What's New for 2014

The Porsche Cayman is fully redesigned for 2014.

Introduction

Fair warning to our future selves: It's going to be a challenge to write the review for the next-generation Porsche Cayman. Why? Because the current generation, which kicks off with the 2014 Porsche Cayman, is a nearly perfect sports car. It's usually easy to see how a car could be improved, even when it's considered the segment's latest and greatest, but this Cayman has us scratching our heads. Short of giving this coupe wings, or perhaps making it amphibious, we're not sure how Porsche could do any better.

However, we certainly wouldn't complain if Porsche gave the 2014 Cayman more power. Given its midengine layout, which makes it inherently better balanced than the rear-engine Porsche 911, the Cayman has the potential to be a superior sports car. But in deference to the 911's illustrious legacy, Porsche steadfastly withholds its top motors from the Cayman lineup. As such, the most capable 2014 Cayman, the S model, is roughly on par engine-wise with the 996-generation 911 Carrera from a decade ago, in spite of the fact that this coupe would be mind-blowingly awesome with, say, the 911 GT3's motor.

Also on our list of gripes is the Cayman's new electric-assist power steering system. Although the steering effort is spot-on, it lacks the delicate feedback that distinguished the original Cayman's steering. It's not a deal breaker, but in the eyes of die-hards, it keeps Porsche's midengine sports car from being truly flawless.

Of course, these complaints are balanced against the reality that the 2014 Porsche Cayman is considerably cheaper than the 911. And with the midengine Porsche's seriously compact dimensions, you could even argue that it's a more legitimate heir to the pint-size classic 911s than the current 911 itself. Plus, the Cayman's engines are simply exquisite on their own merits; it's only in comparison with the rest of Porsche's stable that their performance can be questioned.

If you're shopping for a new sports car, the 2014 Porsche Cayman merits strong consideration. Notably, it's the only midengine coupe in this price range. Potential rivals include the new BMW 135is, Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Nissan 370Z and arguably the 911 itself. All are interesting cars, but if you want to own the purest vision of a Porsche sports car, there's no substitute for the 2014 Porsche Cayman.

Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options

The 2014 Porsche Cayman is a two-seat coupe available in base and S trim levels.

Standard equipment on the base Cayman includes 18-inch wheels, summer high-performance tires, an automatically extending rear spoiler, cruise control, air-conditioning, auto stop-start to conserve fuel, an electric parking brake, variable-ratio electric power steering, partial power sport seats (power recline, manual fore/aft and height adjustment), Bluetooth, a 4.6-inch driver information display, a center-mounted 7-inch infotainment touchscreen, and a shockingly Spartan four-speaker sound system with "2 x 25 watt" output per Porsche's specifications. At least you get an auxiliary input jack in the glovebox.

The Cayman S adds a bigger engine, bi-xenon headlights, 19-inch wheels, larger front brake discs, red-painted brake calipers and dual exhaust pipes, though it keeps the same bare bones base stereo.

Fortunately, you can add 10 Bose speakers driven by an eight-channel amplifier with 445 watts on tap, and there's also a Plus audio upgrade that contributes an enhanced WVGA TFT touchscreen, HD radio, SiriusXM satellite radio and iPod/USB connectivity. Even if you get just the Plus package, the speaker count improves to nine backed by 235 watts. Alternatively, you could spring for the Infotainment package, which brings a hard-drive-based navigation system, smartphone integration via the Aha radio app and yet another audio configuration: a seven-speaker, 185-watt setup. Or, you could go nuts and add either the Bose system or an 821-watt Burmester system to this package. Welcome to the wacky world of Porsche options, and may we suggest that you bring money. Lots of money.

Other notable technology add-ons include keyless entry/ignition, voice-command functionality, adaptive cruise control (available only on Caymans with the PDK transmission), a convenience package with dual-zone automatic climate control and heated seats, and an "electronic logbook" that automatically records various driving data for subsequent analysis on your computer.

While you're upgrading the cabin, there are no fewer than three optional seat designs to consider: 10-way power versions of the base seats, the minimalist Sport Seats Plus (SSP) with racy bolstering (our favorites), and a 14-way power version of SSP called Adaptive Sport Seats Plus. Naturally, there are also countless ways to personalize the interior with distinctive colors and special trim pieces.

