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The seventh-generation Porsche 718 Cayman, unveiled in mid-June at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, is more than just a mid-life facelift. Technically, the all-new model is a successor to the current Boxster and the old Cayman. It's now called '718' after its combined output of 4-liter engine capacity and turbocharging – 718 HP. Besides this and a different name, there are also quite a few differences between the new mid-engine sports car and its predecessor: The new model gets an even more compact body with more pronounced fenders, making it look even sleeker than before. Other significant changes come under the hood, where the 718 gets an entirely new engine with direct injection—a 3.0-liter flat six that produces substantially more power than before. In addition to these significant changes, small details like new door locks or other little refinements make this car stand out from its predecessor.

About Porsche

Stuttgart-based Porsche is a German luxury and sports vehicle company established in 1931. The brand is best renowned for its potent, agile sports vehicles, most notably the legendary 911. Although they excel on the racetrack, Porsches set themselves apart by being fun to drive on the street and reliable enough for daily use.

Porsche has expanded its inventory this century to include four-door cars, SUVs, and sedans. Sales have significantly improved due to the model growth, strengthening the company's financial position. Since its inception, Volkswagen and Porsche have been partners. Ferdinand Porsche created the Volkswagen Beetle, and the 911 is still a rear-engined vehicle. Business-wise, the firms are closely allied; Porsche and Volkswagen established an "integrated automotive group" in 2011; numerous Porsche vehicles also use Audi, Bentley, Lamborghini, and other VW brands' platforms, components, and engines.

A brief overview of the new Porsche 718 Cayman

The 718 Cayman is a mid-engine sports car that currently comes in either coupe or convertible form. It is a direct successor to the old Cayman, and it is also a successor to the current Boxster. This means that the 718 has the engine from the Boxster but the body from the Cayman. The 718 is powered by a new 3.0-liter flat 6-cylinder engine that produces 350 horsepower and 369 ft-lb of torque. That's an increase of 29 horsepower and 33 ft-lb of torque over the current Cayman S. The machine is also more efficient, thanks to direct injection. The 718 Cayman is a little less expensive than the current Boxster or Cayman. The Porsche 718 Cayman's starting price for 2022 is $65,500. Starting at $69,600, the Cayman T is the entry-level model; the Cayman S, which has a larger turbocharged engine, costs $72,500. The starting prices for the 6-cylinder GTS 4.0 and GT4 variants are $87,400 and $101,200.

Brief Summary of Changes

The big news is under the hood, where the new 718 Cayman gets an entirely new engine with direct injection. The 3.0-liter flat 6-cylinder now produces more power than before and runs more efficiently thanks to direct injection. The 718 also gets an even more compact body with more pronounced fenders, making it look sleeker. The 718 also gets a new 7-speed PDK transmission, new lightweight seats, and a more modern interior. The car is also more elegant and lights thanks to the new engine and a more rigid chassis. The 718 also comes with standard LED headlights and taillights, an optional Active Suspension that can adjust the ride height, and a new Porsche Track App that lets you record lap times and review your performance over time. If you don't require back seats, you might use this expensive sports car as your daily commuter. Highway and city driving provides the comfort of a luxury vehicle.

The new 3.0-Liter Flat Six Engine

The new 3.0-liter flat 6-cylinder now produces 350 horsepower and 369 ft-lb of torque, increasing 29 horsepower and 33 ft-lb of torque over the old Cayman's engine. The 718 also gets a new exhaust system and crankcase to improve efficiency. You'll also notice that the new machine has a different sound. This is due to new exhaust tips integrated into the rear bumper and an additional intake noise tuned to produce a "more aggressive sound." The new engine also incorporates several improvements for reduced fuel consumption and emissions, including a new generation of the Porsche Turbo Charging that can boost pressure to more than 1.25 bar and an exhaust system with two lambda probes for more efficient catalytic conversion.

A nimbler and more lightweight body

The 718 Cayman's body is 0.3 inches wider than its predecessor and sits 0.8 inches lower than the ground. Porsche also reduced the car's weight by 35 pounds thanks to lighter materials like aluminum for the roof, the center console, and the rear seat backrest. The 718 also gets a new electro-hydraulic steering system for better feedback, and the car's brake system has been upgraded with Porsche's new Plus system for better-stopping power. The 718 also gets a standard Sport Chrono Package with a launch control function for optimum acceleration from a standing start. The new Boxster's steering wheel also makes its way to the 718, with the same Touch and Shift buttons for the Porsche Communication Management system. You'll also find new door lock buttons on the 718.

New 7-speed PDK Transmission

The 718 Cayman now comes with a 7-speed PDK transmission, making this the second Porsche to get the latest generation of this automatic gearbox. The 7-speed PDK is lighter and more compact than the old 6-speed unit, which helps improve the car's overall agility and driving dynamics. Porsche has also revised the automatic mode of the new 7-speed PDK to give drivers even more control over the transmission. The car now comes with a Sport and a Sport Plus mode for the information, adjusting the shift program and the throttle response.

More Horsepower

The 718 Cayman's new engine produces more power and is more efficient thanks to direct injection. The new machine is now suitable for combined fuel consumption of 24.9 mpg with the manual transmission, which is one mpg better than the previous Cayman. You'll also enjoy the new engine's more robust power at higher rpm. So when you're on the highway and want to accelerate, you won't need to downshift as frequently as you would on the old Cayman. Loud engine and exhaust noises should be regarded as a deal-breaker. The four-cylinder engine sounds rough and unrefined with the sports exhaust, much like a subpar tuned Subaru.  In contrast, wind noise is nonexistent, but road noise is bothersome on coarse asphalt. 

Better Driving Dynamics

The 718 Cayman has an Active Suspension that can raise and lower the car's ride height at the touch of a button. This system can reduce the ride height by 0.8 inches at a button, making it easier to get in and out of the car or scrape the front bumper on a speed bump. The new suspension also gives the 718 a more planted, confident feel, especially on the road or at higher speeds. You can also disable the system and keep the ride height at normal levels for more sporting driving. The Active Suspension comes standard on the 718 Cayman S, while the base model comes with a standard PASM (Porsche Active Suspension Management) that lets drivers manually adjust the ride height. The interior design has a tasteful simplicity with high-end materials and modern tech elements. The cabin is designed with the driver in mind, with an easy-to-read instrument panel and comfortable controls.

Summing up

The Porsche 718 Cayman has been unveiled at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, and it is more than just a mid-life facelift. Technically, the all-new model is a successor to the current Boxster and the old Cayman. It's now called 718 after its combined output of 4-liter engine capacity and turbocharging – 718 HP. Besides this and a different name, there are also quite a few differences between the new mid-engine sports car and its predecessor. The 718 has a more compact body with more pronounced fenders, making it look sleeker. Besides these significant changes, more minor details like new door locks or other little refinements make this car stand out from its predecessor. With its more powerful engine and nimbler handling, the new Porsche 718 Cayman looks set to become just as iconic as its predecessors. For a significant portion of its existence, the Porsche Cayman was regarded by many as a fantastic sports car in need of an even better engine. The finished product left many of us wanting, whether it was due to a lack of power or a lack of aural thrill. Follow porschemotorcar.com for more information on luxury and sports cars by Porsche.