2017 Porsche 718 Cayman released with new engine, better looks

Article by Christian A., on April 27, 2016

Porsche has introduced the redeveloped fourth generation mid-engine sport coupe of the Porsche 718 Cayman. The release, which comes weeks after the 718 Boxster made its official debut, does not only extend the brand’s new model series but also now has a more efficient, striking, and athletic look.

Orders for both the 718 Cayman and the 718 Cayman S are now being accepted. Market launch for the Europe market is scheduled on September 24, 2016, with the one for the China market slated for December 3, 2016.

The options available include the Porsche Torque Vectoring and the Sport Chrono Package. There is also the option which is known as the PASM that lowers the ride height by 10 millimeters with the same PASM sport suspension in S model lowering its ride height by 20 millimeters.

Similar to other sports cars from Porsche, it is possible to adjust the Sport Chrono Package through the programme switch placed on its steering wheel. While the settings in the prior model included "Normal", "Sport" and "Sport Plus", the redeveloped model now includes that "Individual" programme.

What this does is allow the individual settings that have been programmed for different systems to be called up. Since the driving performance capabilities of the 718 Cayman have been improved, there was a need to improve the brake systems.

Now stronger, it makes use of 330-millimeter brake discs on its front while the rear has 299-millimeter discs. This brake system though was the same one that was used on the Cayman S. Thus for the 718 Cayman S, it now utilizes the four-piston callipers similar to the 911 Carrera especially with the brake discs on its front axle that are thicker by 6 millimeters.

Exterior Design

While the technology in the 718 Cayman underwent some comprehensive advances, the same is true when it comes to the design. These can be seen in the pronounced air intakes located on the sides and front, the low side profile, and the tight proportions. All of these help in highlighting the increase in the dynamics.

Since the nose sports a sharper profile, it gives the front end a wider appearance and even a more masculine one. Just above its air intakes are the ultra-slim front lights where the parking lights and the indicators are located. This helps strengthen the masculine impression.

Completing the 718 Cayman’s front end are the cooling air intakes that been made larger. Then there are the newly designed bi-xenon headlights with the LED daytime running lights integrated to it. Being offered as an option are the LED headlights that comes with the four-point daytime running lights.

When looked at its side, this new coupe displays side sills and striking wings. Since the rear part has been redesigned, it now looks wider especially with the high-gloss black accent strip that has the Porsche badge incorporated in the middle of the tail lights.

Even the tail lights have been redesigned and are characterized with the three-dimensional technology as well as the four brake spots that look as if they’re floating.

Interior Design

The interior has been revised as well, particularly for the 718 Boxster and 718 Cayman. New features include the upper part of the dashboard panel and the air vents. The new sport steering wheel seen inside the 918 Spyder is now part of the cockpit of the 718.

Extensive connectivity options and Porsche Communication Management (PCM) are now included as standard equipment. Also included as standard are the 150-watt Sound Package Plus, audio interfaces, and mobile phone preparation.

There are other options to help extend the PCM. Take the Connect module for instance. Now it has special extensions specifically for smartphones like a USB port, Porsche Car Connect, and Apple CarPlay. A navigation module that make it simple to enter driving destinations due to voice control is also offered as another available option.

For those who choose the Connect Plus module, it is possible to extend this by putting in real-time traffic data. It is even possible to utilize the different additional comprehensive services by just using a smartphone. Examples of these are the Porsche Car Connect App and the Porsche Connect App.

Powertrain

The engine powering the 718 Cayman is the same four-cylinder flat turbocharged unit inside the 718 Boxster. What this means is that for the first time, the roadster and coupe will have the same engine output.

For the entry-level version that will be released to the Chinese market, the output is set at 184 kW (250 hp). For the versions released in other markets, the engine in the 718 Cayman delivers 220 kW (300 hp) of output from only two liters of displacement.

While the S model did not undergo any changes, it is expected to have 257 kW (350 hp) of output from 2.5 liters of displacement. With the incredible torque afforded by its new engines, the 718 Cayman guarantees agility and driving fun even when running at low revolutions.

