Porsche Cayman (2013 – 2016) Review
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Porsche Cayman (2013 – 2016) At A Glance
More economical and faster than before. Improved interior design and quality. The best sports car around by a country mile.
Easy to get carried away with optional extras that quickly rocket up the price.
No longer seen as the poor-man's 911, the Cayman's reputation continues to rise. This is the second generation model and considering how good the original was it has big, err, tyres to fill. We were impressed by the new Boxster, launched last year, so this is one car we've been looking forward to driving for quite a while now.
The original Cayman was a beautifully-proportioned car and Porsche hasn't messed with that formula for this all-new model. It has that recognisable Porsche profile and flowing shape but there are a few more angles than before with a slightly more bluff front end and not so many rounded edges. Porsche describes it as a 'refinement' of the old Cayman.
The sharper lines work especially well at the back where it's more cohesive than the original Cayman helped by a prominent ridge that runs across the back between the rear lights. Like the Boxster, this neatly houses the electric spoiler but on the Cayman it's higher and deploys at a steeper angle for extra downforce. The central exhaust remains too with the standard Cayman getting an oval tailpipe while the S has a dual exhaust.
If Porsche's aim was to make the Cayman appear more aggressive it has certainly succeeded. Larger alloys help with the Cayman getting 18-inch wheels and 19-inch alloys on the S, but the biggest difference is inside. The interior marks a significant improvement in both ergonomics and design, following on from the new 911 and echoing the Boxster.
It uses the same engines as the Boxster with the standard version getting a 2.7-litre flat six-cylinder engine. This is actually smaller than the 2.9-litre in the old model but it actually develops more power with 275PS which peaks up at 7400rpm. Acceleration from 0-62mph takes 5.7 seconds with the standard six-speed manual gearbox while average claimed fuel economy is 34.4mpg.
Standard equipment on the Cayman includes air conditioning, a CD stereo with seven-inch touchscreen, automatic headlights, start/stop, electric parking brake, 'Sport' button, 18-inch alloy wheels, top tinted windscreen, floor mats and a three year warranty. In addition to the more powerful, larger capacity engine, the Cayman S adds 19-inch alloy wheels, partial leather interior, and xenon headlights.
Reviews for Porsche Cayman (2013 – 2016)'s top 3 rivals
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Porsche Cayman (2013 – 2016) handling and engines
- Engines range from Cayman to Cayman GT4
- Readers report Real MPG to be between 24–38 mpg
The standard Cayman has a smaller engine than the outgoing model - down from 2.9-litre to 2.7-litres - but as it's a higher revving unit it actually has more power with 275PS - an increase of 10PS. The new engine also produces more power at identical engine revs.
It's easy to look past the Cayman and focus on the Cayman S but the standard version is hardly slow. On paper it will accelerate from 0-62mph in just 5.7 seconds and a smidge faster if you go for the PDK. So it may not have an S on the boot, but in everyday driving it feels more than fast enough. The improvements over the old Cayman are noticeable with better engine response and a touch more urgency in gear.
It's still as smooth as ever and even more free-revving. With the wonderfully precise six-speed manual gearbox it's a delight to drive with the howling engine and exhaust adding to the experience. It's surprisingly economical too with an official average of 34.5mpg for the manual. Not bad for a car with 275PS.
But you can't deny that the Cayman S is that extra bit special. It uses the same 3.4-litre engine as before but with power now up to 325PS and like the 2.7-litre unit, there's more power across the rev range. It's quicker than the Cayman from 0-62mph, taking 5.0 seconds in the manual, but you really notice the extra power at the top of the rev range.
We're real fans of the standard manual gearbox, it's easy to use in traffic yet still has a short shift which is ideal when you want to enjoy the Cayman on some more interesting roads. It makes driving the Cayman quickly but smoothly really rewarding. As an option you can go for the seven-speed PDK (which stands for Porsche Doppelkupplungsgetriebe pub quiz fans) twin-clutch automatic gearbox.
