Porsche Cayman (2005 – 2013) Review
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Porsche Cayman (2005 – 2013) At A Glance
Superbly balanced and agile with amazing grip. Relatively refined and comfortable enough for everyday use. Available with double-clutch PDK gearbox.
More expensive than an equivalent Boxster. Standard equipment levels are far from generous.
While Porsche may be well known for its iconic 911 Carrera models, there is a smaller hard top coupe in the range - the superb Cayman. Based on the Boxster it's quite simply the best handling car on the market with amazing poise, great grip and surging performance. Some may say the 911 is still the 'true' Porsche, but even that doesn't drive as well as the Cayman.
It's helped by the fact it is mid-engined, which means perfect balance in all conditions, while the steering is incredibly accurate. This makes the Cayman a hugely enjoyable car to drive with a real feelgood factor from behind the wheel. There are two models - the standard Cayman and the more powerful Cayman S - both powered by characterful straight-six 'boxer' engines which have a delightful engine note.
In 2009 the model was revised with some subtle styling tweaks. The big changes were reserved for the engines with two new more powerful units delivering faster acceleration times and improved fuel economy. This not only makes the Cayman range even better but helps differentiate it from the Boxster. There's also a new dual-clutch PDK gearbox which offers amazingly rapid gearchanges, so much so that it's quicker from 0-62mph than the standard manual.
But just because this is a sports coupe, it doesn't mean it's not useable everyday. The ride is firm as you'd expect, but copes pretty well on most roads plus it's surprisingly practical inside with a large luggage area in the front and a comfortable cabin. The interior is superbly constructed with a purposeful but sophisticated feel.
Where the Cayman comes into its own is on the open road where you can enjoy the great performance available and appreciate how well it handles. Few cars feels as special as the Cayman and although standard equipment levels aren't exactly generous, it's still well priced compared to the competition. There's a huge range of options available too which means you can really go to town and customise your Cayman.
Reviews for Porsche Cayman (2005 – 2013)'s top 3 rivals
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Porsche Cayman (2005 – 2013) handling and engines
- Engines range from Cayman to Cayman R PDK
- Readers report Real MPG to be between 20–34 mpg
The standard Cayman was initially available with a 245bhp 2.7-litre engine that gives it a 0-62mph time of 6.1 seconds - quick enough but fairly ordinary by Porsche standards. It's still a good engine though and shares the same characteristic deep sound that all Porsche engines produce. This is down to the fact it's a boxer engine, which basically means it sits horizontally rather than vertically.
As there are no turbochargers or superchargers, the power delivery is very consistent across the rev range and the slick five-speed manual gearbox makes exploiting it enjoyable. However, if you want performance, the Cayman S is the model to go for. It's powered by a 3.4-litre engine with 295bhp and the extra power is certainly noticeable, especially at higher revs or when pulling away from slow corners. 0-62mph takes 5.4 seconds and it has more torque along with a six-speed gearbox as standard.
At the beginning of 2009 both engines were upgraded with new technology that makes them not only more powerful but also improves efficiency. The Cayman is now powered by a 2.9-litre with 265bhp and this sees the 0-62mph time drop down to 5.8 seconds. This may not look much on paper, but the Cayman now feels much more like a performance Porsche with more meaningful performance on tap. But despite these increases in power, economy is actually better while CO2 emissions drop.
The real star of the engine line-up is the 3.4-litre engine in the Cayman S which delivers 320bhp. It's a stunning engine and feels more responsive and flexible than before, no doubt thanks to the new Direct Fuel Injection system. The extra power brings the 0-62mph time down to just 5.2 seconds - close to 911 territory. Yet despite this stunning performance, the Cayman S has an average fuel consumption figure of 29.7mpg - an impressive result considering this is an engine with more than 300bhp.
Porsche also launched a new semi-automatic gearbox in the Cayman, to replace the Tiptronic S that was previously available. Called PDK (or Porsche-Doppelkupplungsgetriebe in full!), it uses two-clutches to provide amazingly rapid yet smooth changes. It's a very clever system as one clutch pre-selects a gear before you even change, so there's hardly any gap between shifts.
The big advantage is that it's even faster than with a conventional manual gearbox or torque converter automatic transmission. It's so good in fact, that it provides (fractionally) quicker acceleration than the manual and better economy too. The PDK is available with the optional Sports Chrono Package Plus featuring Launch Control. This allows you to achieve maximum acceleration from a standing start and also a Race Track Gearshift Strategy for the fastest conceivable gear changes. As a result, the 0-62mph time is cut by 0.2 seconds.
