First Drive: 2007 Porsche Cayman Reviews

2007 Porsche Cayman

The Porsche's new base-model Cayman may be just what you're looking for.

Want to save 10,000 bucks and a couple of gallons of gas? Then Porsche's new base-model Cayman may be just what you're looking for. Representing Zuffenhausen's latest attempt to appeal to the bargain-conscious Porsche buyer (how's that for an oxymoron?), the latest Boxster-based coupe, called simply Cayman, is a pared-down version of the Cayman S, which was introduced at last year's Frankfurt auto show.


Pass one on the street and you're not likely to notice the difference. The visual clues are subtle and include unique 5-spoke, 17-in.-diameter alloy wheels, distinctive center exhaust tip, titanium-color Cayman badge, black (versus red) brake calipers, and a black front spoiler lip. Peek inside and you'll find an interior that's set off by a body-color, mid-dash accent stripe and body-color rear storage compartment covers plus black-faced instruments with gray trim rings. And — provided the car's not equipped with the optional 6-speed manual or 5-speed Tiptronic S automatic — a shift knob with a 5-speed pattern.



Slip behind the wheel and take 'er for a spin and you'll notice another, not so subtle, difference: performance. Although nearly identical to the S powerplant externally, the “normal” Cayman engine displaces 2687 cc (down from 3387) by virtue of an 85.5-mm (versus 96.0 mm) bore. Because it's smaller and thus not as highly stressed, the new engine sports a lighter crankshaft, pistons and piston pins, and weighs a tad less than the S's. Also, the compression ratio has been raised to 11.3:1 to maximize horsepower and torque and to improve fuel economy while reducing emissions.




At full tilt, the new VarioCam Plus-equipped 2.7-liter flat-6 develops 245 bhp at 6500 rpm and churns out 201 lb.-ft. of torque at anywhere from 4600 to 6000 rpm. Coupled to a standard- equipment, Volkswagen-built 5-speed with lower 1st- and 2nd-gear ratios, the base Cayman scoots from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 6.1 seconds, about three- tenths of a second more than the 295-horsepower S. Top speed is down too: from 171 mph for the S to 160 mph (161 for the 6-speed equipped Cayman).


As a further cost- and weight-saving measure, the 2865-lb. Cayman is fitted with smaller front brakes with monobloc 4-piston calipers. Cross-drilled and axially vented, the rotors measure 11.7 in. up front and 11.8 in. at the rear and don't seriously affect the car's stopping ability, despite their reduced size.



Wending our way through the Taunus mountains outside of Frankfurt, Germany, we found that while the base Cayman may not be the quickest Kinder on the Strasse, it maintains Porsche's tradition for impressive handling, thanks to its dedicated, standard-equipment 17-in. alloys (6.5-in. front, 8.0-in. rear) shod with 205/55-17 front and 235/50-17 rear tires. Although the suspension has been softened somewhat (reduced spring and shock absorber rates and smaller front and rear anti-roll bars) for a more compliant ride, lateral performance is not compromised significantly. Because of its mid-engine design and rigid construction, even the base Cayman sports crisp handling. And for those who must up the lateral acceleration ante, optional 18- and 19-inchers are available.Speaking of handling, the Cayman is enhanced by Porsche Stability Management (PSM), standard equipment (along with air conditioning and an AM/FM/CD) on the entry-level coupe. Incorporating ABS, ASR (anti-spin control), MSR (engine drag force control) and ABD (automatic brake differential), PSM can be deactivated with the flip of a switch. However, the system will reactivate itself if the brake pedal pressure reaches the point of ABS intervention.



At $49,400, the Cayman, which dishes out a smaller dose of the performance, handling and luxury found in the S, is targeted at the budget-conscious or first-time Porsche buyer who'll be content to merely motor along in this slick-looking, mid-engine coupe. Unfortunately, some may choose to pack their base Cayman with every nicety in Zuffenhausen's option book. My advice to them: Buy a Cayman S or leave well enough alone (and the $10,000 in your bank account).

Review by By Joe Rusz at Road and Track