2007 Porsche Cayman Review

The Porsche Cayman shows that this small, prosperous German automaker has a knack for introducing desirable new models -- and then providing various versions of them to appeal to a greater number of buyers.

One such car is the rakish mid-engine Porsche Cayman hatchback coupe, which is a lower-cost version of the more powerful Cayman S hatchback. Both look virtually the same and have a stunning roofline and styling touches such as curved, rising fenders reminiscent of those from the classic Porsche 550 and 904 Carrera GTS coupes.

Based on Porsche's older-but-popular Boxster mid-engine convertible, the Cayman S arrived as a 2006 model with a compact, 3.4-liter 295 horsepower six-cylinder engine. For 2007, Porsche has introduced a similar 2.7-liter "six'' with 245-horsepower.

Based on Porsche's older-but-popular Boxster mid-engine convertible, the Cayman S arrived as a 2006 model with a compact, 3.4-liter 295 horsepower six-cylinder engine. For 2007, Porsche has introduced a similar 2.7-liter "six'' with 245-horsepower.

The Cayman costs $9,500 less than the $58,900 Cayman S. Introducing a lower-cost Cayman is smart marketing. The Cayman S can handle far more horsepower, but then would invade the territory of Porsche's iconic, rear-engine 911 model, which offers from 325 to 480 horsepower.

The Cayman does 0-60 mph in 5.8 seconds and has a 160 mph top speed, while the Cayman S hits 60 in 5.1 seconds and tops out at 171 mph. Porsche does a good job making such high-performance cars docile during daily driving and comfortable on long trips.

The Cayman has 17-inch wheels, while the Cayman S has 18-inch wheels and wider tires that provide a firmer ride. The Cayman can be equipped with $1,235 18-inch alloy wheels with wider tires or 19-inch wheels of various designs that cost from $2,785 to $3,675.

My test Cayman had the 19-inch wheels, but they're not needed for Chicago area driving. The 17-inch wheels are fine, although the 18-inch wheels provide slightly sharper handling. To provide more luggage space, there's no spare tire -- just an electrical air compressor and emergency tire sealant.

I rapidly drove the Cayman S in Italy in late 2005 and was impressed by its incredible road-holding on narrow, twisting mountain roads. I recently drove the lower-cost Cayman moderately hard here, where driving conditions are a breeze, compared with those I experienced in Italy. Still, the car's nimbleness, handling and road-holding were very impressive.

The hardtop design of the Cayman gives it stiffer construction, which results in a tighter-feeling two-seater than the Boxster. The Cayman looks better than the Boxster and is for more serious drivers. The Boxster is no slouch, but seems more laid-back with its soft top and less structural rigidity.

Enzo Ferrari said of his road cars, "Convertibles are for playboys. Hardtops are for talented drivers and racers."

The Cayman's 2.7-liter engine is based on the 3.4-liter engine of the S model. It has lighter components for a fast, freer-revving response. The 2.7 also has Porsche's VarioCam Plus variable intake valve timing and lift technology that broadens the torque curve and optimizes power output for better response, besides increasing fuel economy.

There's -- surprise! -- no dipstick to check the oil level because the Cayman has race-car-style fully integrated dry sump lubrication; it's precise at monitoring oil and uses a monitor that measures the oil level and shows the result on the instrument cluster. Dry sump lubrication assures a good oil supply so the engine isn't damaged during dynamic driving conditions such as hard cornering.

The aerodynamic 2,866-pound Cayman delivers an estimated 23 mpg in the city and 32 on highways. My test car has the standard five-speed manual transmission, which shifts crisply. But I'd prefer the optional six-speed manual gearbox for better driving flexibility. An optional, improved five-speed automatic transmission with manual-shift capability via fingertip controls also is available.

No matter what transmission, premium fuel is required, partly because the 2.7 engine has a sky-high 11.3:1 compression ratio.

The Cayman's quick, precise variable-ratio steering, mid-engine location, rigid construction and all-independent suspension help it respond instantly. Porsches have incredible brakes, and the Cayman is no exception with cross-drilled disc brakes at all wheels.

The Cayman has the Porsche Stability Management vehicle control system. It comprises anti-lock braking, anti-slip (traction) control and automatic brake differential functions to prevent the car from losing stability in extreme driving.

My test car also had Porsche's optional Active Suspension Management. It's basically two suspensions in one: a comfortable setup for normal use and a dynamic setup for performance-driving situations. By pressing a button, a driver can switch from "normal" to "sport" modes.

Even in its normal setting, PASM automatically adjusts to changes in driving style, becoming firmer in response to harder driving. Compared with the standard Cayman suspension, PASM Normal offers a more comfortable suspension that provides smoother ride qualities, especially over rough roads -- but stiffens when the car is driven hard.

The Cayman has a good number of comfort, convenience and safety items. Extra effort is needed to get in and out of the low-slung car, but the functional interior has good room for two tall adults in supportive seats. Gauges can be easily read, but audio and climate system controls have numerous small, look-alike buttons that take some getting used to. Full leather upholstery and power seats are optional.

Front and rear compartments provide good cargo capacity, although careful packing is needed to take advantage of their different shapes.

The Cayman S has been a hit, and the Cayman might do even better with its looks, performance and a price lower by nearly $10,000.

2007 PORSCHE CAYMAN

PRICE: $49,400.

LIKES: Racy. Fast. Sharp handling. Comfortable. Much less costly than Cayman S.

DISLIKES: Agility needed for entry/exit. Small dashboard buttons. No spare tire.