Porsche Cayman S
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Introduction
Porsche's 911 understudy is not just a mere support act, the mid-engined Cayman and more powerful Cayman S being more than an equal for their famous rear-engined sibling. With sublime handling, beautiful poise and plenty of performance the Cayman S is one of the best cars Porsche builds.
What are its rivals?
There are few cars that directly compete with the Cayman S - at least when it comes to pricing. The Nissan 370Z is a close contender in the performance stakes and the Cayman might attract the odd buyer out of a Mercedes-Benz SLK and BMW Z4, both its Germans rivals coming with folding hardtop roofs - making the Cayman's open-topped Boxster relative a more natural rival. Porsche's own 911 in its non-S Carrera 2 guise is another possible rival, the Cayman S almost matching its legendary sibling against the clock.
How does it drive?
We'll stick our necks out here and say it. The Cayman S drives better than the 911. That's bound to upset all the 911-is-king fans out there, but the Cayman S is a better all-round proposition than standard 911s. It's quieter for a start, the road roar of the 911 simply not evident at all. That leaves you to enjoy the 3.4-litre flat-six's glorious howl - and the performance that accompanies it. Sixty two miles per hour in 5.2 seconds is quick enough, as is the S's 172mph capability, but it is not the speed that makes the Cayman S so impressive; it's the ride and handling.
With its engine mid-mounted the Cayman S exhibits extraordinary balance and poise. The suspension is firm but not unyielding, providing that rare mix of control and precision. The steering is nicely weighted and full of feel, and the six-speed manual gearbox shifts with speed and accuracy. Light controls, positive brakes, instantaneous throttle response and masses of grip and traction make the Cayman S a phenomenally competent sports car, as well as a supremely capable all-rounder.
What's impressive?
The ride, handling and refinement. For a car that's as sharp and intense a driving experience the Cayman S delivers incredible comfort and ease of use when you're not in such a hurry. It's a credible, enjoyable daily driver. Practical too, with two luggage compartments. Economy is good with Porsche quoting a combined consumption figure of 29mpg and CO2 emissions of 223g/km. Given the performance on offer that's pretty planet friendly.
What's not?
The fact that wherever you go in the Cayman people will think you couldn't afford a 911. Ignore them. In standard guise the Cayman S comes with the basics, so you'll need to spend some money on it if you want more desirable kit like fully automatic climate control, Porsche Active Suspension Management, the Sport Chrono Pack, satnav with Bluetooth connection and sports seats. Do so and you're getting very close to entry-level 911 money, though it too would need a lot of money spending on it. Porsche's Communication Management system might be a must, but it if you're an iPhone user it's unlikely you'll manage to get it to connect.
Should I buy one?
Yes. If you want one of the best sports cars available then the Cayman S is it. Forget the 911; brilliant as it is the Cayman S is the better car. It's cheaper, too.
