Porsche Cayman goes four-pot too

Hot on the heels of launching its first four-cylinder Boxster roadster, Porsche has applied the same mechanical and design upgrades to the similarly named 718 Cayman coupe.

The big news is that, although prices go up by $4100 for the entry-level Cayman and $1600 for the Cayman S, both hard-top models now undercut the equivalent Boxsters.

Cayman pricing now starts at $110,300 plus on-road costs (previously $106,200), with the Cayman S pegged at $140,600 plus ORCs (was $139,000). That makes both models $2800 cheaper than their topless mid-engined cousins.

And, because the base Cayman's fuel consumption now drops to 6.9L/100km in PDK automatic form, two-pedal versions will benefit from the same $4000-plus luxury car tax savings as the Boxster PDK.

Previously, Porsche charged $4990 extra for seven-speed PDK dual-clutch auto versions of the entry-level Cayman, but the premium this time round will only be $1333, meaning its list price will be under $112,000.

While the 718 Boxster arrives in Australia mid-year, the fourth-generation Cayman goes on sale just months later.

Like the heavily upgraded Boxster, Porsche's latest compact coupe downsizes from six-cylinder boxer power to turbocharged flat four-cylinder engines, delivering the same outputs as the roadster for the first time.

That means 221kW (300hp) and 380Nm (18kW and 90Nm more than before, the latter between 1950rpm and 4500rpm) at base level for the 2.0-litre Cayman, and 257kW/420Nm (up 50Nm) for the 2.5-litre Cayman S, which employs variable-geometry turbine tech from the 911.

At the same time, fuel consumption for PDK versions decreases to just 6.9 and 7.3L/100km respectively.

With optional PDK auto and Sport Chrono Package, the 718 Cayman is claimed to hit 100km/h in 4.7 seconds and a top speed of 275km/h, while the S is said to hit 100km/h in 4.2 seconds and hit 285km/h.

Also as per 718 Boxster is improved lateral rigidity and wheel tracking courtesy of a "completely retuned chassis", which employs new springs, shocks and stabiliser bars, while the steering is now 10 per cent more direct and the rear wheels are 10mm wider.

Apart from Sport Chrono Package, new options include Porsche Torque Vectoring (PTV) and Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) with 10mm-lower ride height (S: 20mm).

Brakes are also upgraded, to 330mm front and 299mm rear discs from the old Cayman S, while the S borrows four-piston callipers and 6mm-thicker rotors from the 911 Carrera.

Cosmetically, as with the 718 Boxster, the latest Cayman gains a host of design changes not immediately apparent.

They include a sharper nose, more prominent side air intakes, high-gloss black rear accent strip, new tail-lights and slimmer (bi-xenon) headlights with integrated LED daytime running lights. LED headlights with four-point daytime running lights are optional.

The new Cayman also borrows the 718 Boxster's interior, including its new upper dash, fresh air vents, new 918 Spyder-style sport steering wheel and, as standard in Australia, the latest Porsche Communication Management (PCM) with mobile phone preparation, audio interfaces, navigation, voice control, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring and 150-Watt Sound Package Plus.

Also standard for Australian models will be the Porsche Dynamic Light System (PDLS), auto-dimming mirrors and digital radio.