When this was first launched in the 911 a few years ago it got a lukewarm reception but Porsche has massively improved it since. It comes with steering wheel mounted paddles, which thankfully are fixed to the steering wheel and not the column, so you can control the changes yourself. It may not feel as involving as the manual but the PDK is a mightily good gearbox and by far the best twin-clutch automatic around.
While the PDK may not be the purists choice it's easy to see why many buyers, especially those new to Porsche, are choosing it. In traffic you can leave it in D and it will happily potter along with nice smooth shifts. Then on proper roads you can take control yourself thanks to incredibly response shifts via the paddles which result in instant changes. Hard braking results in faster downshifts at higher engine speeds, with a nice blip of the throttle between each shift.
The original Cayman was the benchmark for sports car handling and with this model Porsche has improved it even further. It has a completely redesigned chassis as well as new front suspension and a 60mm longer wheelbase with shorter overhangs. Add in a wider track plus bigger tyres and the result is a supremely surefooted car with immense traction and grip.
It's perfectly balanced thanks to the mid-engine layout and feels less intimidating than a 911, especially in the wet. The steering is superbly responsive and accurate too with a nice weight to it. This new Cayman is around 50kg lighter than before and has a significantly stiffer body, so not only is it even better through tight corners but the ride is more refined, particularly noticeable on poor roads. It's still firm - this is a sports car after all - but it's rarely uncomfortable even on particularly bad surfaces.
Like the Boxster, the Cayman has the PTV (Porsche Torque Vectoring) system as an option. This acts like a rear differential by braking the inside wheel in corners while at the same time sending more power to the outside wheels. The effect is that you don't need as much steering input through bends and there's better traction on the way out. It's not cheap but we think it's worth the extra.
Porsche has kept all the elements that made the original Cayman so good and added to them with a touch more refinement, improved quality and even better handling - a real feat given how impressive the previous model was. No other sports car at this price comes even close to the Cayman. It's pretty much faultless. We think it's a bit bloody good.
| Engine | MPG | 0-62 | CO2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cayman | 34 mpg | 5.7 s | 192–195 g/km |
| Cayman GT4 | 27 mpg | 4.4 s | 238 g/km |
| Cayman GTS | 31–34 mpg | 4.8–4.9 s | 190–211 g/km |
| Cayman PDK | 36 mpg | 5.4–5.6 s | 180–183 g/km |
Real MPG average for the Porsche Cayman (2013 – 2016)
Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.
Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.
Average performance
89%
Real MPG
24–38 mpg
MPGs submitted
17
Porsche Cayman (2013 – 2016) interior
- Boot space is 275 litres
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 4380–4438 mm |
| Width | 1978 mm |
| Height | 1266–1295 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2475–2484 mm |
The interior can seem quite button heavy at first - this is part of Porsche's design aimed at having all the controls to hand, rather than the driver having to go through menus on a screen or use a dial control.
It's all fairly straightforward though and Porsche has really improved things like the sat nav and entertainment system along with the layout of the air conditioning controls. There's now an electric parking brake which frees up space too. Finally it seems the Cayman has the modern interior it deserves. It's even practical with a boot at both the front and back thanks to the mid-engine layout.
But the fundamental sense you get from sitting behind the wheel is that the Cayman is a car designed for one purpose - driving. The low slung seat, perfectly placed pedals and high-mounted gear lever mean you immediately feel like you're in a proper sports car. It sounds like one too. Porsche has stuck with traditional normally aspirated flat-six engines - there are no turbo or superchargers here - so you get that trademark Porsche engine note.
