2016 Porsche 718 Cayman S

Ever since Porsche had the genius idea of putting a roof on the Boxster and calling it the Cayman (named after a small crocodile) in 2005, and with the 911 ever increasing in size with each evolution, it has become the enthusiast’s choice and defacto Porsche sportscar.

At launch the Cayman used the 3.2-litre and 2.7-litre flat-six boxer engine and this remained in varying capacities (3.2, 3.4, 2.7, 2.9) throughout its 987 and 981 production run, up until 2016, when Porsche had to bow to the pressure of emissions legislation and downsize both capacity and cylinder count, which meant that six had to become four.

The good old rumour mill proposed all kinds of scenarios as to how Porsche was going achieve this, many convinced that it would just slot in VW’s ubiquitous 2-litre, 4-cylinder turbo unit as found in… well everything really.

Oh, ye of little faith! The solution that remained true to Porsche’s heritage, was, of course a flat-four. A chopped down flat-six then? No! Porsche pretty much developed an all new flat-four engine in 2-litre and 2.5-litre capacities and turbocharged to produce 300bhp and 350bhp respectively.

In a nod to the four-cylinder racers of the early late 50s and early 60s, Porsche revived the 718 name. Of course, plenty were very cynical (us included), but also like us at the time, they had probably never driven a 718 Cayman (or Boxster). Truth is, both engines have had a transformative on road effect to both models, no they’re not as soulful or sonorous as the outgoing flat sixes in the 981, however, they do make a much better job of propelling the eco and emissions mandated, ultra tall gear ratios, that all Porsches are saddled with these days, especially in manual gearbox spec. The turbo charging brings a massive dollop of mid-range torque to the party in both the 2.0-litre and 2.5-litre, and the numbers don’t lie. As it’s the 718 Cayman S we have here, let’s compare and contrast between the outgoing 981 S and 718 S. Taking former with 321bhp at 7400rpm and 273lbs/ft torque at 4750rpm – 6000rpm v the latter with 350bhp at 6500rpm and 310lbs/ft torque at 1900rpm-5500rpm, you can see the 4 cylinder car could be considerably quicker, and it is! 0-60mph comes up in 4.1secs, which six tenths quicker, than the outgoing 6 cylinder model. Its also the same time as a 997 GT3 fitted with the holy grail Mezger engine in its rump. And wait for it…. mid range torque is identical to a 718 Cayman fitted with the latest 4.0 flat six before going onto to nearly 180mph flat out! There are more geeky number too, as it achieved a 7 minute 46.7 second lap time at the Nurburgring, which puts it on level pegging with a Jaguar XJ220, Lamborghini Gallardo Superlegarra or Ferrari 599GTB Fiorano! Even the most cynical of us, cant argue with those impressive numbers.

So the 4 cylinder 718 Cayman, particularly in S form really does have the power to give the sublime mid-engined chassis a proper workout.

Silver Dream Machine

Which brings us rather neatly to this highly specified 718 S finished in Rhodium Silver Metallic.

First registered in 2016 via Porsche Centre Kendal, it is currently showing just 20,000-miles, with two previous owners and the first not holding back on the options, either, as you can see, below. Servicing has been taken care of by Porsche Centre and Porsche Specialists, most recently by our friends at Reason Porsche, Ipswich. Clearly with such low mileage, this has been entirely routine.

The highlights? Well aesthetically it’s a fantastic colour, complimented by contrasting anthracite 20in Carrera S wheels and a black leather interior with aluminium detailing to lighten the mood.

But, of course, we’re more interested in the performance enhancements. 350bhp from the 2.5-litre flat-four is a given, but also we have PASM and Sports Chrono Plus, with all the benefits to suspension and throttle mapping. Dynamic engine mounts (PADM) too. Sure some might pine for a manual, but Porsche’s seven-speed PDK really suits the turbo flat-four and say it quietly, but quicker through the gears than a manual too!

Anything else of note? Cruise control is handy, the18 way electrically adjustable heated sports seats are supremely comfortable and the Bose premium sound system a very welcome option together with whilst Bi-Xenon and dynamic cornering lighting, will surely light your way on the darkest of nights. An extensive list of options is detailed below.

Just lovely, thanks! Not only is the 718 mid-engined, but the boxer engine drops the centre of gravity too, which you can really feel in the handling. One of the best mid-engined chassis at any price? Yes, absolutely.

In Summary

Be in no doubt, this is a serious performance car, and with just under 20,000 careful miles from new, effectively presents in a condition very close to when it left the factory. The gutsy flat-four might not be as sonorous as a six, but it has genuine real world grunt, that when combined with the excellent chassis and compact dimensions, makes it probably one of the quicker A-B road cars the company has produced, and its certainly more inspiring to pedal hard, for more of the time than a current 911, when used on our typical UK roads.