Take the two-liter engine version aimed at the China market for example, it can provide torque at 310 Nm between 1,850 and 5,000 rpm. For the version targeted at the other markets, torque is at 380 Nm and is possible between 1,950 rpm and 4,500 rpm. Going back to the 718 Cayman S, its 2.5-liter engine has a turbocharger that comes with the variable turbine geometry (VTG), a feature that in the past has been offered exclusively for the 911 Turbo.

In addition, for the first time the VTG charger has a wastegate. The engine provides 420 Nm, though it can bring an additional 50 Nm, to its crankshaft and is possible at speeds from 1,900 to 4,500 rpm. What this simply means is that the driver has access to better torque regardless of what the current speed range of the engine is. For the 718 Cayman that has the PDK and that is equipped with the optional Sport Chrono Package, it allows for acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in merely 4.7 seconds, though the version for China takes 5.4 seconds.

Top speed is 275 km/h with the Chinese market version at 260 km/h. The 718 Cayman S meanwhile can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.2 seconds with maximum speed at 285 km/h. While the performance of the Porsche 718 Cayman is indeed better, the driving dynamics continue to be similar to that of classic 718 cars.

Mostly a result of their outstanding agility, these historic mid-engine sports cars have won a number of contests and races especially during the 1950s and the 1960s like the Le Mans and Targa Florio. For the 718 Cayman, the chassis has been retuned with the wheel tracking and lateral rigidity enhanced. The tuning of its shock absorbers was also revised while the stabilizers and springs have been redesigned in order to make it firmer. In order to improve driving fun and agility, the steering has been configured in order to result in becoming 10% more direct.

The wheels on the rear are now wider by half an inch and when combined with the redeveloped tyres, increase the lateral force potential and thus allow for greater stability especially when cornering. Different driving dynamic options are made available which ensure that whatever sporty character is present in the Porsche 718 Cayman can be customized.

Press Release

THE NEW PORSCHE 718 CAYMAN: THE BENCHMARK MID-ENGINED COUPE

Today, Porsche proudly unveils the new 718 Cayman. The latest and fourth generation of the mid-engined, two-seater sports coupé is distinguished by a distinctive athletic and purposeful appearance, with new flat-four turbocharged 'boxer' engines delivering upwards of 300 hp beating at its heart.

Since its debut in 2005, the Porsche Cayman has earned a particular reputation as a driver's car among owners and fans alike. Now, the new 718 Cayman aims to once more set the class benchmark for driving performance.

Like the 718 Boxster, the new 718 Cayman models continue the tradition of the Porsche 718 mid-engined sports cars that won numerous races in the 1950s and 1960s, powered by four-cylinder 'boxer' engines.

New four-cylinder turbocharged engines
The same new four-cylinder 'boxer' engines with turbocharging that first debuted in the 718 Boxster are shared with the 718 Cayman. As a result, coupé and roadster Porsche models offer identical engine outputs for the first time. The 718 Cayman derivative is powered by a 300 hp (220 kW) 2.0-litre engine. The 718 Cayman S features a 350 hp (257 kW) 2.5-litre engine. This represents 25 hp more power compared to the prior models, with NEDC fuel economy also increasing to 34.9 - 40.9 mpg Combined.

The tremendous thrust from the new engines promises rewarding levels of responsiveness even at low revs. The 2.0-litre engine of the 718 Cayman produces up to 380 Nm (plus 90 Nm) of torque, generated between 1,950 - 4,500 rpm. The 2.5-litre engine of the 718 Cayman S features a turbocharger with variable turbine geometry (VTG). This technology has been hitherto used exclusively in the 911 Turbo, and is unique to Porsche in petrol engine applications.

In the 718 Cayman S, the VTG turbocharger additionally has a wastegate. The engine delivers up to 420 Nm (an extra 50 Nm) between 1,900 and 4,500 rpm. For the driver, this means improved torque across all engine speeds. This translates into especially dynamic performance; the 718 Cayman with PDK and optional Sport Chrono Package sprints from zero to 62 mph in 4.7 seconds. The 718 Cayman S completes this sprint in 4.2 seconds. The top speed of the 718 Cayman is 170 mph, and the 718 Cayman S can reach a speed of 177 mph.

