Review of the new Porsche Cayman Range

That the Porsche Cayman is most regularly compared to its 911 stalemate gives us an insight into how far ahead of its rivals the car is. The classic mid-engined, rear-wheel-drive layout has been supplemented in the latest model by more advanced engines, a PDK twin-clutch gearbox and an optional limited-slip differential. There's also sharper handling, more performance and better economy, so if you're looking for a coupe in this class, you know what to do.

Many of us will never find ourselves in the happy position of having over £40,000 to spend on a new two-seater sports car. Safe in this knowledge, we can let our minds wander on the topic of which one we'd choose if we did. Minus the practical headaches of daily life and protected from the real world consequences of the stupid buying decision, all kinds of weird and wonderful models can be entertained but for those who actually have the money to spend, the stakes are far higher. Down the years, Porsche has generously made it its duty to provide sports coupe buyers with a safe destination for their money by producing the finest, most usable products on the market. Competition in the sector has never been fiercer but the latest Cayman is looking to maintain its status as the default choice.

For a long time, the big talking with the Cayman centred around whether or not it was actually a better car than entry-level versions of Porsche's 911. Many felt the mid-engined layout of the Cayman made it an intrinsically better car than the rear-engined but considerably more expensive 911. This gives some indication of just how highly regarded the Cayman is and must have given Porsche cause for concern as it tried to preserve its model hierarchy and protect sales of the lesser 911s. Today's Cayman is improved in a number of key areas so it seems certain that the old 911 debate will rumble on.

The bog standard Cayman gets a 2.9-litre 265bhp flat six engine giving it a 20bhp increase over the 2.7-litre model that originally propped up the range. This will be more than quick enough for most but Porsche can also offer Cayman S which uses a 3.4-litre flat six with 320bhp. This engine features direct fuel injection technology which precisely controls the quantity and timing of fuel injections into the combustion chambers. It can adapt according to the inputs of the driver providing optimum performance when it's called for or better economy if you go easier on the throttle. In a Cayman S featuring the fitted with Porsche's PDK double clutch gearbox and Launch Control, a 0-60mph trip takes 4.9s.

"It makes the dilemma of where to spend a sports car budget of £40,000 about as straightforward as it can be.."

An automatic Porsche was once frowned upon by the marque's aficionados in the same way as a Suzuki GSX-R1000 with stabilisers might be viewed in superbike circles. The PDK gearbox models, by contrast, encourage nothing but respect from those in the know. It's a twin-clutch 'box which shifts between ratios many times faster than you can say Porsche Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (don't worry, we'll stick to PDK from now on). The system actually shaves 0.1s from the 0-62mph time of an expertly driven six-speed manual car, such are the slickness and speed of its shifts. With the optional Launch Control function which manages traction off the line, a further 0.2s can be stripped from the performance envelope.

Porsche has shown us with the 911 its fondness for settling on a styling direction for its cars and sticking to it like a like a mute monk to his vow of silence. Sure enough, the latest facelifted Cayman isn't hugely different from the original car. The latest car has reshaped headlamps with indicators built in that resemble the units on the Carrera GT supercar. The air-intakes below have also been reshaped with horizontal bars for the outer ones in the front bumper that also house LED side lights. There's more of the in vogue LED lighting at the rear where the bumper has come in for some subtle tweaks. Far more salient are the changes to the suspension and steering designer to enhance the Cayman's exemplary driving experience.

Having tinkered with the suspension settings on the Cayman, Porsche predictably claims improvements to both handling and comfort. The power steering system has also been remapped with the aim of achieving a more agile and spontaneous feel. The Porsche Stability Management system is rightly regarded as the leading technology of its type and now features Brake Pre-Loading that primes the brakes in anticipation when the driver lifts off the throttle suddenly. An optional feature that's now available will please those who felt the Cayman was only a limited slip differential away from being a better car than the 911: it's a limited slip differential. This ensures that the car can put its power down more effectively in extreme handling scenarios and will be a must for buyers planning to take their car to the track.

The choice between Cayman and Cayman S models is relatively straightforward but Porsche also presents buyers with a wide range of optional extras. The limited-slip differential will be a popular choice, as will the PDK gearbox. Then there's the Lights Package that features bi-xenon headlamps and dynamic cornering lights that turn with the car improving visibility around corners. The Sports Chrono Package Plus includes the Launch Control system that optimises performance off the line and a Race Track Gearshift Strategy for the PDK 'box that squeezes every last ounce of performance from the engine - presumably dealing a hammer blow to fuel economy in the process.

The audio and communication systems have been comprehensively upgraded in the latest model. The standard car gets a plush CD radio system but the set-up to have is the optional PCM (Porsche Communication Management) version 3.0. This includes a hard disc satellite navigation server and a 6.5" touch screen monitor which houses all the controls neatly under one roof. Voice control makes the interface even more user-friendly and further options box ticking will bring iPod, USB and Bluetooth compatibility.

Even Porsche has to be seen to be green these days and the latest Cayman includes a number of features designed to keep running costs down through improved efficiency. The direct injection technology on the Cayman S helps, as does the PDK gearbox which is more efficient than the manual. With the PDK, the standard Cayman can return 31mpg on the combined cycle with 214g/km emissions. With the same gearbox, the Cayman S squeaks over the 30mpg barrier and emits 221g/km which is very creditable in a car with this kind of pace.

The Porsche Cayman doesn't come cheap compared to other performance two-seaters but very few performance two-seaters come close to the Porsche's capabilities. The Cayman is better than ever in its latest guise, in Cayman S form, arguably better than the 911 Carrera. It's a fantastic sports car that makes the dilemma of where to spend a sports car budget of £40,000 about as straightforward as it can be.

The Cayman might not have changed much visually but the addition of the direct injection engine on the S model, the PDK gearbox, an optional limited-slip differential and a number of other technological tweaks make it a significantly improved car. That it was so good before these changes were made should set alarm bells ringing with Porsche's rivals.

TOP 4 CAYMAN DEALS

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Porsche Cayman 2.9 2dr coupe
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