On the move it's instantly evident that the Cayman is a great sports car. It feels special from the moment you turn the key and hear that wonderful straight-six engine rumble into life with a deep burble from the exhaust. There's even an optional sports exhaust available which enhances that sonorous sound further. The driving position is perfect with a low slung seat plus all the controls, like the clutch and accelerator, are nicely weighted.
The Cayman really comes into its own on smooth twisting roads, helped by a taut bodyshell, superb levels of grip and wonderfully responsive steering. You only need small inputs in corners while the perfect balance, helped by the the fact the Cayman is mid-engined, means it's a car that really flatters. It's incredibly rewarding too, yet not intimidating to drive, unlike some high performance cars of this ilk - even those who have never driven a Porsche will find the Cayman simple to get to grips with.
This makes the Cayman a great all rounder. It's easy to drive and docile at low speeds, so driving in town or in busy traffic isn't tiring, while it happily cruises on the motorway with minimal noise. The ride is firm - as you'd expect on a performance car. The standard Cayman with its smaller 17-inch alloys is slightly better, but still struggles over rough road surfaces, however, on smoother tarmac it's a delight.
| Engine | MPG | 0-62 | CO2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cayman | 30–30 mpg | 5.8–6.1 s | 221–222 g/km |
| Cayman PDK | 31 mpg | 5.7 s | 214 g/km |
| Cayman R | 30 mpg | 5.0 s | 221 g/km |
| Cayman R PDK | 30 mpg | 4.9 s | 218 g/km |
| Cayman S | 27–31 mpg | 5.0–5.4 s | 206–254 g/km |
| Cayman S PDK | 34 mpg | 4.9 s | 188 g/km |
Real MPG average for the Porsche Cayman (2005 – 2013)
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
90%
Real MPG
20–34 mpg
MPGs submitted
98
Porsche Cayman (2005 – 2013) interior
- Boot space is 260 litres
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 4341–4380 mm |
| Width | 1801 mm |
| Height | 1295–1306 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2415–2475 mm |
This may be a two-seater sports car, but it's surprisingly practical and can easily be used as an everyday car. As the engine is in the middle, there's the usual (rather shallow) boot at the back along with a more useful deep and square luggage area under the bonnet. Put together they offer an impressive 410 litres of carrying capacity - as much as many family hatchbacks.
There's decent storage in the cabin too including a good-sized glovebox and useful stowage under the door armrests. Even taller driver's will find the cabin spacious with plenty of head and legroom, while the seats are supportive yet cosseting. There are several seat options available, including the great bucket sports seats. They may look a little severe (and there's no adjustment in the seat back) but they're perfectly angled for comfort and on long journeys are actually better than the standard seats. Of course, it's when driving enthusiastically that they come into their own with great side support.
As you'd expect in a Porsche, quality is superb with high-grade materials used throughout and impeccable fit and finish. It manages to blend the purposeful feel of a sports car with comfort and easy-to-use controls, including a user-friendly stereo and clear dials. Take a look at the options list and you'll see that there's huge scope for personalising the interior with various leather finishes, carbon trims and aluminium detailing - at a cost of course. It's worth the extra as the standard black cabin is a little sombre.
And on the subject of optional and standard equipment, the Cayman isn't the most generous sports car you can buy. It does come with air conditioning, a CD stereo, front fog lights, stability control, part-electric seats and electric windows but the options list is lengthy and many of the extras are pricey. You also have to pay extra for things such as floor mats or even to get the Porsche badges in the wheel centres colour, rather than the standard black. But what this does ensure is that you're unlikely to ever get two Caymans the same.
One option that is well worth the extra - and will make your Cayman easier to sell should you decide to - is the PCM (Porsche Communication Management) system - a central control unit for all radio, communication and navigation functions. It's easier to use than the old system and features a 6.5-inch colour touchscreen monitor with a great sat nav function. The menus are both logical and clear and a further option is the universal audio interface that means you can connect an external audio source such as an iPod or USB stick.
