Fans of hardtops and fair-skinned Porsche-philes alike have reason to rejoice. The new 2017 Porsche 718 Cayman is now more powerful and – for the first time ever – cheaper than the Boxster. The third generation mid-engine coupe gets two new engines that it will share with its topless twin. Standard Cayman models will receive a 2.0-liter turbocharged flat-four cylinder engine that makes 300 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. The Cayman S will get a more potent 2.5-liter good for 350 horsepower and 309 lb-ft. Both engines are rated for 25 more hp than those which they replace. The 2.0-liter has enough beans to propel manual-equipped Caymans from 0-60 mph in 4.9 seconds. The same task will require 4.7 seconds (4.5 w/ Sport Chrono) in PDK-equipped cars. The 2.5-liter in the Cayman S can reportedly shave half a second off of those times. EPA fuel economy estimates for the 718 Cayman are 21/28 mpg city/highway with the 6-speed and 22/30 with the automatic. The Cayman S is rated at 20/26 and 21/28 mpg for the manual and auto, respectively.
To improve grip, the 718 Cayman gets firmer springs and sway bars, retuned shock absorbers, and one-half inch wider rear wheels wrapped in a new generation of tire. Porsche also claims improved steering from a steering rack adapted from the 911 Turbo. Other performance enhancements include standard 330mm brake rotors up front and 299mm rear rotors. The previous Cayman S has donated its brakes to the new Cayman, while the new Cayman S gets four-piston calipers from the 911 Carrera and 6mm thicker front brake rotors.
Savvy eyes will be able to spot the new 718 Cayman by its redesigned rear fascia, new taillights, and other minor changes to the exterior meant to give the car a wider and more muscular appearance. Inside, the new Cayman gets a new upper portion of dashboard and air vents. Also new is the 918 Spyder design sport steering wheel. Porsche Communication Management (PCM) and an eight-speaker audio system are now standard. The new 718 Cayman and Cayman S are currently on sale in other parts of the world and will reach U.S. showrooms by late November as 2017 models. Prices start at $53,900 for standard Caymans and $66,300 for the more powerful Cayman S. This seems like a bargain considering the starting price for the Boxster is $56,000 and $68,400 for the Boxster S… and that’s before you factor in the cost savings of not having to buy all that sunscreen.
We recently spotted another 2017 Porsche – the Panamera – testing in the high country of the Rocky Mountains just west of Denver, Colorado. Check it out below.
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