Porsche Cayman (2013 – 2016) models and specs
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 4380–4438 mm |
| Width | 1978 mm |
| Height | 1266–1295 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2475–2484 mm |
| Miscellaneous | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight | 1310–1375 kg |
| Boot Space | 275 L |
| Warranty | 3 years / Unlimited miles |
| Servicing | 20000 miles |
| Spare Wheel | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | Tyre-repair kit | ||
| Costs | |
|---|---|
| List Price | £40,249–£65,391 |
| Insurance Groups | 42–45 |
| Road Tax Bands | I–L |
| Official MPG | 27.4–35.8 mpg |
| Euro NCAP Safety Ratings | |
|---|---|
| Adult | - |
| Child | - |
| Pedestrian | - |
| Overall | - |
| Coupe | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| Coupe 2.7 275ps 2dr | £40,249 | 33.6 mpg | 5.7 s |
| Coupe 2.7 275ps Black Edition 2dr | £46,544 | 33.6 mpg | 5.7 s |
| Coupe 2.7 275ps Black Edition Pdk 2dr | £48,459 | 35.8 mpg | 5.4 s |
| Coupe 2.7 275ps Pdk 2dr | £42,026 | 35.8 mpg | 5.6 s |
| Coupe 3.4 340ps Gts 2dr | £56,102 | 31.4 mpg | 4.9 s |
| Coupe 3.4 340ps Gts Pdk 2dr | £58,303 | 34.4 mpg | 4.8 s |
| Coupe 3.8 385ps GT4 2dr | £65,391 | 27.4 mpg | 4.4 s |
Model History
- November 2012: New Cayman unveiled
- March 2014: Cayman GTS launched
- March 2015: Porsche Cayman GT4 unveiled
November 2012
New Cayman unveiled
The 2013 Porsche Cayman aimed once more to set the class benchmark for driving performance, its longer wheelbase, all-new chassis and lower weight further optimising the established dynamic credentials of the mid-engined sports coupe.
The 2013 Porsche Cayman arrived in Porsche Centres in March 2013 priced from £39,694 (€68,460 in Ireland), and the Cayman S priced from £48,783 (€84,136 in Ireland).
Standard equipment on the 2013 Cayman includes air conditioning, CD audio with seven-inch touch-screen control interface, universal audio interface offering MP3 connectivity, automatic headlight activation, auto stop-start function, electronic parking brake, 'Sport' button, 18-inch alloy wheels, top tinted windscreen, floor mats and a three year warranty. In addition to the more powerful, larger capacity engine, the Cayman S adds 19-inch alloy wheels, partial leather interior, and Bi-Xenon headlights
The 2013 Cayman is up to 30 kg lighter than the prior model, depending on the specific version and equipment, and offers up to 15 per cent greater fuel efficiency- despite its increased engine output and driving performance.
The 2013 Cayman is more distinctive than ever. Its proportions are new, and yet it is clearly a Porsche sports coupe; an extended wheelbase with shorter overhangs and 18- or 19-inch diameter wheels with larger rolling circumference are identifying visual characteristics of the car's more enhanced driving performance. Its styling is marked by precise lines and razor-sharp sculpted edges. They emphasise the car's low, extended silhouette with the windscreen shifted forward and the roof line that reaches far back.
Chice of two flat six 'boxer' engines in the Cayman, a 2.7-litre and 3.4-litre, which both combine ample torque with high power in the upper engine rev range. One consequence of this high-revving concept is that although the 2.7-litre has a 0.2-litre reduction in engine displacement compared with the previous 2.9-litre unit, it still develops a higher power output.
With its specific power of 101.6 hp/litre, the 2.7-litre engine is the first Cayman to break the magic 100 hp per litre displacement barrier for sports car engines. Both engines now produce their maximum nominal power at 7,400 rpm; it was 7,200 rpm previously. Not only were peak powers increased by 10 hp to 275 hp (202 kW) in the Cayman and by five hp to 325 hp (239 kW) in the S-model; their two power curves also lie above those of the previous engines, which means that overall the six-cylinder engines produce more power at identical engine revs.
The new engines draw their air from both the left and right air scoops. In the 3.4-litre six-cylinder engine of the Cayman S, a switching resonance flap improves cylinder fill, providing high torque at low revs as well as a uniform torque curve. Both engines feature variable valve timing and lift (VarioCam Plus) on the intake side for optimal timing in charge changes.
Cayman 2.7-litre flat-six cylinder engine with 275 hp (202 kW); rear-wheel drive, six-speed manual transmission, optional seven-speed Porsche Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK); acceleration 0 - 62 mph 5.7 sec, with PDK in 5.6 sec (5.4 sec with Sport Chrono package); top speed 165 mph, with PDK 164 mph; fuel consumption (NEDC) 34.4 mpg, CO2 192 g/km; with PDK 36.7 mpg, CO2 180 g/km.