Porsche Cayman (2005 – 2013) models and specs
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 4341–4380 mm |
| Width | 1801 mm |
| Height | 1295–1306 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2415–2475 mm |
| Miscellaneous | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight | 1295–1370 kg |
| Boot Space | 260 L |
| Warranty | 2 years / Unlimited miles |
| Servicing | 20000 miles |
| Spare Wheel | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | Tyre-repair kit | ||
| Costs | |
|---|---|
| List Price | £36,220–£53,914 |
| Insurance Groups | 42–44 |
| Road Tax Bands | J–L |
| Official MPG | 26.6–34.4 mpg |
| Euro NCAP Safety Ratings | |
|---|---|
| Adult | - |
| Child | - |
| Pedestrian | - |
| Overall | - |
On sale until November 2022
| Coupe | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| Coupe 3.4 325ps S 2dr | £49,488 | 31.4 mpg | 5.0 s |
| Coupe 3.4 325ps S Pdk 2dr | £51,260 | 34.4 mpg | 4.9 s |
On sale until April 2013
| Coupe | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 2.9 litres 2dr | £39,207 | 30.1 mpg | 5.8 s |
| 2.9 litres PDK 2dr Auto | £41,210 | 31.0 mpg | 5.7 s |
| 3.4 litres 2dr | £51,773 | 30.1 mpg | 5.0 s |
| 3.4 litres PDK 2dr Auto | £53,914 | 30.4 mpg | 4.9 s |
On sale until March 2008
| Coupe | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| £36,220 | 30.4 mpg | 6.1 s | |
| £36,220 | - | - | |
| £44,250 | 26.6 mpg | 5.4 s | |
| £44,250 | - | - | |
Model History
- November 2005: Porsche unveiled the Cayman S
- July 2006: The cheaper Cayman was launched in the UK
- September 2008: Porsche introduced the Cayman S Sport
- November 2008: Porsche presented the revised Cayman
- November 2010: Cayman R unveiled
- May 2011: Porsche launched Cayman S Black Edition
November 2005
Porsche unveiled the Cayman S
A two-seater coupe based on the Boxster and sitting between the Boxster and the 911 Carrera in the range. It's powered by a mid mounted 3.4-litre 295bhp six-cylinder boxer engine and has a maximum speed of 171mph. With the manual transmission, the Cayman S does 0 to 62 mph in 5.4 seconds.
The Porsche VarioCam Plus system delivers variable intake camshaft control and valve timing and the Cayman S boasts torque of 340Nm between 4400 and 6000rpm while there's a six-speed manual or a five-speed Tiptronic S with steering wheel toggle shifts as an option. Boot space includes a 260-litre rear luggage compartment plus 150 litres in the nose. Standard equipment includes 18-inch wheels, leather interior and Porsche Stability Management (PSM) while Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) is available as an option.
July 2006
The cheaper Cayman was launched in the UK
It's powered by a six-cylinder 2.7-litre boxer engine developing 245bhp which is combined with a five-speed gearbox. With its high and sustained propulsive power in the lower and medium speed ranges, the engine puts in an impressive performance. It has a top speed of 160mph and with manual transmission accelerates from 0-62mph in 6.1 seconds, yet average economy is still only 30.4mpg.
Courtesy of the Porsche VarioCam Plus system fitted to its engine, the Cayman develops a torque of 273Nm metres available between 4600 and 6000rpm. Power is transmitted via a five-speed manual transmission with short, precise shifting travel. A six-speed manual transmission in conjunction with the Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) system is also available as an option. As a third variant, Porsche offered the proven Tiptronic S five-speed torque converter automatic transmission, which has rocker switches on the steering-wheel spokes for manual over-ride of the gear shifting.
The Cayman rides on 17-inch light-alloy wheels with five double spokes, fitted with 205/55 tyres on 6.5-inch wide wheel rims at the front; the combination at the rear is 235/50 tires on 8-inch rims. Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) system is available as an optional extra. The chassis ride height is lowered by 10mm and the shock-absorber system automatically adapts to each particular driving situation. The driver can choose between the "normal" and "sport" programs by pressing a button on the centre console.
The Cayman can be further indentified by its black brake calipers, black front-spoiler lips, a titanium-coloured logo at the rear and also a trapezoidal tailpipe. The interior includes air-conditioning, a radio/CD player, seat covers in Alcantara leather, black-faced instrument dials and door entry trims with the Cayman logo. Because of the mid-engined concept, it boasts two luggage compartments with a combined volume of 410 litres.
September 2008
Porsche introduced the Cayman S Sport
It develops over 300bhp from its tuned 3.4-litre flat-six engine and combines the mid-engined dynamics of the Cayman S with the visual impact of the iconic 911 GT3 RS. In addition to a more powerful engine, the Cayman S Sport offers a high level of sports driving features and a bespoke range of colour combinations.