Moving to the exterior, Porsche offers adaptive bi-xenon headlights, various wheel designs up to 20 inches in diameter, a sport exhaust system (with a cool on/off button on the center console) and a slew of paint options. On the performance front, meanwhile, you can select ceramic composite brakes, electronically controlled dampers (Porsche Active Suspension Management, or PASM), a mechanical rear differential lock with variable torque distribution (Porsche Torque Vectoring, or PTV), speed-sensitive power steering, and a Sport Chrono package that tacks on dynamic transmission mounts, a dash-top stopwatch, a Sport Plus button that essentially puts your Cayman in madman mode and a launch control feature (PDK only).

Powertrains and Performance

The base Cayman is powered by a 2.7-liter horizontally opposed six-cylinder engine (also known as a flat-6 or boxer-6) that produces 275 horsepower and 213 pound-feet of torque. Like every Cayman, the base model employs rear-wheel drive and comes standard with a six-speed manual transmission. Optional is the PDK seven-speed dual-clutch automated manual.

According to Porsche, the base Cayman should go from zero to 60 mph in about 5.4 seconds with the stick-shift and 5.3 seconds with PDK (5.1 seconds with launch control). EPA fuel economy estimates have improved significantly: The base Cayman returns 20 mpg city/30 mpg highway and 24 mpg combined with the standard six-speed, while PDK creeps up to a remarkable 22/32/26.

The Cayman S steps up to a 3.4-liter flat-6 good for 325 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque. Porsche pegs the 0-60 time at 4.7 seconds with the stick and 4.6 seconds with PDK (4.4 seconds with launch control). Fuel economy remains a strong suit, clocking in at 20/28/23 with the manual and 21/30/24 with PDK.

Safety

The 2014 Cayman comes standard with antilock brakes, stability control and an array of eight airbags that includes two side airbags and a knee airbag for each passenger.

Note that Caymans equipped with adaptive cruise control (ACC) are also treated to Porsche Active Safe, which uses ACC's radar to monitor collision probabilities up to 650 feet in front of the vehicle. The system can operate even when ACC is inactive, and its emergency responses range from simply priming the brakes to applying them with maximum force. If that freaks you out, don't worry: You can turn it off.

Interior Design and Special Features

The Cayman's snug interior has always been a defining trait, and that continues for 2014. There are many meaningful improvements inside, though, starting with the sleek, high-mounted center console design that first appeared in the Panamera and has since spread across the Porsche lineup. Throw in superior materials, high-tech displays and some striking color combinations (check out the optional Amber Orange leather upholstery), and you've got a genuinely premium product. The Cayman used to feel like a junior Porsche, but with its newly refined cabin, it gives up little, if anything, to the much more expensive 911.

Cargo space is not a Cayman strong suit, however, as inside there just aren't many places to store your stuff, and the cupholders are flimsy. But on the bright side, its midengine layout allows it to have two trunks. The one in front measures 5.3 cubic feet and is handy for a duffel bag, while the rear hatchback/trunk measures a more useful 9.7 cubes.

Driving Impressions

If an invigorating sports car driving experience is what you're after, the 2014 Porsche Cayman is one of the best options at any price. Although enthusiasts will no doubt prefer the more potent engine in the Cayman S, both cars deliver the one-of-a-kind experience of a high-revving flat-6 engine wailing directly right behind your head. The optional sport exhaust system makes the soundtrack even more enjoyable.

Although the 2014 Cayman's electric power steering system lacks the vivid feedback of the original Cayman's steering, its accuracy through the bends is still second to none and only the most demanding drivers are likely to find fault with it. You can feel the Cayman's midengine balance around those corners, too, egging you on where lesser machines would be begging for mercy.

Notably, it's an easier car to drive hard than a 911, as its responses are more predictable and forgiving. Of course you're not going to be drifting a Cayman through turns (like you might in, say, a Corvette Stingray), because even the 3.4-liter motor in the S model isn't stupendously powerful. Overall, though, Porsche's midengine coupe is hard to beat for sheer driving pleasure.

Remarkably, the Cayman's supreme handling confidence doesn't translate to a jarring ride in normal operation. We'd be wary of the 20-inch wheels and their itty-bitty sidewalls, but the 19s are compliant enough to make the Cayman a reasonably pleasant road-trip car.