Porsche 718 Cayman debuts packing flat-four engines

After the reveal of the new 718 Boxster, Porsche has now introduced the new Cayman as a follow up. Essentially the hardtop version of the Boxster, which we had a go in already, the sports car follows in the same path as its soft-top sibling, adopting not just a new name – 718 Cayman – but also turbocharged four-cylinder engines.

On the base 718 Cayman, the 2.0 litre four-cylinder turbo mill churns out 300 hp and 380 Nm of twisting power, available from 1,950 rpm to 4,500 rpm. Compared to the outgoing Cayman’s 2.7 litre flat-six, this represents a 25 hp and 90 Nm gain.

Meanwhile, the higher-end Cayman S is powered by a larger 2.5 litre turbo-four instead. Featuring a turbocharger with variable turbine geometry (VTG) and a wastegate, the motor provides 350 hp and 420 Nm, up 25 hp and 50 Nm from the 3.5 litre flat-six found in the previous Cayman S.

Performance here is identical to the 718 Boxster. With the optional PDK and Sport Chrono Package, the non ‘S’ 718 Cayman sprints from zero to 100 km/h in just 4.7 seconds. The 718 Cayman S achieves the same feat in 4.2 seconds. Top speed for 718 Cayman is 275 km/h, while the 718 Cayman S is capable of hitting 285 km/h. A six-speed manual is available here as well.

In terms of efficiency, the 2.0L turbo has a combined NEDC fuel consumption figure as low as 6.9 litres per 100 km, 1.5 litre per 100 km less. The larger 2.5L turbo meanwhile achieves up to 7.3 litres per 100 km, which is 1.7 litres less for every 100 km travelled.

The chassis also gets retuned on the 718 Cayman. Stiffer springs and thicker anti roll bars increase body control, with the steering rack now 10% quicker, and the rear wheels are now half an inch (13 mm) wider. Brakes here are taken from the Cayman S – 330-millimetre brake discs in front and 299-millimetre discs at the rear. The Cayman S uses four-piston callipers instead, with slightly thicker (6 mm) brake discs.

Driving dynamics can be further boosted with the aforementioned Sport Chrono Package and Porsche Torque Vectoring (PTV). Like the 718 Boxster, Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) with a 10 mm lower ride height (20 mm lower in the S) is available as well. A programme switch on the steering wheel allows drivers to alternate between Normal, Sport, Sport Plus and the new Individual settings.

Visually, the 718 Cayman adopts a wider front end with larger air intakes. The bi-xenon headlamps are also new, with integrated LED DRLs (full LED units with four-point DRLs are optional). New wings and side sills are part of the updates as well. The redesigned rear is now wider than before, and features an accent strip in high-gloss black with integrated Porsche badge between the tail lights.

Inside, the 718 Cayman is identical to the Boxster. New air vents are part of the updated dash panel, while the steering wheel is inspired by the 918 Spyder. The Porsche Communication Management (PCM) unit is now standard, with mobile phone integration, audio interface and a 150-watt Sound Package Plus system. Further functions like navigation with voice control and real-time traffic information can be added as well.

Looking to sell your car? Sell it with Carro.