Performance and 0-100kph time
The controversial move to do away with the Cayman’s sublime, naturally aspirated flat-six may be enough to make enthusiasts wince, but it’s been justified by the car’s on-paper performance.
Porsche claims that a manual 718 Cayman accelerates from 0-100kph in 4.9sec, 0.8sec quicker than its predecessor. Opting for the Cayman’s seven-speed dual-clutch transmission trims a further 0.4sec off the time with Sport Plus engaged.
When we timed a manual 718 Cayman S accelerating from 0-100kph we managed to achieve a time of 4.4sec, the same time Porsche claim the car takes to get to 100kph. We didn’t stop at just 100kph though, and recorded a 0-160kph time of 10.2sec and a 0-225kph time of 21.7sec. It also came to a rest after braking from 160kph in a distance of 93.9 metres and in just 4.4sec.
When equipped with the PDK gearbox, we have timed the 718 Cayman S going from 0 to 100kph in just 3.9sec – 0.1sec faster than Porsche’s claimed figure. It feels brutal as the launch control holds the revs at 6000rpm before abruptly releasing the clutch as you take your foot off the brake. Despite the high revs – most automatic launch control systems hold the revs at 3000 to 4000rpm – the rear tyres find an incredible amount of grip and the Cayman launches away cleanly.
Despite having one extra gear, the PDK cars don’t reach a higher top speed than the manual equivalents, and the 718 Cayman reaches 275kph while the S hits 285kph.
As you’d expect, the more powerful GTS is the fastest of the range. Equipped with the semi-auto PDK ‘box, the GTS hits 100kph in 4.1sec – 0.1sec faster than a Cayman S with Sport Chrono and the same transmission.
