Overview

The 2021 Porsche 718 Cayman captures the same physical and emotional excitement of driving that supercars do. This coupe and its convertible sibling—the 718 Boxster, which we review separately—provide unrivaled driver engagement among sports cars. The Cayman's otherworldly chassis provides an open line of communication between the driver, the car, and the road. To create the 718, Porsche knits together strong brakes, an unflappable suspension, and a steering system rich with feedback. The result is so good that both 718 body styles made our 2020 10Best list. The brand's flawless automatic and manual transmissions and potent engines—particularly the melodic flat-six—complete the picture. While the 2021 Cayman costs more than its distinguished rivals, the Chevy Corvette and Toyota Supra, its still the most focused and satisfying choice in the segment.

What's New for 2021?

Porsche gives the Cayman more standard features for 2021, including Apple CarPlay integration, auto-dimming rearview mirrors, bixenon headlights that turn with the steering wheel, and dual-zone climate control. A new model joins the lineup, too: Called the GTS, this Cayman features a naturally aspirated 4.0-liter flat-six. This engine also powers the GT4 RS, but in the GTS, it makes 29 less horsepower, for a total of 394. What's more, the six-cylinder engine is now compatible with Porsche's seven-speed dual-clutch automatic.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

All 2021 Cayman models see a price bump compared with the previous model year. (For instance, Porsche is asking $2400 more for the base model.) We've previously recommended the 350-hp four-cylinder S model, and it's arguably still the best performance value, but now that the flat-six comes in a less hardcore package than the GT4 RS, we can't deny it's the one we'd choose. We'd also keep the standard manual transmission because it's more fun to operate than the auto, and there's always the chance that it could be put out to pasture any year now. Plus, every GTS comes with desirable performance equipment, including the adjustable and nicely bolstered Sport Seats Plus, a snorty exhaust system, an adaptive sport-tuned suspension, and black 20-inch wheels. It also boasts the Sport Chrono package, which brings a limited-slip differential, brake-based torque vectoring, and the obligatory clock on top of the dashboard.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

Porsche offers an assortment of potent engines on the Cayman. The entry-level version is a 300-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter flat-four. The S variant is motivated by a turbocharged 2.5-liter flat-four that generates 350 horses. While the four-cylinders provide quick acceleration, we take issue with the coarse sounds they produce. Thankfully, the naturally aspirated 4.0-liter flat-six fixes the Cayman's auditory issues. In addition to the intoxicating noises it makes, the six-cylinder generates 394 ponies in the GTS 4.0 and 414 in the mighty GT4 RS. Regardless of which engine you choose, every Cayman comes standard with a slick six-speed manual transmission—perhaps the best one on the market. If you're not into that, you can get a quick-shifting seven-speed dual-clutch automatic with steering-wheel-mounted shift paddles. The Cayman's willful chassis and telepathic steering transcend perfection. Credit the Cayman's mid-engine layout and sticky summer tires, which work together to provide the sports coupe with stunning balance and stability on twisty two-lane roads. This car is a sublime mix of heady handling and a relatively relaxed ride.

View Photos Porsche

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

Neither the EPA nor Porsche has released fuel-economy ratings for the 2021 Cayman, but we don't expect those figures to change much from the previous model year's. The government estimates the base 2020 Cayman will achieve up to 21 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. The more powerful S model is rated at 19 mpg city and 25 highway with the automatic, and a manual-equipped GT4 RS is rated at 16 mpg city and 23 highway. We tested the base car and Cayman S on our 200-mile highway route, and both delivered a thrifty 32 mpg in the real world.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

Easy-to-understand gauges, comfortable seats, and well-placed controls give the Cayman's cabin a form-fitting feeling, not unlike a superhero's suit. Still, a plethora of hard buttons and a number of cheap plastic pieces keep the interior from standing out in this class. Fortunately, Porsche will cover just about any surface in leather—at a cost, of course. A compact front trunk complements the Cayman's rear cargo area, providing the small sports car with cargo space that rivals the best of its competitive set. We fit two carry-on suitcases in the truck and two in the frunk. A steep rear-hatch angle, however, means owners will need to use soft duffel bags to make the most of the available space.

View Photos Porsche

Infotainment and Connectivity

The Cayman's standard touchscreen infotainment system is straightforward and offers generally quick response times to user inputs. While Porsche nickels and dimes its customers by charging extra for some features, such as built-in navigation and a Wi-Fi hotspot, every model now has Apple CarPlay compatibility. Android Auto isn't available, though. The audio system can be upgraded to either a Bose stereo or a high-end Burmester unit that has 12 speakers and a total output of 821 watts.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

The 2021 Cayman hasn't been crash-tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). However, it is available with a handful of driver-assistance technologies and comes standard with front and rear parking sensors. Key safety features include:

Available adaptive cruise control

Available blind-spot monitoring

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

Porsche's warranty coverage lacks the complimentary scheduled maintenance offered by most of its rivals, but it is otherwise comparable.

Limited warranty covers four years or 50,00 miles

Powertrain warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles

Complimentary maintenance is covered for one year or 10,000 miles

Specifications Specifications 2018 Porsche 718 Cayman GTS VEHICLE TYPE

mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive, 2-passenger, 2-door hatchback PRICE AS TESTED

$85,170 (base price: $81,750) ENGINE TYPE

turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 16-valve flat-4, aluminum block and heads, direct fuel injection

Displacement

152 in3, 2497 cm3

Power

365 hp @ 6500 rpm

Torque

309 lb-ft @ 1900 rpm TRANSMISSION

6-speed manual CHASSIS

Suspension (F/R): struts/multilink

Brakes (F/R): 13.0-in vented, cross-drilled disc/11.8-in vented, cross-drilled disc

Tires: Michelin Pilot Sport 4S, F: 235/35ZR-20 (92Y) N0 R: 265/35ZR-20 (99Y) N0 DIMENSIONS

Wheelbase: 97.4 in

Length: 173.0 in

Width: 70.9 in

Height: 50.6 in

Passenger volume: 49 ft3

Cargo volume: 15 ft3

Curb weight: 3114 lb C/D TEST RESULTS

60 mph: 4.1 sec

100 mph: 9.2 sec

130 mph: 15.7 sec

150 mph: 22.9 sec

Rolling start, 5–60 mph: 5.3 sec

Top gear, 30–50 mph: 8.2 sec

Top gear, 50–70 mph: 5.6 sec

¼-mile: 12.4 sec @ 116 mph

Top speed (drag limited, mfr's claim): 180 mph

Braking, 70–0 mph: 143 ft

Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad: 1.05 g C/D FUEL ECONOMY

Observed: 20 mpg EPA FUEL ECONOMY

Combined/city/highway: 21/19/25 mpg Expand Collapse

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