Resurrecting the 718 moniker from the archives, the prefix to the Cayman insignia is reminiscent of the brand’s golden years in motorsport history and is revered by fans and enthusiasts the world over. The underdog of its time, the 718 was one of the most successful race cars ever produced and developed a reputation for outperforming its rivals. In an attempt to mimic its success, Porsche has entrusted the Cayman S with the distinguished moniker, ensuring it is well-equipped to take on the supremely capable Audi TTS, breathtaking BMW M2, and stunning Jaguar F-Type.
| Key Features: | |
| Engine | 2.5L / 4-cylinder |
| Transmission | 7-speed automatic |
| Power | 350 Hp / 420 Nm |
| Top Speed | 285 km/h |
| Price | AED 313,000 |
Exterior
A poster car in every sense possible, the Porsche 718 Cayman S exudes presence and turns heads without a thought. Accentuating the contours that embellish its bodywork, is a Graphite Blue Metallic hue and a set of 20-inch Carrera Classic wheels that allow for glimpses of the drilled rotors and performance calipers that reside farther back. Center-exit exhaust pipes, an electronically adjustable spoiler and gaping vents along the rear fender, connote the brutality that lies within.
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Interior
Far from stereotypical and partially claustrophobic, the cabin of the German coupe welcomes supple crimson and ebony leathers to contrast the carbon fiber and silver trims that adorn the steering, dashboard, and center console. Well designed and immaculately put together, the 718 Cayman S retains the cockpit-aura of its predecessors while a 14-way power adjustable sports seat, multifunction steering wheel, and an all-new 7-inch Porsche Communication Management (PCM) screen allow it to keep up with the times.
Safety & Tech
Armed with an abundance of technology that spans safety, entertainment, and convenience features, the Cayman S is home to full-size airbags which inflate in two stages depending on the severity of the impact, a park assist system with a rear-view camera, automatic dimming mirrors with rain sensors, adaptive cruise control, and a blind spot detection system, too. For the techies and audiophiles, there’s a banging Bose audio system that pumps out a crisp 505 Watts of aural satisfaction through a 10-speaker setup.
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Drive
Staying true to its 718 roots, the Cayman S is fitted with a 2.5-liter turbocharged flat four-cylinder engine that directs 350 eager to gallop horses and 420 Nm of torque through a 7-speed PDK transmission to a rear-wheel-drive layout. With the exhaust valves open and your right foot mashed to the floor, the 718 Cayman S will hit 100 km/h in 4.2-seconds, 160 km/h in just 9.2-seconds, and a jaw-dropping top speed of 285 km/h – all without any struggle whatsoever.
More than just a dragstrip annihilator, the 718 Cayman S offers exceptional handling at high speeds, partly due to the Porsche Active Suspension Management system that reduces ride height by 20 mm and the Porsche Torque Vectoring (PTV) system that includes a mechanically locking rear differential. Stiff enough to curb body roll without being uncomfortable, the German coupe inspires confidence even when driven at the extremities of its attainable limits.
Verdict
An excellent all-rounder, the Porsche 718 Cayman S is an everyday car for the passionate enthusiast. Powerful and drop dead gorgeous, it’s everything a Porsche should be with only its absurd AED 313,000 price tag (AED 77,000 of which are add-on options) and drab Graphite Blue Metallic paint working against it.
Pros:
- Beautiful transmission that is extremely engaging
- Raw power is just a tap of the accelerator pedal away
Cons:
- Claustrophobic cabin
- Distractingly small side mirrors
- Slightly complicated infotainment system
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