2016 Porsche Cayman

Exceptionally Gifted

Leaving a lasting impression with drivers is what Porsche does well, so it's no surprise then that even the briefest time behind the wheel of the 2016 Porsche Cayman will leave you longing for it long after. Why is that? It's simple really: The 2016 Cayman incorporates exceptional handling, thrilling road manners, and a beautifully crafted exterior/interior. Is it the world's most complete two-seat sports coupe? Let's find out...

Powertrains and Performance

There's no "wrong" choice when it comes to selecting your 2016 Porsche Cayman. Because of its mid-engine layout, you can expect exceptional handling, balance, and performance. 

All models employ rear-wheel drive and come standard with a six-speed manual transmission. For the track-bred GT4 model (more on trims later), the manual is mandatory; however the rest of the lineup include Porsche's patented PDK seven-speed dual-clutch automated manual transmission.

The "base" Cayman features a 2.7-liter flat-six that produces 275 horsepower and 213 pound-feet of torque. It features a top speed of 165 mph and can sprint from 0 to 60 mph in a mere 5.4 seconds. Despite its prodigious power, the Cayman is surprisingly fuel-efficient. It earns an EPA-estimated 24 mpg combined (20 city/30 highway) when paired with the standard six-speed,* while adding the PDK yields 26 mpg combined (22 city/32 highway).*

The Cayman S is powered by a 3.4-liter flat-six producing 325 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque. The larger engine helps propel it from 0 to 60 mph in a lightning-fast  4.7 seconds and on to a top speed of 175 mph with the manual transmission, or 4.6 seconds (4.4 in Sport Mode) and 174 mph with the PDK.

Cayman S fuel economy is 23 mpg combined (20 mpg city, 28 mpg highway) with the manual,* and 24 mpg combined (21 mpg city, 30 mpg highway) with the automated PDK.*

Step up to the Cayman GTS and you'll enjoy a more powerful version of the Cayman S’ 3.4-liter flat-six, with 340 hp and 280 lb-ft. The 0 to 60 mph times fall by 0.1 second with either transmission, while top speeds increase to 177 mph (manual) and 175 mph (PDK).

That extra performance doesn’t come with much of a fuel economy penalty, either. The GTS gets 22 mpg combined (19 mpg city, 26 mpg highway) with the manual,* and 25 mpg combined (22 mpg city, 31 mpg highway) with the PDK.*

Sitting atop the Cayman lineup is the GT4. This track-bred version's flat-six engine displaces 3.8-liters and generates 385 hp and 309 lb-ft of delicious torque. As previously stated, the GT4 is only available with the six-speed manual. As you can imagine, the GT4 is the Cayman lineup's star performer. It rockets from 0 to 60 mph in a blink-and-you'll-miss-it 4.2 seconds, on its way to a top speed of 183 mph. All that power and performance means the GT4 suffers a little in terms of fuel economy: it earns 20 mpg combined (18 city/23 highway).* 

Features and Trims

The 2016 Porsche Cayman is only available as a mid-engine, two-door, two-seat coupe. Primary trim levels include: Cayman, Cayman S, Cayman GTS, and Cayman GT4. Prices start at $52,600.**

The base Cayman comes standard with 18-inch alloy wheels, Bluetooth®, sport seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob. The Cayman S adds a bigger 3.4-liter engine, an upgraded system, and a few other cosmetic features.

Drivers looking to further customize their Cayman model can do so thanks to a robust list of performance-enhancing features like carbon-ceramic brakes and the Sport Chrono package, convenience features like Bose® or Burmester® surround-sound systems, and lots of options for further personalization.

It’s possible to swathe your Cayman in leather, wood, carbon fiber, and Alcantara trim, or coordinate the gauge faces and seat belts to match exterior colors. You can even have the key fob painted the same color as your actual car.

In addition, the Cayman GTS gets a few of its own specific features, including its own 20-inch alloy wheels, front and rear fascias, and Alcantara interior trim. The Sport Exhaust and Porsche Active Suspension Management system are also standard.

Finally, the GT4 benefits from a larger engine and an exclusive sport suspension system that lowers ride height by 30mm. Other performance-enhancing features include a mechanical differential lock with variable torque distribution (Porsche Torque Vectoring), as well as upgraded brakes (sourced from the 991 GT3) and a fixed rear wing that provides additional downforce. 

Design

The Cayman features crisp and clean exterior styling that takes full advantage of its compact proportions and mid-engine layout; those side air intakes aren’t just for show. With no styling distractions, it’s pretty much the archetypal small hardtop sports car. It's also worth noting that the body is 44 percent aluminum, which makes the 2016 Porsche Cayman one of the lightest cars in its class. 

The interior is equally clean and purposeful. The standard sport steering wheel and heavily-bolstered bucket seats are perfectly suited to a driver’s car like this, as is the stylish gauge cluster made up of three individual binnacles and tachometer in the center. The sporty driving position is complemented by an inclined center console that puts controls within easy reach.

Safety

Standard safety equipment on the 2016 Porsche Cayman includes anti-lock brakes; stability and traction controls; and front, knee, and head and thorax side airbags. A front and rear ParkAssist system with rearview camera is also available as an option. 

Models equipped with adaptive cruise control also benefit from Porsche Active Safe, which uses radar to monitor potential collisions up to 650 feet in front of the vehicle. Even more impressive is the fact that the system can operate when automatic cruise control is inactive, allowing the system to prime the brakes or apply them with maximum force. 

Bottom Line

While there are plenty of front-engine alternatives to consider, there's simply no matching the 2016 Cayman's mid-engine layout. In fact, words don't do the experience justice. With its winning combination of power, handling, and style, Porsche's Cayman continues to operate a class (or two) above the competition. 

For more information, or to schedule an exhilarating test drive, please visit Porsche Silver Spring or contact us online today.

*EPA estimates. Your mileage may vary.

**MSRP excludes any government fees or taxes, titling and registration fees, any finance charges, fees, or taxes.

Image: Porsche (European model shown)