local allocation for limited-production 鈥淕T鈥?models often sell out quickly.
The PDK also adds a Sport Response button that maximizes the fun of overtaking slower vehicles. I drove both the 2017 Porsche 718 Cayman and 718 Cayman S on a series of tight, twisty country roads, experiencing both PDK and manual variants. I also enjoyed the distinct pleasure of putting these cars through their paces on Sweden鈥檚 Sturup Raceway. Every time, the vehicles performed impeccably. The steering is as close to perfect as you鈥檙e likely to find nowadays, and the braking prowess simply inspires confidence when entering corners at speed. This is a vehicle that was made to drive quickly 鈥?the harder you push it, the more it likes it. The 718 Cayman is a track demon of the highest caliber. That said, it is the overall package that makes the car what it is 鈥?first-rate performance, superb handling, quality build, and perhaps best of all, the surprisingly low cost of entry considering what鈥檚 on offer.
Of course, now鈥檚 the time for me to address something that I briefly touched upon earlier, which is the sound of the turbo 4-banger compared to that of the outgoing 6-cylinder. Sure, it鈥檚 not quite the same deep burble. However, Porsche has somehow managed to maintain some of that familiar growl, while at the same time making it sound zippier and high-revving. Probably the best way I can sum this up is鈥?I have absolutely no idea how good the stereo system is in the 718 Cayman, but I鈥檝e become a master at operating the exhaust flap button! So, there you have it. Porsche, while playing the history card, has changed the rules on how we view downsizing. The new 718 Cayman will surprise many (it certainly had that effect on me), but it just goes to show what can be achieved with some smart thinking. FYI, the 2017 Porsche 718 Cayman and 718 Cayman S will start arriving at Canadian dealers in late November of this year.
It's incredibly nimble, responsive, and composed, with a suspension system that keeps you comfortable. The optional Porsche Active Suspension Management system and the Sport Chrono package (which adds launch control and additional drive modes, among other treats) are well worth considering. The Porsche Cayman is 14.4 feet long, with a curb weight that ranges from 2,944 to 3,054 pounds. How Many People Does the 718 Cayman Seat? You have to stoop and slide to get into the low-slung two-seat 718 Cayman, but once you do, you're rewarded with comfortable seats and good visibility. Though the standard sport seats come with only a few manual adjustments, most people will be able to find a suitable position. You can further pamper yourself by adding upgrades such as heated seats, 18-way power adjustments, and leather seats with Alcantara trimmings. The interior of the Porsche Cayman is first class. Its driver-focused cockpit includes top-shelf materials and handsome styling. Porsche offers an impressive number of interior customizations: You can even pick the color of your seat belts. The Cayman has more cargo space than the average midengine sports car.