A shrieking gem of a powerplant
With 295 horsepower in the "S" designated model, Cayman's no slouch is the performance department. That it doesn't break the 300 horsepower mark is irrelevant- as it feels nearly weightless when acceleration is requested.

The Cayman S is armed with a 3.4 liters of 295 horsepower and 251 lb.-ft.

A furious and intoxicating howl reinforces the explosive high-RPM pull, though the flexible, Vario-Cam equipped engine packs plenty of punch anywhere from about 2200 revs. Downshifts are always optional for passing, and a satisfying response follows every prod of the throttle.

Power is always on standby, but mileage dropped frequently below 10L / 100KM on the highway. Too bad there's no way to show the engine to your friends- as it's buried between the rear wheels with no access from the top other than a small cover for fluid top-offs.

Hardware for the enthusiast
The 3.4 liter engine is joined to the rear wheels by a six-speed manual transmission with a heavy but rewarding clutch and a slick, six-speed shifter. Heel-and-toeing comes instinctively, and you'll wind up finding all the reasons you can to change gears.

Get carried away in the process, and a set of massive cross-drilled brakes stand ready to bring velocities back to a reasonable level in a heartbeat. Pedal feel falls short of what you'll find in an Audi TTS or Mercedes SLK 350, but the clamping force and fade-free operation is undeniable.

Porsche's Active Suspension Management system, or PASM, was on board, too. It features a push-button sport-setting that instantly stiffens the suspension to a track-ready level. This sees the car undulate tightly over imperfections in the road until drivers re-select the 'normal' mode for a more balanced ride.

Switching the suspension from 'sport' back to 'normal', the driver can actually feel the car relaxing into a more comfortable state. It's a night and day difference that's engaged in just milliseconds. Very cool.

Combined with large wheels and tires, a very precise steering system, and the unique mid-engine handling dynamic, Porsche has created a thrilling driving experience on any road. Few cars with an engine atop their front axles feel this effortlessly responsive when pushed.

A beautiful thing
Ultimately, Cayman S is a beautiful car in most every respect- though it's not one for every budget.

The exotic and potent engine, razor sharp handling and gawk-encouraging looks point it directly towards the enthusiast buyer after a collectable and very drivable piece of motoring history, more so than a mass-produced toy.

If exclusivity, style and thrills rank high on your list, be sure to check one out.


Photo Credit : Justin Pritchard