ABDC 2017: Porsche Cayman S Review

2nd

If Porsche’s Cayman GTS claimed ABDC 2015 victory then the comprehensively upgraded fourth generation version should be a shoe-in this year, right?

Not quite, because the compact German coupe faces a new set of performance car rivals in 2017 and, although cheaper than its Boxster roadster twin for first time, the now four-cylinder Cayman S is still not cheap at $140,000-plus.

Throw in a load of expensive new options, many of which increase performance, and the 911's little brother starts to look decidedly expensive.

Just take our test car, which added a PDK auto ($4990), Sport Chrono Package including launch control ($4990), Sports Exhaust System ($4330), Porsche Torque Vectoring including mechanical rear differential lock ($3190) and Porsche Active Suspension Management with 20mm lower ride height ($2710).

It also came with 20-inch Carrera S wheels ($2710), BOSE Surround Sound System ($2650), metallic paint ($1850), parking sensors and reverse camera ($1690), Connect Plus ($1090) and a GT Sports steering wheel ($660), swelling the price to beyond $170K before on-road costs.

There were other issues too, like excessive tyre noise from those optional 20s, a firm ride even in comfort mode, pedals offset to the right, a lack of steering wheel reach adjustment and the economy-biased automatic transmission.

"Five points for all but ride and NVH," said one judge, with another adding: "Intrusive noise not conducive to conversation with passenger".

That said a third described the ride as "absorbent to a point but pitchy on short bumps" and a number claimed cabin noise was lower than expected in a sports car of this capability.

The elephant in the room, of course, is a smaller-capacity turbo boxer four, which is not as rorty as the previous Cayman's atmo six, only just matches its 257kW power output and does introduce a level of turbo lag.

But consider that it employs variable-geometry turbine tech from the 911 to slam down an extra 50Nm of torque (a heady 420Nm from just 2.5 litres), hits 100km/h in a claimed 4.2sec and offers a 285km/h top speed while averaging just 7.3L/100km, and the conclusion is the Porsche Cayman S is both faster and more efficient than before.

Besides, not one judge labelled the four-pot boxer a backward step.

“Dieselly at low revs; WRX-ish in the midrange; clattery up top" and "can sound tinny but goes hard" were the only criticisms. Another judge described it as a "raw, roaring and characterful engine with a bit of boxer clatter".

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The consensus, however, was: "No regrets about the turbo four. It has several different soundtracks but never wants for grunt – impressive for just 2.5 litres."

This extra performance is harnessed by a completely retuned chassis which brings more lateral rigidity and better wheel tracking courtesy of new springs, shocks and stabiliser bars, 10 per cent quicker steering and 10mm wider rear wheels.

There's also a beefier brake package taken from the 911 Carrera.

The result? The Cayman S was only the sixth quickest to 100km/h at the drag strip (5.47sec), but climbed to third best over 400m (12.35sec). Around the Baskerville circuit, its time of 58.227sec was less than two-tenths slower than the HSV GTRS W1. The Porsche was also half a second faster than the next best.

As ever, numbers don't tell the full story, because balance, steering precision, braking ability and road holding are more difficult to measure.

In fact, almost all judges said the Cayman's steering and braking were the best in this group – especially its steering, which was deemed to be even better weighted and more communicative than the lauded Cayman GTS.

"Steering feel and braking performance as good as it gets," said one judge.

"Best steering, best brakes, best chassis," opined another.

Indeed, most noted it was the Cayman's engaging mixture of power, grip and balance in just the right proportions which made it made it such a class act.

"It's the picture of balance: power, steering, brakes and chassis all in almost perfect harmony. Steering feel and accuracy is faultless, as is grip even in the wet. Pure, delightful and oh so fast on the track," said Sinclair.

"Through all the changes Porsche still gets it – it's about the tuning, the sensitivity, the intimacy, not just the numbers," said Newton.

It's these attributes which make the Cayman’s performance accessible for drivers of all abilities – a car which flatters bad drivers and makes less experienced drivers feel confident.

Easy to adjust mid-corner via throttle and steering, the Cayman S is equally predictable and progressive in telegraphing traction loss at the limit. Here it's easier to drive than the 911 and probably quicker in most hands.

"Two words: grip and balance," said Youlden.

"Another example of why Porsche dominates the sports car market. Unbelievable road holding. Unrivalled grip, feel and balance. Max 1.73g [in cornering] for a road car on track is sensational.

But perhaps we'll leave the final word to Crick, who's never been a Porsche fan but awarded this one perfect fives in all attributes and is now a Cayman convert.

"There is nothing I would change in this car. For me in today's conditions it is perfect. Superb in every facet – handling, ride, engine, transmission, steering, braking and ergonomics.

"It's as good on the road as the track -- balanced, accurate, smooth. After years of being a non-Porscheophile, I'm in love."

Yes, more so than any other car in ABDC 2017, the Porsche Cayman S is far, far more than the sum of its parts.

2017 Porsche Cayman S pricing and specifications:
Price: $140,300 (plus on-road costs… As tested see text)
Engine: 2.5-litre turbocharged flat four-cylinder
Output: 257kW/420Nm
Transmission: Seven-speed dual-clutch automatic
Fuel: 7.3L/100km (ADR Combined) / 21.23L/100km (as tested)
CO2: 167g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety rating: Not tested

2017 Porsche Cayman S performance figures (as tested):
0-100km/h: 5.473sec
0-400m: 12.350sec @ 193.020km/h
Lap time: 58.227sec

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