PORSCHE CAYMAN REVIEW

Porsche Cayman Review

Porsche Cayman

2007 Porsche Cayman Coupe

Ever since Porsche introduced the midengine Boxster as a return to the "affordable" Porsche, enthusiasts have been clamoring for a hardtop version. The argument was that a version with a proper roof would be more rigid, less expensive, lighter and a better performer at the track than a convertible. Pleas were finally answered with the 2006 debut of the Porsche Cayman. Based on the second-generation Boxster, the Cayman coupe (whose name is said to reference an alligator indigenous to Central and South America) shares much of its mechanical midengine underpinnings with its drop-top sibling. However, it does wear unique and very attractive sheet metal.

The Porsche Cayman combines its drop-dead gorgeous looks with brakes that beg to be pushed hot into a corner, a chassis that gladly guides the driver around the apex and a choice of two engines that will enthusiastically sing as they slingshot you down the straightaway. Some of our editors who have driven the Cayman extensively report that its well-balanced chassis could actually handle considerably more power, and it's suspected that Porsche limited the Cayman's capabilities as not to overlap with its seminal 911.

If there's a complaint, it's that the Cayman is priced considerably more than its competitors, especially when a host of desirable options are selected. But when it comes to providing a combination of all-around performance, sublime driver interaction, day-to-day comfort and desirable prestige, we can't think of a better car in this segment than the Cayman.

Current Porsche Cayman

The midengine Porsche Cayman is offered in two models, the base Cayman and the Cayman S. The base Cayman is powered by a 2.7-liter six-cylinder boxer engine that produces 245 horsepower and 201 pound-feet of torque, backed by a five-speed manual transmission. Step up to the Cayman S and the engine expands to 3.4 liters and power grows to 295 hp and 250 lb-ft of torque. In addition, the number of cogs in the transmission increases to six. Optional on both models of the Cayman is a five-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission with a manual-shift mode.

When it comes to the suspension, the Porsche Cayman takes advantage of its stiffer-than-a-convertible structure by offering a level of handling and nimbleness that is a step above the capabilities of the Boxster. Safety aids include antilock brakes, traction control and stability control, all tuned to intervene only when absolutely necessary so as not to detract from the sporting nature of the Cayman. Optional is Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) which, via a variety of sensors, electronically and automatically adjusts the suspension to optimize either comfort or handling, depending on the setting and the driver's level of aggression. Larger wheels and tires round out the suspension options and help to improve braking. Braking performance is further enhanced on the Cayman S by optional carbon-ceramic brakes.

The interior accommodations take their cue from the Boxster and offer the typical Porsche combination of sport and luxury, with leather and metallic accents decorating the cabin. The leather-appointed seats possess the ability to both hold the driver in place during spirited maneuvers and to coddle driver and passenger during more serene outings. High-end audio and navigation are available on both Cayman models, though the base stereo offerings are disappointing for a car in this price range. Cargo room is generous for such a small and sporting vehicle, as the midengine layout allows for both fore and aft cargo areas that together equal the trunk space of a midsize family sedan.

Past Porsche Cayman Models

The Porsche Cayman made its debut in the 2006 model year. For the first year, only the Cayman S model was available. The base Cayman model launched for 2007.

PORSCHE BOXSTER REVIEW

Porsche Boxster Review

Porsche Boxster

2007 Porsche Boxster Convertible

When it debuted in the late '90s, the Porsche Boxster ushered in an era of the more affordable Porsche convertible. Featuring a finely balanced midengine layout, sublime handling and steering, and the performance of a proven, sophisticated flat-6 engine, the Boxster quickly became part of the Porsche legend and one of the best-selling cars in the luxury roadster class.

There are several big-name competitors with equivalent cachet, but one drive in a Boxster is often all it takes to end a sports car shopping trip. Several evolutionary updates and detail changes through the years have kept the Boxster generally competitive in the face of faster and newer rivals. The latest version is the most powerful ever, with almost 300 horsepower available.

Inside, the quality of materials used has improved over the years and late-model Boxsters certainly project the aura of a premium sports car. With two ample cargo holds front and rear, the Boxster is a mostly practical daily driver, too. Though its competitive breeding can manifest an edgy nature that's sometimes a bit much around town or during lengthy commutes, our editors believe the Porsche Boxster is the quintessential top-down, high-speed weekend getaway device for two.

After a decade in production, the classically styled Porsche Boxster also remains a serious, purpose-built midengine sports car designed to travel hard and fast -- sometimes demanding a driver's undivided attention but rewarding the skilled pilot with razor-sharp feedback and unmatched thrills and satisfaction behind the wheel. If that's what you're after and you can swing a sometimes pricey bottom line, you couldn't convince us of a more compelling choice, new or used.

Current Porsche Boxster

Now in its second generation, the Boxster continues to be available in the base version or as the more powerful Boxster S. The base model has a horizontally opposed, 2.7-liter six-cylinder engine. Mounted amidships, it's rated at 245 hp and 201 pound-feet of torque. The Boxster S has a 3.4-liter version that produces 295 hp and 251 lb-ft of torque. A manual or automatic transmission is offered. Standard equipment on both models is respectable but most Boxsters leave the dealership floor with a fair number of additional options, which can elevate the price rather quickly.

In our reviews, the Porsche Boxster's midengine power and classic styling, not to mention its sublime steering and brakes and relative practicality, give it a level of desirability that's hard to deny -- particularly among true sports car enthusiasts. If you keep the options list under control, it can also provide unmatched luxury sports car value.

Past Porsche Boxster Models

The Boxster originally debuted for the 1997 model year. At the time, it was considered to be a key release for the brand. Porsche had been struggling financially through the early and mid '90s and the Boxster's affordability, classic styling and simplicity made it a huge hit with consumers.

The first-generation Porsche Boxster came with a power-operated soft top and a 201-hp, 2.5-liter flat-6 engine. In 2000, the big news was the addition of a second, even more focused S model. The Boxster S featured 250 hp, larger wheels and brakes and a more stiffly tuned suspension. In 2001, the tweaks mostly involved interior refinements in layout and materials quality. But underneath, the sophisticated Porsche Stability Management system was made available for both models. For 2004, Porsche increased the power output of both engines slightly.

The second-generation Boxster arrived for 2005. Porsche applied evolutionary changes to much of the car. The styling was subtly tweaked for a sleeker look and improved the quality and look of the interior. The base 2.7-liter six-cylinder gained a horsepower boost from 228 to 240, and the 3.2-liter six in the S increased from 258 to 280 hp. The current model's outputs went into effect for 2007.

Though reasonable for a luxury-sports roadster, the Porsche Boxster is still among the most expensive cars in its class. Of course, this matters less to a serious sports car shopper, as midengine cars are rare at any price point -- from an enthusiast's perspective, it's all about the Boxster's ability to perform precisely when driven hard. And that it does. But either way -- whether more recent or more than a few years old – a Boxster unladen with lots of expensive optional upgrades makes for a serious used sports car value.