Ciprian Florea wrote:Porsche unveiled the new 718 Cayman at the 2016 Beijing Auto Show.
Exterior
It has been a tradition for the Boxster and Cayman to share the same exterior design since the latter was introduced in 2005, and this tradition is set to continue under the new 718 nameplate. In short, the Cayman is identical to the Boxster below the waist.
Compared to the previous model, updates include a slightly wider front end with a new bumper, wider air intakes, redesigned, thinner daytime running lights, and a reshaped center-mounted grille. The Cayman also received Porsche’s new bi-xenon headlamps, as well as the optional units with four-point DRLs. The latter was made available for the Cayman for the very first time.
When viewed from the side, the new 718 Cayman sports a similar shape to its predecessor, but features new character lines above and below the side intakes, beefier side skirts, and revised door handles without recess covers. Novelties also include new side mirrors and wheels (19-inch standard or 20-inch optional).
By far the most spectacular changes occurred around back. As we’ve already seen on the Boxster, Porsche redesigned both the taillights and the decklid. The taillights use the company’s new 3D LEDs with four-point brake lights and received a black strip with integrated "Porsche" lettering between them. That’s a first for both the Boxster and Cayman, and a feature that reminds us of 1990s 911 Carreras. Other changes include "718 Cayman" badges, a revised diffuser with a rectangular exhaust pipe for the base model and a pair of round outlets for the S version.
Interior
Inside, the 718 Cayman is also identical to the Boxster, save for the infinite headroom that comes with a drop-top. Cabin updates are less spectacular, but the coupe now comes with a revised dashboard with new A/C vents, an updated instrument cluster, and a redesigned steering wheel based on the 911’s. Upgraded tech includes a standard Porsche Communication Management system with cell phone connectivity, audio interfaces, and a 110-watt Sound Package Plus. Optionally, customers will be able to add the Connect module with extensions for smartphones, such as the USB port, Apple CarPlay and Porsche Car Connect. Other goodies available on the options sheet include navigation module with voice control and a Connect Plus module for access to a wide array of online services. As usual, 718 Cayman buyers will also have access to a wide variety of customization options and upholstery combinations.
Drivetrain
Just like the 718 Boxster, the Cayman no longer uses the naturally aspirated, flat-six engine. Instead, it gets its juice from a new range of turbocharged, flat-four units.
The base 718 Cayman comes with a 2.0-liter powerplant rated at 300 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, a 35-horsepower and 74-pound-feet improvement over the previous model. Performance numbers have also improved, with the Cayman now able to hit 60 mph from a standing start in 4.9 seconds with the six-speed manual transmission, 4.7 ticks with the PDK, and 4.5 seconds with the PDK and Sport Chrono Package. Top speed for the base model increased from from 165 mph to 170 mph.
Moving over to the Cayman S, the previous 3.4-liter flat-six was replaced by a turbocharged, 2.5-liter, flat-four with 350 horsepower and 309 pound-feet. These figures account for a 35-horsepower and 43-pound-feet improvement over the previous model. The charge to 60 mph has dropped to 4.4 seconds with the manual gearbox, 4.2 ticks with the PDK, and an amazing four seconds with the PDK and Sport Chrono Package. Top speed grew from 175 to around 177 mph.
Mileage has also improved due to turbocharging. The base model returns 21 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway with the manual and 22 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway with the PDK. The S-badged model is rated at 20 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway with the manual and 21 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway with the PDK.
The Cayman also got an updated Sport Chrono Package, which, just like in the 911, includes the Individual setting in addition to the previous Normal, Sport and Sport Plus settings. In models equipped with the PDK transmission, a new Sport Response button will sharpen the responsiveness of the engine and the transmission to enhance acceleration.
Suspension
The facelifted Cayman rides on a retuned chassis that uses firmer springs, stabilizers, and revised shock absorbers. The steering is 10 percent more direct and enhances the coupe’s agility. The 718 also benefits from greater cornering stability due to the revised rear wheels, which are a half-inch wider.
The optional PASM lowers the standard 718 Cayman by 0.4 inches and the Cayman S by nearly 0.8 inches.
Stopping power comes from upgraded brakes that use 330mm (13-inch) discs at the front and 299mm (11.7-inch) discs to the rear. The base 718 Cayman now has the braking system that was previously used in the Cayman S, while 718 Cayman S sports the four-piston calipers of the 911 Carrera combined with six mm (0.23-inch) thicker discs.
It's very far away from near perfect with that awful design.
