Porsche 718 Cayman Unveiled in Beijing

BEIJING – Porsche follows up the recent introduction of the 718 Boxster with the unveiling of its mechanically identical fixed-roof sibling, the new 718 Cayman.

Revealed at the auto show here, the reworked 2-seat coupe benefits from many of the midlife modifications brought to its roadster counterpart, including a newly developed 4-cyl. in place of the existing model’s naturally aspirated 6-cyl.

Set to reach U.S. showrooms in September are the 296-hp 2.0L 718 Cayman and more powerful 345-hp 2.5L 718 Cayman S.

Reflecting the styling changes brought to the 718 Boxster, the new 718 Cayman receives a revised front bumper featuring larger cooling ducts, a more structured shape and new turn-indicator lamps.

At the rear, the mid-engine Porsche coupe adopts new taillamps, a horizontal accent strip housing a Porsche badge and a redesigned bumper with an altered diffuser element and new tailpipes, with the 718 Cayman receiving a central trapezoidal design and the 718 Cayman S traditional double-round units.

Inside there is a revised dashboard, 918 Spyder-inspired steering wheel and the latest evolution of the Porsche Communication Management system. Among a long list of options is a module that supports an interface for Apple CarPlay and Porsche Car Connect.

The 718 Cayman lineup is powered by the same pair of turbocharged 4-cyl. engines recently introduced to the 718 Boxster. Gearbox choices continue to include a standard 6-speed manual and optional 7-speed dual-clutch automatic.

When mated with an optional 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox and Sport Chrono package, the 718 Cayman is claimed to hit 62 mph (100 km/h) from standstill in 4.7 seconds and run to a top speed of 171mph (275 km/h), an improvement of 0.7 seconds and 6.8 mph (11 km/h) on today’s model.

The 718 Cayman S boasts respective figures of 4.2 seconds and 177 mph (285 km/h), some 0.5 seconds and 3 mph (5 km/h) faster than its 6-cyl. predecessor.

Subtle alterations to the chassis, including the adoption of firmer springs, retuned dampers, larger diameter anti roll bars, wider rear tires and more direct steering, are said to have brought improvements in handling.

Among the options available for the chassis is Porsche Active Suspension Management, which brings a nominal 0.4-in. (10-mm) reduction in ride height or a 0.8-in. (20-mm) reduction on the 718 Cayman S, which uses a standard sport suspension. The Sport Chrono Package now includes a rotary dial on the steering wheel to alter the driving modes between Normal, Sport, Sport Plus and Individual.