Porsche Cayman
Has the ‘hard-top Boxster’ become an affordable 911 for the masses? We find out…
There was a risk when the Cayman was released in 2006 that it would end up rivalling the mighty 911. Thankfully for Porsche, at least, time has proved otherwise, and the first-generation 987 model has forged its own path alongside its iconic stablemate and currently looks sensationally good value. Indeed, early 2.7-litre cars can now easily be had for less than £10,000 in the classifieds or about a third the price of a same-year 911.
So what is it? Well, think hatchback Boxster with a roof and you won’t be far off, because the mid-engined configuration and much of the running gear is the same. What’s more, you get a similar amount of luggage space up front and beneath the rear parcel shelf.
Oddly, the 3.4-litre 290bhp S arrived first, and was followed by the basemodel 245bhp 2.7 in mid-2006.
The second-generation 987 arrived in 2009 when power from the S rose to 315bhp courtesy of direct fuel injection (DFI), while capacity in the standard model grew to 2.9 litres, giving 261bhp. The revised Cayman also benefitted from the option of a seven-speed dual-clutch
Engine (cc)
Power (bhp) 0-60mph (secs) Top speed (mph) Average fuel (mpg)
Doppelkupplung (PDK) transmission instead of the Tiptronic auto – essentially two ’boxes in one – and offered super-fast manual or auto changes.
Porsche also offered a couple of even sportier models, namely the 303bhp first-generation S Sport Edition, and the 330bhp second-generation R from 2011, the latter of which weighed a bit less and got a limited-slip differential.
The more luxurious 981 model replaced the neat and often overlooked Finnish-built first Cayman in 2012.
The prices quoted here were sourced online from independent suppliers. 2687 245 5.9 160 28-30 2893 261 5.6 165 30 3386 290 5.2 171 26 3436 315 5.0 172 28