Product Reviews

2019 Porsche 718 Cayman Review: Entry-Level Can Still Kick Ass

The 2019 Porsche 718 Cayman RWD is a sporty, lightweight sports car from the company’s performance car lineup. It has a rich pedigree in racing and performance cars, and its name is a nod to a 1957 Porsche race car. There are minor changes to the car for 2019, but it retains its classic charm. The car’s lightweight body and engine behind the front seats provide a low center of gravity and impressive handling. It also comes with a decent amount of cargo space.

Overview

The 2019 Porsche 718 Cayman RWD is a sporty sports car emphasizing the driving experience. Its features include precision steering and a composed ride through tight turns. It has almost 10 cubic feet of cargo space and a sleek design—the interior features soft-touch materials, sleek styling, and a seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Optional features include navigation and Apple CarPlay.

The 2019 Porsche 718 Cayman is a mid-engine sports car launched in 2013. The car features a flat-four engine and a standard transmission. It’s a great sports car and responds quickly to driver input. It also has a wider rear track and retuned suspension to enhance handling. It has electromechanical steering based on the 911 Turbo, and its larger brakes provide excellent stopping power.

The 718 Cayman is available in three performance levels. The base model comes with a traditional hard top, while the GTS has a folding canvas soft top for open-top motoring. All three models have the same four-cylinder engine, and their looks are largely similar. The GTS model adds a thick-rimmed steering wheel that borrows its design from the 918 Spyder supercar.

2019 Porsche 718 Cayman RWD

Cayman RWD – Exterior Design

The 2019 Porsche 718 Cayman exterior design features an aggressive yet streamlined look. Its low and wide stance, as well as its distinct, sporty edges, are characteristic of the Porsche brand. The dashboard and interior layout emphasize horizontal and formal contours, while the generously proportioned cabin has plenty of space. The rear seats are roomy, and the car’s mid-engined layout allows for ample legroom.

The 2019 Porsche 718 Cayman interior features an impressive range of optional features and personalization touches. Available features include a sport steering wheel, Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) and Porsche Torque Vectoring. Other features include navigation modules and dual-zone climate control. The car also includes a Bose and Burmester premium audio system.

The 2019 Porsche 718 Cayman RWD exterior design echoes the design language of its sister model, the 718 Boxster. The front and rear fascias have bold lighting elements, and both models have prominent side air intakes. They also feature dual exhaust outlets. The auto-extending spoiler is another design feature of the car. The standard Cayman rolls on 18-inch wheels and tires, while the Cayman S has a 19-inch upfit.

Engine & Performance

The 2019 Porsche 718 Cayman RWD features an engine centrally located in the car’s middle, which lowers the car’s center of gravity while concentrating engine power on the rear axle. It also features Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK), which lets driver’s coast in the right conditions by keeping the car’s momentum intact.

The base model comes with a 2.0-liter turbocharged boxer engine that develops 300 horsepower. The optional 2.5-liter boxer engine offers 350 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. All three engines are mated to either a six-speed manual transmission or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

The 2019 Porsche 718 Cayman has three trim levels. The base model has a 2.0-liter turbocharged flat-four engine that delivers 300 horsepower. The top-of-the-line GTS trim delivers 365 horsepower and 309 lb-ft of torque. Both of these models can reach 60 mph in less than five seconds. The base model also comes standard with a sport exhaust system. This improves the engine’s efficiency and provides an impressive auditory experience. The optional Sport Chrono Package cuts two-tenths of a second off the 0-to-60 time and adds a lap-timing chronograph and active driveline mounts.

2019 Porsche Cayman Engine

Safety & Driver-Assistance Features

The Porsche 718 Cayman is a fast sports car that strongly emphasizes driver assistance and safety. It’s not mind-blowingly fast, but it does want to be pushed hard. Its agile handling and perfectly weighted steering make it easy to control, and its brakes are strong and durable.

