PORSCHE Cayman | Porsche Cayman Test Drive

PORSCHE Cayman

The Appeal of a True Sports Car (1)

A genuine sports car that makes you want to say, "This is it." Compact, agile, and brimming with driving pleasure.Porsche's two-seater mid-ship sports car is the Cayman.

Text by Fumio OgawaPhotos by Hirotaka Shimizu

Basic Driving That's More Than Enough Fun

Many OPENERS readers likely have considerable experience with sports cars. Among them, some might feel that while modern sports cars are powerful, they've lost the nimble feel of older models, and something is just… different. Indeed, sports cars with large displacement engines have seen an inflation of horsepower and torque. However, their bodies have also grown larger, and it's fair to say the very concept of "sport" has shifted.

The Porsche Cayman is a model that adheres closely to the traditional sports car formula: a lightweight body equipped with a reasonably powerful engine, delivering enjoyment through its handling. While the "R" is currently popular among car enthusiasts, the "base" Cayman (¥6.74 million) is, in fact, more than sufficiently fun. Considering the ¥3.01 million price difference, it's worth appreciating the value of a basic sports car with the standard Cayman, rather than opting for the R.

An Excellent Combination of Transmission and Engine

The Cayman's powerplant is a 2.9-liter 6-cylinder engine, mounted behind the driver's seat and powering the rear wheels. The model driven was equipped with a 6-speed manual transmission; a 7-speed PDK (dual-clutch) model is also available for an additional ¥470,000.

With a maximum output of 265ps and a peak torque of 300Nm, these are modest figures by today's standards. However, the driving experience reveals a superb combination. Manipulating the manual gears with their satisfyingly precise gate feel, pressing the accelerator, and maintaining high revs allows the compact, 4.3-meter long body to surge forward like a released arrow.

The chassis's high rigidity, precise steering, and highly responsive suspension system create a remarkable sense of unity between driver and car. Furthermore, the steering feel, with its carefully calibrated weight, is exquisite. While lightness has its merits, it can require some adjustment; a slightly heavier feel seems to allow for more accurate steering inputs.

Moreover, the Cayman maintains a perfect balance between tire width and steering power assistance. It's never overly heavy, offering a natural, straightforward steering feel characteristic of a well-executed sports car.

PORSCHE Cayman

The Appeal of a True Sports Car (2)

Not Excessive, but Natural

The engine is also exceptionally well-crafted. Firstly, it's made entirely of aluminum for weight reduction. Secondly, it features VarioCam Plus for variable valve timing and a two-stage variable valve lift mechanism. This provides ample torque even at low RPMs, making it easy to handle, while also allowing the engine to rev rapidly to high RPMs when the accelerator is pressed. The surge of power around 5,000rpm, combined with the manual shifting, offers an unparalleled sense of satisfaction.

Grip the short-throw shift lever and pull through second, third... and you'll quickly reach the legal speed limit, so proceed with caution. However, you don't necessarily need to redline the engine. The mid-range acceleration is also quite impressive. Its lightness provides instant response, and you'll never feel the engine is lacking. The agility of its suspension is the dazzling charm of the compact two-seater Cayman.

Not excessive, but natural. To put it simply, these are the characteristics of the Cayman. "Sports car" was originally a category for vehicles that allowed for more enjoyable driving, extending the driver's physical sensations. When "super" is added, it transcends human perception. Amidst the proliferation of supercars, the Cayman offers a masterpiece of a high-quality sports car, true to its original meaning, for just under ¥7 million. It's a truly valuable existence.

However... being a two-seater with no place to put a briefcase is indeed inconvenient. While sportswear doesn't have pockets, for a car that can be used daily, I'd like to drive the Cayman as a sports car equipped with "pockets" for small purchases. That has always been my dream.