A genuine drivers car and a proper Porsche then? after our initial reservations all those years ago, we think so.

Specification:

Emission standard (Code: 7MV)

Emission standard EU6 ZD/E/F

Exterior mirror adjustment (Code: 261)

Electrically retractable exterior mirrors with automatic dimming and memory

Left exterior mirror (Code: 264)

Left exterior mirror glass, convex

Right exterior mirror (Code: 285)

Right exterior mirror glass, aspherical

Multimedia/video/DVD/notebook connection (Code: 9WT)

MIRRORLINK (CARPLAY/NLB)

Connect package (Code: IU0)

Without Connect package

Inserts (Code: XYD)

Dashboard trim panel, aluminium

Park distance control (Code: 638)

ParkAssist, front, rear and reversing camera

Electric interface for external use (Code: UI2)

2 X USB/IPOD interface

Pedal cluster (Code: 121)

Sports-look pedals

Front mirror (Code: XDH)

Wheel centre painted in Platinum

Vehicle tracking system (Code: 7I2)

VTS security package (with PCC)

Cruise control system (Code: 454)

Automatic speed control

Moulded headliner (Code: 592)

Standard rooflining, fabric

Main headlamps (Code: 603)

Bi-Xenon and dynamic cornering light

Breakaway interior rearview mirror (Code: 276)

Automatic anti-dazzle interior mirror

Fuel tank volume (Code: 085)

Fuel tank, 64-litre

Compass/road sign display (Code: QR5)

Sport Chrono Package Plus

Refrigerant (Code: KK3)

Refrigerant R1234yf

Steering wheels (Code: 858)

Sports steering wheel GT, leather

Loudspeaker installation (Code: 9VL)

Bose Premium sound system

Steering column systems (Code: 656)

Electrically adjustable steering column with ELV

Model year period (Code: IY1)

Model year period from week 22 to week 45

Engine specification (Code: M1I)

4-cylinder boxer engine 2.5 l/257 kW

Base engine is T2T (FSI)

Navigation system (Code: 7UG)

Navigation device, High

Wheels (Code: 433)

20″ Carrera S wheel (4)

Radios (Code: I8L)

Premium radio (2nd gen.)

Tire inflation (Code: UX6)

TPM valve, Silver

Regional codes for radio (Code: ER1)

Regional code “ECE” for radio

Instrument cluster options:

Silver-coloured instrument dials (Code: 023)

Black-coloured instrument dials, stopwatch (Code: 025)

England version (Code: 061)

Pedestrian protection (Code: 070)

Right-hand drive version (Code: 099)

Footrest, sports look (Code: 122)

Control and indications in English lettering (Code: 130)

Dynamic engine mounts (PADM) (Code: 140)

Battery, 80 Ah (Code: 196)

Licence plate holder version 3 (Code: 211)

Differential (Code: 219)PDK transmission (dual clutch) (Code: 250)

Headlamp washer (Code: 288)

Sports seats Plus (electrical, 18-way):

Left (Code: 323)

Right (Code: 324)

Without rear window wiper (Code: 426)

Anti-theft lock, wheel bolts “THATCHAM” (Code: 444)

Concave wheel centers with full-colour Porsche Crest (Code: 446)

Rear fog light, right (Code: 466)

PASM electronic damper control (Code: 475)

Tire Pressure Monitoring TPM, 433 MHz (Code: 482)

Multi-function operation + steering wheel heating (Code: 489)

Headlights for left-hand traffic (Code: 492)

Tilt sensor (Code: 521)

Theft security system, 433 MHz (Code: 534)

Alarm siren (Code: 536)

Seat position control for comfort seat, right (Code: 538)

Black seat belts (Code: 555)

Windscreen tinted, upper part darker coloured (Code: 567)

Air conditioner (Code: 573)

Cupholder (Code: 585)

Interior light package (Code: 630)

Servotronic (Code: 658)

Seat covers, front, leather (Code: 983)

Interior trim & customisation:

Door entry guards in stainless steel with logo (Code: X70)

Porsche Crest embossed in headrest (Code: XSC)

Centre console cover, brushed aluminium (Code: XYE)

Muffler / Sound

Interior sound measures (shaker) (Code: 2HB)

Seat heater (Code: 342)

Start/Stop function (Code: 642)

Voice control system (Code: QH1)

Immobiliser, 434 MHz (Code: 523)

Without door panel trim (Code: 811)

HD radio reception (high-definition) (Code: QV3)

Special identification label for EC (Code: 1EX)

Telephone module with connection box (Code: 9ZC)