The 911 has Apple CarPlay smartphone connectivity and a premium audio system from Burmester and Bose. The car also has front and rear parking sensors. It also offers optional driver-assistance features such as blind spot monitoring, lane-change assist, and adaptive cruise control.

The 718 Cayman has standard high-clarity Bi-Xenon headlamps with integrated LED daytime running lights. It also has LED tail lights. Additionally, the car comes with a Porsche Dynamic Light System, which uses LED headlights and dynamic beam functionality.

Pricing and Options

The Porsche 718 Cayman comes in two trim levels: the GTS and the base model. Both have the same engine options and MSRP, but the GTS is a little more expensive and offers more horsepower. Prices of the Cayman GTS start at more than $80,000, and you can also choose to add options to make it more expensive, like navigation systems. View the selection of pre-owned Porsche cars at Champion Porsche today.

The Porsche 718 Cayman has excellent handling, thanks to its direct and precise steering. It lacks feel at the limit, though. A mid-mounted motor gives it poise and balance, and Porsche’s Adaptive Suspension Management system adds safety and security to the driving experience.

The base 718 Cayman costs $58,150 and comes with several standard features. It has a rearview camera, heated mirrors, and front and rear parking sensors. It also has a sport exhaust system and leather upholstery. The seven-speed dual-clutch automatic and the GTS have more power and luxury features.

2019 Cayman

Cayman RWD – Reliability

The 2019 Porsche 718 Cayman RWD has plenty of features to keep you safe on the road. The car comes standard with stability control, anti-lock brakes, and front knee airbags. It also features a blind-spot monitoring system and adaptive cruise control. It also offers Porsche Connect, which provides remote services and automatic emergency assistance.

This sporty sedan also features leather-covered sport buckets with power-adjustable backs, a tilt/telescoping steering column, automatic climate control, and six-speaker audio. It also has a Porsche Communications Management system, a rearview camera, and eight airbags. It also has an air compressor in place of a spare tire and comes with complimentary roadside assistance for the life of the limited warranty.

The reliability rating of the 2019 Porsche 718 Cayman RWD is excellent and is above average for a luxury sports car. However, one major recall has been issued by Porsche Cars North America because the cross member of the luggage compartment can detach in a crash. This can lead to a fuel leak, increasing the fire risk.

Technology

The 718 Cayman is a sports car built for performance. The low center of gravity provides pinpoint steering accuracy, and Porsche Doppelkupplung (PKD) technology decouples the transmission from the engine. This allows the car to coast at high speed without experiencing judder or stalling. Plus, the interior of the Cayman features seamless styling and luxurious leather. It also includes a high-quality audio system with Bose and Burmester.

Cayman Technology

The Porsche 718 Cayman is available in three trim levels. All have a four-cylinder turbocharged engine, with the base model generating 300 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. The base model has a six-speed manual transmission, while the GTS and S models feature a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic.

The mid-engine layout of the 718 Cayman allows it to have an extremely low center of gravity. This helps make cornering as easy as possible, and the car responds to the smallest input from the driver. In addition, the 718 Cayman features stiffer damper settings and retuned suspension. It also features electromechanical steering, borrowed from the 911 Turbo, and larger brakes that deliver impressive stopping power.

Conclusion

The 718 Cayman is one of the smallest Porsche sports cars on the market, yet it still has the power and performance to rival performance giants. Its powerful horizontally opposed turbocharged engines and near-perfect front-to-rear balance combine to provide an experience as engaging on the racetrack as it is on the street.

Cayman 2019

The cockpit is a driver-focused experience with comfortable seats and a simple, user-friendly infotainment system. High-end features such as navigation and Apple CarPlay aren’t standard, though. And Android users will be disappointed to find that Android Auto is not available.

The Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 is an excellent luxury sports car. It offers the best performance for the money, with an impressive interior and a refined cabin. It also offers a decent list of modern technologies. It is the ultimate mid-ship driver’s car. It’s also affordable, which makes it a great buy for a budget-conscious buyer.