The appearance of the Cayman S Sport is striking, coming as standard in the 911 GT3 RS colours of Orange or Green and bearing its model designation along its sides in black graphics. Further colours available are Black, Guards Red, Speed Yellow and Carrara White, as well as Arctic Silver Metallic available at extra cost.
With its black-painted alloy wheels, exterior mirrors and air intake grilles, the Cayman S Sport proudly displays its sporting credentials, which are underlined by the black interior design package and a unique, circular instrument display without the usual binnacle above. The alcantara finish on the gear shift, the handbrake lever, and the rim of the steering wheel also creates a purposeful ambience.
Over and above the 303bhp power unit, the sporting character of the Cayman S is further emphasised by offering Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) as standard, which lowers the car by 10mm. Spacers push outwards the 19-inch SportDesign wheels in the wheel arches, providing further visual appeal and boosting cornering performance.
Xenon headlights, the Sports Chrono Package and sports seats in leather as standard enhance the appeal of the car, and a sports exhaust system combined with twin tailpipes completes the picture. These versions of the Cayman S are limited to an exclusive series, each one proudly bearing their edition number on a plaque on the glove box. Production of the Cayman S Sport will be limited to 700 units worldwide.
November 2008
Porsche presented the revised Cayman
The highlight is the new, flat-six 'boxer' engines, developed to incorporate new technical features from the ground up, providing not only more power, but also significantly greater fuel efficiency.
A further improvement of both fuel economy and performance is guaranteed by the Porsche Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK), the new double-clutch gearbox now available as an option on both the Cayman and Cayman S.
The Cayman now has a 2.9-litre engine, which develops 265bhp, an increase of 20bhp over the previous 2.7-litre model. The 3.4-litre power unit in the Cayman S now features Direct Fuel Injection and delivers 320bhp, up by 25bhp. These developments see the Cayman and Cayman S offering more power than the Boxster - a move designed to emphasise the sports driving orientation of the Cayman and further differentiate the coupe.
The Cayman S with PDK and Launch Control (featured in the optional Sports Chrono Package Plus) accelerates from 0-62mph in 4.9 seconds, setting the benchmark in the range.
When combined with the PDK transmission, the new 2.9-litre engine of the Cayman breaks through the 30.0mpg fuel consumption boundary. The figure of 31.0mpg is around 10 per cent better than the previous model with the Tiptronic S automatic transmission. Increasing fuel economy by an even more significant 15 per cent to 30.1mpg, the 3.4-litre Cayman S with PDK offers an even greater saving over its predecessor with Tiptronic S.
In parallel with the improvement in fuel economy, so emissions of the engines have decreased. The Cayman with the standard six-speed manual gearbox emits 221g/km CO2 and 214g/km CO2 when fitted with PDK. The Cayman S manual emits 223g/km CO2, and 221g/km CO2 with PDK.
As is Porsche tradition, the styling of the next generation coupe has evolved subtly. However, it is clearly distinguishable from outside through its newly-designed nose and tail. The new halogen headlights with their integrated direction indicators are reminiscent of the lights on the Carrera GT and the new LED rear lights tapering to the outside are integrated elegantly in the remodelled bodywork.
For the first time the Cayman is available with a Lights Package featuring xenon headlights, dynamic cornering lights and LED day-time driving lights. Replacing the fog lamps, these light units are made up of four LEDs arranged in round light units like the eyes on dice.
The Cayman is available with the Porsche-Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK) carried over directly from motor sport, and replacing the former Tiptronic S torque converter automatic transmission. When equipped with PDK, the Cayman accelerates from 0-62 mph 0.1 seconds faster than with the manual six-speed gearbox.
Acceleration is particularly fast and dynamic with the optional Sports Chrono Package Plus featuring Launch Control; this offers maximum acceleration from a standing start and also a Race Track Gearshift Strategy for the fastest conceivable gear change as an exclusive highlight on the PDK models.
The suspension with its new set-up gives the new Cayman models a combination of even greater driving dynamics and enhanced comfort all in one. Modification of the valve control map on the steering gear serves furthermore to reduce steering forces, giving the Cayman more agile and spontaneous steering behaviour. The wheels come in new designs and are half an inch wider than previously on the Cayman 2.9-litre model in order to accommodate the larger brake system of the S-models which are now fitted on the front axle.