Cayman S 3.4-litre flat-six cylinder engine with 325 hp (239 kW); rear-wheel drive, six-speed manual transmission, optional seven-speed Porsche Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK); acceleration 0 - 62 mph 5.0 sec, with PDK 4.9 sec (4.7 sec with Sport Chrono package); top speed 176 mph, with PDK 174 mph; fuel consumption (NEDC) 32.1 mpg, CO2 206 g/km; with PDK 35.3 mpg, CO2 188 g/km.
The 2013 Cayman employs a six-speed manual transmission as standard; its gear ratios are optimally chosen for the engine's unique characteristics. The double clutch PDK is also available as an option. It offers seven gears and shifting without any interruption in propulsive power, and it enables faster sprints and better fuel economy.
The Cayman also now offers a Sport button as standard that lets the driver choose between sport-oriented tuning and that which is optimised for fuel efficiency. In Sport mode, the electronic engine management system makes the engine respond even quicker, with more direct dynamic response of the engine. In vehicles with PDK, automatic mode results in later upshifts and earlier downshifts. Moreover, the start/stop function and coasting function are deactivated.
The PDK is precisely tuned to the vehicle dynamics of the new Cayman. For example, in manual mode it enables controlled drifts with the Porsche Stability Management (PSM) deactivated - assuming a suitably protected roadway. Detection of the yaw angle and steering input angle initiates prevention of upshifting and permits a specific dynamic driving style.
The Sport Chrono package delivers the best possible standing-start acceleration in conjunction with PDK and the Sport Plus button with the Launch Control function. This shortens the sprint from 0 - 62 mph by 0.2 sec compared with normal mode. The Sport Plus button also activates the PDK 'race course' shifting strategy.
For even better driving performance and ride comfort, the Sport Chrono package incorporates dynamic transmission mounts. These alter their stiffness and damping rates as a function of the specific driving situation. With a hard setting of the mounts, for example, the drivetrain's moment of inertia is significantly reduced when steering into a bend and on quickly alternating twisty roads, which minimises rear body press. Its effects are similar to those of motorsport track cars, in which the engine is directly mounted to the body, resulting in more stable and precise handling.
The new generation of the optional PASM active damping system further extends the driving performance range of the Cayman. The reason: four additional vertical sensors at the front and rear wheels enable even better and more finely tuned control. Optimally controlled damping improves the road grip, offering greater driving stability, more comfort, enhanced performance and shorter braking distances. Just as before, the driver can use the PASM chassis control button on the centre console to choose between the two modes 'Normal' and 'Sport'. The system also acts as a function of the specific driving situation, so that driving fun is not compromised: during smooth motorway driving, for example, only moderate damping forces are required. In a sporty style of driving, on the other hand, high damping forces improve road grip and car body control.
Electro-mechanical power steering replaces the previous hydraulic system of the Cayman. Its high performance lets drivers experience the agility of the Cayman even more intensively. The driver receives direct feedback via the steering wheel, and negative or unnecessary "noise" is filtered out. At the same time, the new system offers fuel economy benefits while enhancing comfort and safety through auxiliary functions.
Building upon the capabilities of the PASM chassis, the optional Porsche Torque Vectoring (PTV) system is able to increase the driving performance potential of the Cayman still further. PTV is the intelligent interaction between the rear differential lock with braking interventions on selected wheels, an added function of Porsche Stability Management (PSM). Essentially, PTV improves the vehicle's steering response and steering precision by targeted brake interventions at the rear wheel located on the inside of a bend. The braking torque is activated as soon as the steering wheel is turned. The results: improved performance in bends as the turn is initiated. The rear differential lock then significantly improves traction capabilities when accelerating out of the bend.
Hand in hand with the car's enhanced driving performance, the brake system of the Cayman has also been made more powerful. Along with equipping the system with stiffer front brake callipers, optimised brake pad design and a larger brake contact surface, improvements were made in cooling the brake discs as well.
Furthermore, the new Cayman S has larger front brake discs that originate from the 911 Carrera. To improve safety in traffic and provide a better warning to vehicles behind, the brake lights of all Cayman models pulsate as soon as ABS control is activated.