New chassis tuning for greater precision and more cornering stability
In terms of driving dynamics, the new 718 Cayman follows in the spirit of the classic 718 cars. Thanks to their outstanding agility, the historic mid-engine sports racers won numerous races in the 1950s and 1960s such as the Targa Florio and Le Mans.

The comprehensively retuned chassis of the 718 Cayman has increased dynamic responsiveness and cornering grip; springs and anti-roll bars have been designed to be firmer and the tuning of the shock absorbers has been revised. The steering, which has been configured to be ten per cent more direct, enhances agility and consequently increases driving pleasure further still. The rear wheels, which are half an inch wider, in combination with the re-developed tyres result in an increased lateral force potential and hence greater cornering grip.

Driving dynamics options such as the Sport Chrono Package and the Porsche Torque Vectoring (PTV) electronically-controlled rear limited slip differential allow the sporting character of the 718 Cayman to be further custom-tailored to suit individual preferences. Another available option is Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) with -10 mm lower ride height. Additionally, in the S model, PASM sport suspension combined with a - 20 mm lower ride height is offered for the first time.

The Sport Chrono Package can be adjusted via the mode switch on the steering wheel. Supplementing the previous settings of 'Normal', 'Sport' and 'Sport Plus' is the 'Individual' programme, which is able to call up previously programmed individual settings for various systems.

On account of the new car's greater driving performance capabilities, stronger brake systems are now in use with 330 mm brake discs in front and 299 mm discs at the rear. The 718 Cayman features the brake system that was previously used in the Cayman S. The 718 Cayman S in turn uses the four-piston callipers of the 911 Carrera, combined with 6 mm thicker brake discs.

Distinctive design for a more muscular appearance
The new 718 Cayman has been further developed as comprehensively in its design as in its technology. The taut proportions, prominent air intakes at the front and sides and sweeping profile underscore the boost in dynamics. The nose has a much sharper profile, which gives the front end a wider and more purposeful appearance.

The ultra-slim front lights above the air intakes, which contain the parking lights and indicators, further reinforce this impression. Rounding off the front end of the 718 Cayman are the significantly larger cooling air intakes and Bi-Xenon headlights in a new design with integrated LED daytime running lights. LED headlights with four-point daytime running lights are available as a new option.

Viewed from the side, the new coupé reveals its striking sculptured wheel-arches and side sills. The re-designed rear also has a much wider appearance, emphasised by a high-gloss black strip with integrated Porsche badge between the tail lights. The tail lights themselves have been completely re-designed and are distinguished by their technological three-dimensional styling and four brake individual brake lights that appear to float freely.

Redesigned interior and PCM as standard
Behind the wheel, subtle revisions are apparent in both the 718 Cayman and the 718 Boxster. The upper part of the dash panel including air vents is new. The new sports steering wheel in '918 Spyder' design as well as the extensive connectivity options have now been added to the 718 cockpit, along with the Porsche Communication Management (PCM) as a standard feature. Mobile phone preparation, audio interfaces and the 150-watt Sound Package Plus are all part of this standard.

Options are available to extend the PCM. The Connect module, for example, includes special extensions for smartphones, such as the USB port, Apple CarPlay and Porsche Car Connect. Another option is the satellite navigation module with voice control, which makes it easy to input driving destinations. If the Connect Plus module is selected, this can be extended with real-time traffic information. Drivers can also make use of additional comprehensive services via their smartphone, which include the Porsche Connect App and Porsche Car Connect App.

The new 718 Cayman models are available to order today from Porsche Centres in the UK and Ireland. For the first time, the coupé is priced below the roadster - in a similar way to the 911 models. First deliveries begin in the autumn.

The 718 Cayman is priced from £39,878.00 RRP, and the 718 Cayman S costs from £48,834.00 RRP. (Irish market prices are €64,932.00 and €82,898.00 respectively).

Customers will also be invited to explore the potential of their new car, and further develop their own skills behind the wheel, by participating in a bespoke driving experience around the tracks at the recently-expanded Porsche Experience Centre, Silverstone.