This blog has already been drafted twice as I deliberate on the best way to chronicle my weekend with a Porsche Cayman. It was originally just about the Porsche, then I realised the
Toyota GT86
probably needed discussing too; now we have the
Alfa 4C
, a car that undoubtedly has some relevance when the Cayman is in conversation.
Cayman now has the looks to match its dynamics
So the Bank Holiday (yes, it's been in planning for a while) weekend itinerary was as follows: photography on Friday
with the M135i
, up the M1 to visit friends in Nottingham, home on Sunday, early morning thrash on Monday and an Ace Cafe meet Monday night. As weekend plans go, it was nearly perfect. Could have done without seeing my mates to be honest.
Given the fundamental shape is very similar, it's rather staggering how much better the 981 looks when compared to the 987. There's some genuine supercar drama and it makes the first-gen car look like a shonky Boxster hard-top conversion from some angles.
To drive, even with electric steering, the Cayman is just so immersive, and that's where I have to mention both the 4C and the GT86. Chris makes a very valid point in his Alfa review about how enjoyable the Porsche can be at low speeds; that flat-six gargle echoes off buildings and you change gear for the fun of it. For those of us not in possession of Revival quality driving skills, that's a real boon and something apparently missing from the Alfa.
See here for a great steering wheel Alfa
Furthermore, and as you will all know, the GT86 is a hoot at lower commitment levels too. Given we spend a lot of our time at less than maximum attack, that's a worthwhile attribute.
But I had no real intention of trundling at 5am on Monday morning. The Cayman had done the 30mpg+ M1 cruise, now was the time to properly enjoy it.
I had sketched out a rough route comprising a squirt down the M23 with a couple of B-roads in Sussex (the B2028 and B2111) highlighted on the map. And the Cayman was spectacular; agile, eager, sonorous, absorbing and more than worth the early start.
However, there was an issue. It may be a bizarre criticism, but the Cayman is just too accomplished for a rookie like myself at higher commitment levels. It goads you into pushing harder and is more than happy doing so; it feels fantastic in fact, but you're travelling at a speed that just isn't sustainable in the UK. Being able to exceed the national speed limit in second probably doesn't help.
'Base' Cayman still hugely alluring
Here's where the GT86 becomes relevant. Even an RWD neophyte can feel at home with it and explore the dynamic envelope to at least some extent. That's hugely rewarding.
The Cayman is a glorious car, don't misunderstand me. But to have a road car that can't be fully exploited on the road by the majority of buyers seems a shame. Maybe I need more time in it, perhaps on track...