As in previous models, the exceptionally high-performance Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake (PCCB) system is available as a motorsport-proven option. With this system, 350 mm diameter brake discs are used at the front and rear wheels of all models. The PCCB brake callipers are also painted yellow, and a new six-piston calliper from the 911 Carrera is used at the front wheels.
The new Cayman models ride on wheels and tyres that are now one inch larger in diameter than on the previous model. Standard now are 18-inch wheels (Cayman) and 19-inch (Cayman S), which give the sports coupe increased lateral stability and handling properties. Optional wheels include 20-inch Carrera S design, 20-inch Carrera Classic with bi-colour styling and the new 20-inch Sport Techno rims from the Exclusive programme. The standard tyres are optimised for low rolling resistance, with a typically high level of Porsche performance in terms of handling and braking distance, and they are also low in weight. A seven per cent reduction in rolling resistance compared with the previous models contributes towards reducing fuel consumption.
The new ergonomics of the Cayman and its more precise shifting now offer drivers even better conditions for quick and effortless gear shifts. The prominent centre console and the driver's seat position ensure a short distance between the steering wheel and the gear shift lever. The new gear indicator in the tachometer shows which gear is engaged, while the up-shifting recommendation in the instrument cluster is useful for when optimising fuel efficiency is the priority.
The three classic round instruments of the Cayman model series with a centrally positioned tachometer and an ignition switch to the left of the steering wheel (on left-hand drive models) make the connection to a familiar cockpit environment. New is the high-resolution 4.6-inch VGA multi-function screen on the right-hand side of the instruments. Along with the most important trip computer functions, it also includes a map display for the optional Porsche Communication Management system with satellite navigation module.
The driver and passenger sit on new sport seats. These offer very good comfort for long-distance touring and excellent lateral support for a dynamic style of driving. The standard sport seats have mechanical fore-aft and height adjustments, and the backrests are electrically adjustable. The optional Sport Seat Plus system offers even greater lateral support with larger side panels on the seat cushions and backrests and more pronounced sculpting in the shoulder area. Electric sport seats and adaptive sport seats plus are also offered as options.
The new extended silhouette of the Cayman also increases the practical virtues of the car: the larger rear boot-lid offers better access to that cargo area, and luggage capacity of the two-seater has been increased by 15 litres to 425 litres when loaded to the roof. An eye-catching feature that is revealed when the rear lid is opened is the new aluminium panel that extends across the engine compartment cover between the two filler caps for coolant and oil. A luggage partition bar that is also made of brushed aluminium spans the space behind the head restraints.
For Cayman models equipped with PDK, Porsche now offers a new upgrade option for driving convenience and safety: Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) that includes the safety function Porsche Active Safe (PAS). ACC operation is based on a radar sensor located in the middle of the front body panel, which spots objects in the car's driving lane over a range of up to 200 metres. ACC maintains a speed-dependent distance to a vehicle ahead in traffic over four pre-selectable stages, and automatically adjusts driving speed up to a vehicle stop. This relieves the workload of drivers in dense, slow-moving traffic.
PAS builds on this system and can help to avoid front-end collisions - even when ACC is switched off. It uses the front radar system to continually monitor traffic for much slower vehicles ahead. If the system detects an impending hazardous situation, the brake system is pre-conditioned, and the Brake Assistant is primed. If the situation becomes more critical, PAS outputs visual and acoustic warnings, and the driver is alerted to the need to intervene by a jolt in the brake pedal. If the driver does not react with appropriate braking, the system can increase braking pressure up to hard braking, depending on the situation.
March 2014
Cayman GTS launched
The six-cylinder ‘boxer’ engine in the Cayman GTS is based on the 3.4-litre engine of the Cayman S. Specific fine tuning has delivered an additional 15hp, with the result that the Cayman GTS offers 340PS. The torque has also increased by ten newton metres to 380Nm.