The Cayman and Cayman S feature the latest generation Porsche Stability Management (PSM) which now offers two new functions: Brake Pre-Loading and the Brake Assistant. Whenever the driver lifts off the throttle pedal very quickly - which is typical immediately prior to an emergency braking manoeuvre - the PSM hydraulic control unit builds up an appropriate level of pressure in the brakes before the driver even presses the brake pedal down, which has the effect of moving the brake pads slightly towards the discs, and ready for immediate action. This significantly improves brake response and shortens stopping distances accordingly.
The next generation Cayman features as standard the new CDR-30 CD radio. The new Porsche Communication Management (PCM) 3.0 complete with hard disc navigation is available as an option and when specified serves as the central control unit for all audio, communication and navigation features.
PCM 3.0 is more versatile, efficient and easier to use than before, standing out in particular through its touchscreen which enables the driver to select specific functions simply by pressing the appropriate key on the larger 6.5-inch monitor. PCM 3.0 is available with highly convenient voice control and, in conjunction with the optional, universal audio interface, can now be used also to control external audio sources such as an iPod, USB stick, or Bluetooth.
November 2010
Cayman R unveiled
Stripped out, lightweight Cayman R announced at LA Auto Show. Carbon fibre bucket seats and no air conditioning or stereo reduces weight by 55kg. The power has been upped by 10bhp to 325bhp, resulting in a top speed of 175mph and a 0-62mph time of 5 seconds - the PDK transmission takes this down by another 0.3 seconds. The Cayman R comes with a limited-slip diff as standard, as well as sports suspension, and costs a £5,000 premium over the Cayman S.
May 2011
Porsche launched Cayman S Black Edition
The new Porsche Cayman S Black Edition combines performance and style, with a 3.4-litre flat-six engine tuned to deliver 330 hp, distinctive 19-inch alloy wheels finished in black and a luxurious interior. Production is limited to 500 examples worldwide, and UK sales begin in September.
The extra power is produced at 7400 rpm (an additional 200 rpm vs the standard car), while the maximum torque remains unchanged at 370Nm at 4750 rpm. This extra horsepower feeds directly through into the performance of the all-black mid-engined two--seater. Acceleration from 0-62 mph is improved by a tenth of a second to 5.1 seconds with the six-speed manual transmission, and to 5.0 seconds with the optional Porsche Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK) respectively. With the Launch Control activated on the PDK Sport Chrono package option, acceleration improves further to 4.8 seconds.
The top speed of the Cayman S Black Edition is just over one mph faster than that of the Cayman S – 173mph with the manual transmission and 172mph with PDK. In line with the Porsche Intelligent Performance principles, fuel consumption of the Cayman S Black Edition remains identical to that of the standard car, despite the increase in horsepower. The Cayman S Black Edition with manual transmission returns 29.7mpg Combined, and 30.1mpg Combined with PDK. Likewise, CO2 remains 223g/km for the manual and 221g/km for the PDK.
Helping the dynamic performance of the Cayman S Black Edition further still are the lightweight Boxster Spyder wheels finished in black which, with a diameter of 19 inches, are one inch bigger than the standard Cayman S wheels and also half an inch wider than the optional 19 inch wheels offered on the Cayman S. The tyre sizes fitted are 235/35 ZR 19s on the front axle and 265/35 ZR 19s on the rear axle.
The Cayman S Black Edition features as standard Bi-Xenon headlights with dynamic cornering lights and LED daytime running lights, together with automatic anti-dazzle interior and exterior mirrors with integrated rain sensor.
The front seats are trimmed in black partial leather with a Porsche crest on the headrests, as well as a Sport Design steering wheel. Climate control and cruise control add to the overall comfort. A further highlight of the Black Edition interior is the Porsche Communication Management (PCM) incorporating satellite navigation. This is combined with the universal audio interface that allows MP3 player connectivity and also Bluetooth mobile phone compatibility.
The colour scheme of the Cayman S Black Edition is consistent throughout: the dashboard trim is black as are the gear lever/selector trim and the dials in the instrument cluster. The door entry guards feature “Black Edition” lettering and are made of stainless steel; the glove compartment lid bears a badge highlighting the limited edition status.
The Cayman S Black Edition costs from £50,420 and went on sale in the UK from September 2011. Customers will also be able to explore the potential of their new car by participating in a complimentary course at the Porsche Experience Centre, Silverstone.
What to watch out for
The 3.4 engine is wet sump, so can suffer oil starvation to one bank of pistons during hard cornering on track days. Same problem as original water cooled 996 3.4.
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.
