I was lucky enough to be given the new Cayman S for the day in Jersey. Since testing the car in the Island I’ve also managed to drive an identical car on a circuit in the UK so that I could give you a true idea of what Porsche are able to provide.
So whether it’s for your commute to St Helier or the odd occasion that you take to the track with your road car, listen carefully.
First impressions make you realise that the new Cayman S may have the 911 fans thinking twice about their next purchase. The Cayman S’s 3.4-litre engine is measured at 325 bhp and 272 lb/ft of torque which is only 25 hp and 15 lb/ft down from the similar engine in the Carrera. On acceleration the rev counter will swing its way all the way round to 7,800 rpm. And trust me when I say that the engine note is like music to your ears.
History
The bark of the exhaust is fantastic. The engine note that Porsche has become famous for really does bring back all the racing history that I’ve been lucky enough to be a very small part of while racing their 911 at the 24 Hours of Daytona a few years ago.
Putting the car through its paces around Silverstone gave me the chance to appreciate its fantastic feel at high speed. Sixty mph arrives in a very competitive 4.7 seconds, a tenth faster than the 911. This can be reduced even further to 4.4 seconds if you opt for the Sports Chrono and dual-clutch PDK package. And with the engine positioned just behind your back the high speed balance is very surprising. Surprisingly brilliant in fact.
While on the track you can also feel how Porsche have worked on improving the stiffness of the Cayman chassis. You may think that this would have a negative effect on the road but it doesn’t.
You’ll be impressed with how good the ride is, even on the tight and twisty roads that our Island is famous for.
On corner entry the brakes have a great feel, enabling the driver to approach the limit of the car very quickly. The confidence that the Cayman gives you mainly comes from the electronic power steering system. I’ve driven many race cars with bad power steering and it’s not an enjoyable experience. You don’t realise how much of a car’s feel comes from your fingertips so believe me when I say that this one really is perfect.
As is the case with all the Porsche models, good traction makes itself known straight away. The last thing you want is a sudden loss of rear grip and the Cayman S doesn’t disappoint. Good rear stability and great throttle response makes you feel right at home from the minute you turn the key.
Now we approach the sore topic of added extras. This is something that Porsche fans are used to, as are most of the German car fans these days. But let’s be honest. Part of the enjoyment of buying a new car is being able to tailor it to your own needs. I believe that enabling their customers to discover all the possible configurations is going to be at the heart of Jacksons’ new Porsche showroom.
Speaking on behalf of all drivers over 6 ft tall, one of the most important issues that some car manufacturers still manage to get wrong is the driving position.
I can very easily find myself uncomfortable on long journeys but after two or three hours at the wheel of the Cayman S I was nothing other than comfortable. The sitting position itself really makes you feel part of the car and all the controls are exactly where you want them.
I believe that the cabin hasn’t changed much from the previous model, which must mean that Porsche have been doing their job right for a long time because the cabin really is stunning. Fantastic attention to detail with a luxurious finish.
The sound system will also impress. Over the past ten years or so the F1-style paddle shift system has gradually been perfected. The two cars I tested gave me a chance to experience the two paddle options. The PDK option enables you to ‘up shift’ and ‘down shift’ on both sides of the steering wheel. On the road this can become a bit confusing. I’d have to say that I prefer the normal ‘up on the right’, ‘down on the left’ configuration that most of you will already be used to.
But don’t take my word for it. I recommend that you give both systems a try as it really is down to driver preference. I must, however, say that the PDK automatic transmission is amazingly responsive. On track, most automatics are normally a bit disappointing as you struggle to balance the car using the revs but the PDK was able to judge exactly what I needed and when.
Intakes
When you climb out of the Cayman S and have a walk around the car you will be instantly impressed by its new sharper look. Especially if you tick the box marked 20-in alloys. From the front air intakes to the twin exhaust outlet and moveable rear spoiler, its good looks really are jaw dropping.
But it has to be the aggressive looking side air scoops which play a big part in making this, in my opinion, the best looking car that Porsche now produce. I think its fantastic value for money and the question of whether you should buy one or not really is a no brainer.