Further emphasising the distinctive character of the GTS is the Sport Chrono package and Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM), fitted as standard. These offer the driver the opportunity to not only modify the damper stiffness, but also subtly change the throttle characteristics of the engine. In conjunction with the optional Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK) seven-speed double-clutch transmission, the Launch Control function accessed via the Sport Plus button enables the Cayman GTS to accelerate from 0-62 mph in 4.6 seconds, 0.3 secs quicker than a standard Cayman S with PDK.
With the standard manual six-speed transmission, a top speed of 177 mph is possible. The new GTS is also the first mid-engined Porsche coupe to be certified according to the Euro 6 emissions standard, and achieves an overall fuel consumption with PDK of 34.4 mpg Combined (31.4 mpg with manual transmission).
The dynamic engine mounts also offered as part of the Sport Chrono package enables the Cayman GTS to offer an impressive breadth of chassis responsiveness. Under acceleration, cornering or braking, the mountings between the body shell and engine stiffen automatically to reduce the effects of mass transfer during dynamic manoeuvres, further increasing agility.
Furthermore, the standard fit Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) enables the driver to switch between progressive sporting behaviour and long-distance comfort at the press of a button. Stylish black painted 20-inch diameter Carrera S alloy wheels riding on 235/35 tyres at the front and 265/35 tyres at the rear complete the chassis set-up.
The Cayman GTS can also be specified with a new, optional sports chassis configuration that lowers the ride height by 20 mm, underlying the fact that at the heart of every Porsche is a race car suitable for both the circuit and everyday use.
The strong, individual character of the Cayman gains further independence with the GTS model. A distinctively styled front spoiler and black-finish Bi-Xenon headlights – with the Porsche Dynamic Light System (PDLS) as standard – are a subtle clue to the new model’s identity, which is confirmed from behind with exterior lettering in silky black gloss finish, and a re-styled lower rear apron.
Inside, bolstered sports seats and leather trim are standard. Like other Porsche GTS models, the sporting ambience of the interior is refined with Alcantara elements. The new Cayman GTS is available to order now priced from £55,397 and will be arriving in Porsche Centres in the UK in May.
March 2015
Porsche Cayman GT4 unveiled
Fitted with 390PS 3.8 litre version of Porsche 911/991 Carrera S with 6-speed manual transmission and priced £64,450 in the UK. 0-60mph in 4.2 seconds, top speed 183mph, 37.4mpg combined, 238g/km CO2. Has front axle and suspension from 911 GT3 and new forged aluminium double wishbone rear suspension. Standard steel brakes, or optional carbon-ceramic brake discs. 1,340kg dry weight.
What to watch out for
Headlights of post 2013 Porsche Cayman extremely prone to internal condensation in cold weather and the heat of the lights does not seem to evaporate it. The result can be a beam pattern that dazzles oncoming traffic and one reader got a pull from the police for this. His lights were replaced several times and the same occurred with showroom models, so is a design fault that Porsche must be working on a cure for. This is likely to eventually result in a TSB or even a VOSA recall.
26-02-2015:Late model Porsche ECUs record how the car has been used, in particular if it has ever been over-revved. So vital to see a readout of an interrogation of the ECU before buying a used Cayman.
10-11-2017:Report of failed offside rear damper on November 2014 Porsche Cayman that led to failure of MoT. Dealer recommended replacing both at a cost of £1,000, telling customer that the dampers were only warranted for 2 years. Same problem as occurring with Audi A3s, VW Golfs and Skoda Octavias.
30-07-2018:Report of exhaust fittings of 2013/63 Porsche Cayman 981 rusting to the extend they are not serviceable and need replacing at a cost of £782.
28-01-2019:Report of heating/vent fan problem and fis on a 2014 Porsche Cayman GTS 3,436cc: "heater blower fan is subject to atmospheric conditions including moisture which if the car is left for a period of time without use, will cause the blower fan to stick on its shaft. There is a technical bulletin that tells you to remove the large front cover (under the front boot lid) then lift the lid cover in the corner of the passenger side to expose the pollen filter and the fan. You can then get you hand in and free off the fan (making sure the car is switched off). The fan will now work and should be run at full speed for more than 2 minutes. Replacing the blower motor is not a warranty job unless then fan can't be freed off by hand."
