Porsche Cayman: a remarkably unremarkable way to travel.
Today I drove my MGB up to Marine County to pick up a Honda S2000 press car for the night. While I was waiting for my co-pilot to finish some business I was given the opportunity to drive a beautiful Yellow Porsche Cayman. In my opinion the Cayman is the best looking vehicle in Porsche’s lineup. With sexy rear fenders, an elegant greenhouse and a flowing roofline the car turns heads without seeming arrogant.
Stepping into the Cayman it is instantly clear that this car is 100% Porsche. The well-appointed interior is stylish but not overdone, with a simple three-pod gauge cluster, a handsome three-spoke steering wheel and some very comfortable and sporty leather seats. The shifter is the only item inside that seems a bit cheap, but after running through the gears it is clear that this is only an aesthetic observation and doesn’t effect driving at all. The cockpit is plenty roomy even for tall drivers and rearward visibility isn’t as bad as you would expect for a mid-engine car.
On the road this Porsche is good; almost too good. The steering is razor sharp and the power steering is weighted well giving it an excellent feel. The suspension does an amazing job of blending performance and comfort. High speeds, twisting corners and rough roads all produce the same results, a confident, comfortable and sporty ride.
Step on the fly by wire gas pedal, and the Caymans 2.7 liter flat six begins to make some pleasant noises. Although a bit quiet from the outside, the inside sound effects make the will make you long for the Targa Florio. While out and out power is below super-car levels the 245 horse motor has more than enough spunk to get you into trouble with the local law enforcement. It also has a very flexible power band with plenty of low down torque making the Cayman fun to drive even at 2000 rpm.
In my short 20 minute drive I found very few flaws with the Porsche, yet it didn’t really live up to my expectations either. I guess I was hoping for more 911 and less Boxster, but the Cayman lies right in the middle. Like the middle child who gets straight A’s, plays sports, is an artist and never complains, the Cayman does it all without as much as a grumble. For me this epitomizes what I both loved and hated the car. Compared to my MGB it lacked soul and quirkiness. But two people could throw their luggage in the back and travel just about anywhere in any whether and the Cayman would be right at home. It won’t thrill you like a Corvette, or make you smile like an Elise; rather it will lull you into its confidence with its utilitarian ability.
-Bill Mertz
