Porsche's 2008 Cayman is powered by a 2.7L horizontally opposed six-cylinder engine making 245 horsepower, while the Cayman S gets a 3.4L flat-six making 295 horsepower. The Cayman comes with a standard five-speed manual transmission, but a six-speed manual is standard on the S. A five-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission is optional on both models.
With the manual transmission, the Cayman S can accelerate to 60 mph in 5.1 seconds, 0.7 seconds faster than the Cayman, and reach 171 mph, 11 mph faster than the Cayman. Yet both models are quite fuel-efficient compared to other sports car models; the Cayman with manual transmission carries an EPA-rated 20 mpg city, 29 highway.
In addition to its stronger acceleration and higher engine power, the Cayman S comes with larger wheels, tires, and brakes than the Cayman.
In both Cayman models, the engine is mounted mid-ship, just behind the seats, and power is delivered through the rear wheels. The Cayman has an exceptionally stiff body structure that is twice as flex-resistant than that of the Boxster roadster, which gives it especially crisp, precise handling, even on rough surfaces.
The optional Porsche Active Suspension Management system (PASM) comes with Normal and Sport settings, allowing the driver to fine-tune the suspension for comfort or high-performance driving. Another performance-oriented option is the Sport Chrono Package, which adds a more aggressive calibration for the engine throttle, stability system, PASM and, if so equipped, the automatic transmission.
Both Cayman models also have large four-wheel vented disc brakes with anti-lock. Ceramic composite brakes are optional for even greater braking power.
Cargo space is a strength for the Cayman; the two-seater has a front trunk with 5.3 cubic feet of space along with a rear trunk that has 9.2 cubic feet; together, the space rivals that of many sedans, according to Porsche.
Safety features on the Cayman include seat-mounted side air bags and head-protecting windowsill-mounted bags, plus the Porsche Stability Management system, which helps prevent a loss of stability.
Options include bi-xenon headlamps, park assist, a DVD-based navigation system, and a nine-speaker upgraded sound system; the latter is standard on the Cayman S.
Terrific Performance
Cutting-edge Styling
Lots Of Cargo Space
Good Fuel Economy
Available Luxury Features.
The Porsche Cayman gets only a few minor changes and refinements for 2008. The recommended oil-change interval has now been extended to one year or 12,000 miles, and the spark plugs are to be replaced every four years or 36,000 miles. Instrument-panel air vents in the Cayman have a new Matte Black soft-touch finish, and a Carrera Red interior is new, but the Palm Green interior is gone. Macadamia Metallic, Atlas Grey Metallic, Malachite Green Metallic, and Ruby Red Metallic are new colors for the exterior, replacing Lapis Blue Metallic, Lagoon Green Metallic, and Carmona Red Metallic.
The 2008 Porsche Cayman, which is closely related to the Boxster roadster, offers a sophisticated sports car experience for less money than Porsche's flagship 911. It is also more practical than most other comparable coupes, with respectable seating comfort, impressive cargo space, and surprisingly good fuel economy.
