718 : Evolution of the Porsche Cayman
When Porsche introduced the Cayman in 2005, few could have predicted just how influential this mid-engined coupe would become. Born from the DNA of the Boxster but with a harder edge and a fixed roof, the Cayman quickly earned a reputation as one of the purest driver’s cars of the modern era.
Over nearly two decades, the Cayman has evolved—not just in terms of performance, but in identity. What began as a “junior Porsche” has grown into something far more meaningful: a precision machine with the poise to rival supercars and the soul of a true purist’s sports car.
Let’s take a drive through the Cayman’s history and examine how it transformed from a controversial experiment to a cult icon within the Porsche family.
2005–2012: The First Generation (987C) – Establishing the Middle Ground
The Porsche Cayman (987) debuted in 2005 as the coupe counterpart to the second-generation Boxster. Though it shared much of its structure and underpinnings with the Boxster, the Cayman was positioned slightly above it in terms of performance and prestige—nestled neatly below the iconic 911.
At launch, the Cayman offered a 2.7-liter flat-six engine with 245 horsepower, while the Cayman S boasted a 3.4-liter flat-six producing 295 horsepower. The engine sat in the middle of the chassis—an arrangement that gifted the Cayman extraordinary balance and agility. From the beginning, journalists and drivers noted the Cayman’s cornering composure, communicative steering, and precision under pressure.
What it lacked in outright power compared to the 911, it made up for in feel. The Cayman was playful, confidence-inspiring, and mechanically honest. It wasn’t just a cheaper Porsche—it was a different kind of Porsche.
Over the next few years, minor updates refined the experience. The 2009 refresh brought direct fuel injection, a 7-speed PDK transmission (alongside the traditional 6-speed manual), and modest power increases. The Cayman S now made 320 hp, and the base model climbed to 265 hp. Porsche also updated the headlights, taillights, and interior tech, adding modernity without disrupting the formula.
2013–2016: The Second Generation (981) – Sharper Looks, Bigger Presence
In 2013, Porsche unveiled the second-generation Cayman 981. It wasn’t just a facelift—it was a full redesign. Built on the same platform as the 981 Boxster, this Cayman was longer, wider, and lower, with a stiffer chassis and even more emphasis on refinement and precision.
Design-wise, the 981 Cayman was a leap forward. Sculpted side intakes, a sleeker roofline, and LED daytime running lights gave it an exotic, upscale look. Inside, the cabin adopted the center console layout from the Panamera and 911, bringing a sense of luxury that earlier Caymans lacked.
But the heart of the car remained rooted in driving purity. The mid-mounted flat-six engines returned, now with 275 hp in the base Cayman (2.7L) and 325 hp in the Cayman S (3.4L). Despite similar numbers to the outgoing generation, the 981 felt quicker and more responsive thanks to weight savings and a more rigid chassis.
Porsche also launched limited-edition variants, like the Cayman GTS (340 hp) and the track-focused Cayman GT4, which would go on to become one of the most beloved driver’s cars of the 2010s.
The GT4, released in 2015, was a turning point. It took the 3.8-liter engine from the 911 Carrera S, paired it only with a manual gearbox, and dropped it into a Cayman shell with aggressive aerodynamics, lowered suspension, and sharper everything. For many enthusiasts, this was the Cayman at its most unfiltered—and a signal that Porsche was finally willing to let the mid-engine layout stretch its legs.
2016–Present: The 718 Cayman Era – Turbocharging Controversy
In 2016, Porsche made one of the most polarizing decisions in the Cayman’s history: it replaced the naturally aspirated flat-six engines with turbocharged flat-fours and renamed the model line the 718 Cayman, reviving a historic badge from Porsche’s racing past.
The move was driven by stricter emissions regulations and a desire for more torque and efficiency. The base 718 Cayman came with a 2.0-liter turbocharged flat-four producing 300 hp, while the Cayman S used a 2.5-liter version making 350 hp.
Objectively, the 718 Cayman was faster, more fuel-efficient, and had significantly more mid-range torque than its predecessor. But subjectively, many enthusiasts felt something had been lost. The new engines lacked the high-revving character and sonorous soundtrack of the old flat-sixes. The driving dynamics were still superb—but the emotion was muted.
Still, the 718 Cayman offered undeniable performance. It could outpace older Caymans in a straight line and match much more expensive cars through the corners. Porsche also improved interior quality, infotainment, and overall refinement, making the 718 more livable as a daily driver.
Return of the Flat-Six: The GT4 and GTS 4.0
Recognizing the enthusiasm for the Cayman’s six-cylinder soul, Porsche brought it back—first in the 718 Cayman GT4, and later in the GTS 4.0 models. Both cars feature a naturally aspirated 4.0-liter flat-six, developed from the GT3 engine family, and tuned to deliver thrilling top-end performance.
The GT4 makes 414 hp and redlines at 8,000 rpm, offering a glorious throwback to the high-revving Porsches of the past. It’s available with a manual or dual-clutch PDK, and it remains a benchmark for driver engagement in the modern era.
The GTS 4.0, launched in 2020, strikes a near-perfect balance between everyday usability and weekend thrills. With 394 hp and a glorious exhaust note, it delivers much of the GT4’s magic in a more understated package.
These models were met with critical acclaim and fanfare, reaffirming what many had suspected all along: the Cayman was never just a “lesser Porsche.” It was—at times—the better Porsche, at least from a driving perspective.
The Cayman Today: Mature, Yet Untamed
In 2024, the 718 Cayman lineup stands as one of the most complete and compelling ranges in the sports car world. From the turbo-four base model to the six-cylinder GTS and GT4, there’s a Cayman for every level of driver—from enthusiast to weekend racer.
Porsche has taken care to evolve the Cayman without losing its identity. It’s still a lightweight, mid-engined coupe that rewards skill and rewards engagement. But now, it also offers cutting-edge tech, daily comfort, and performance that rivals cars twice its price.
What’s Next?
Rumors suggest that the next-generation Cayman will go electric, or at least heavily hybridized. Porsche has already confirmed that its EV future will include mid-engine dynamics simulated through battery placement and clever software tuning. The mission: to maintain the Cayman’s agile, communicative feel—even if the engine note changes forever.
While purists may fear what comes next, Porsche’s track record of evolving the Cayman speaks for itself. Each generation has delivered more sophistication without sacrificing spirit. And as the GTS 4.0 and GT4 prove, Porsche still knows how to please its most loyal enthusiasts.
Final Thoughts: A Legend in Motion
The Cayman’s journey from underdog to legend is a rare story in the automotive world. It began as the “baby Porsche,” but through intelligent engineering and a deep commitment to driver engagement, it matured into one of the most respected sports cars on the road.
It didn’t do it by chasing trends or brute force. It did it by being brilliantly balanced, endlessly engaging, and unshakably focused on one thing: the joy of driving.
In a world of distractions, the Cayman remains a car that brings you back to what matters most—the connection between car, road, and driver. And that might just be the most Porsche thing of all.
