The number may be somewhat new, but the Boxster and Cayman remain among the best choices for those requiring a quality badge and a sublime driving experience, without wandering into super-expensive supercar territory.
In fact, some might say, what is the point in wasting dreams or money on supercars when the 2020 Porsche 718 provides a similarly stellar experience at a huge discount?
The Cayman hardtop Coupé and its sister the Boxster Convertible are enthralling machines that provide the best feedback to the driver. Its expertly tuned chassis is powered by three distinct flat-four-cylinder engines and a superb – telepathic even – automatic transmission. What’s more, when not racing down roads or on the racetrack, the new Cayman and Boxster are supple and flexible enough to be perfect for when you’re driving downtown in traffic.
So, how to improve an already five-star sports car? Everyone, including Porsche, has to keep looking to the future, reducing consumption and emissions while increasing driver excitement and involvement. And the new 718 Cayman and its sibling soft-top Boxster are major redesigns and improvements, positioning the 718 – the entry-level Porsches – for the unpredictable 2020s.
The tremendous torque of the new engines in the 718 Cayman deliver driving fun and agility even at low revs, from either the 2.0 litre engine or the 2.5-litre engine of the 718 Cayman S, which features a turbocharger with variable turbine geometry (VTG), a technology previously only on the 911 Turbo. It delivers super acceleration at engine speeds starting from 1,900 rpm.
In terms of driving dynamics, the new 718 Cayman models follow the tradition of the classic 718. Thanks to their unrivalled agility, the historic mid-engine sports cars won numerous races in the 1950s and 1960s, such as the Targa Florio and Le Mans. In the new 718 Cayman, lateral rigidity and wheel tracking have been improved in the completely retuned chassis; springs and stabilisers have been designed to be firmer and the tuning of the shock absorbers has been revised. Steering has been configured to be 10% more direct, enhancing agility and driving fun. In combination with the redeveloped tyres, the rear wheels – now half an inch wider – result in an increased lateral force and therefore greater cornering stability.
TECHSPECS
Engine New 2.0 litre flat four with turbocharging (2.5 litre with VTG turbocharging in Cayman S)
Max Power 300 hp, 350 hp (257 kW) in ‘S’
Max Torque 380 Nm; 420 Nm in ‘S’
Max SPEED 275 kph (165 mph); 285 kph in ‘S’
Acceleration 0 – 100 kph in 4.7 secs; with Sports package; 4.2 secs for the ‘S’ model
Transmission Seven-speed PDK tiptronic auto
Exterior The design of the new 718 has been as comprehensively redeveloped as its technology. The taut proportions, prominent air intakes at the front and sides, and low side profile underscore its enhanced driving dynamics. The sharper profile of the nose gives the front end a wider, stronger appearance. This impression is reinforced by the ultra-slim front lights above the air intakes, incorporating parking lights and indicators.
The redesigned rear has a much wider look, due to the accent strip in high-gloss black with integrated Porsche badge between the tail lights. The new tail lights feature three-dimensional technology and four-brake spot lights.
Interior Driver-focused cockpit offers total control and complete ease of operation; design of the upper part of the dash panel is new; new sport steering wheel taken from the 918 Spyder as well as the Porsche Communication Management (PCM) with mobile phone preparation, audio interfaces and the 150-watt Sound Package Plus are standard in the new 718 Cayman; just a few taps or swipes on the high-definition large touchscreen give mastery of car functions, connectivity options and your entertainment library; drivers can quickly customise a home screen to their preferences
Safety Completely retuned chassis increases lateral rigidity, wheel tracking is improved; springs and stabilisers have been designed to be firmer; steering is more direct, enhancing agility and driving fun; rear wheels with redeveloped tyres – now half an inch wider – result in greater cornering stability. Lots of safety, even more excitement!
The Porsche Centre (Al Boraq Auto) on The Pearl-Qatar will be pleased to arrange a test drive of the stylish new Cayman or Boxster or any of its exciting sports cars and sports SUVs. Call 4459 9666 or visit porsche.com for more information.
Author: Terry Sutcliffe
Copyright © Marhaba Information Guide. Reproduction of material from Marhaba Information Guide’s book or website without written permission is strictly prohibited. Using Marhaba Information Guide’s material without authorisation constitutes as plagiarism as well as copyright infringement.