Porsche Cayman and me
How do I know I am getting old?
I test drove a Porsche Cayman 718 and found it hard getting out of that car after sitting for a long time. It was the one of the few times in my life that being older was sooo much fun.
But, there is no driving experience that I have had (and I have had quite a few) that can compare to driving the Porsche Cayman 718 — down SLEX, EDSA and then some other roads.
The handling was great if you like driving sports cars — it was because of the way its mid-engine layout is.
Imagine it has the same four-cylinder flat engines with turbocharging like 718 Boxster (which was one of my first and most memorable test drives to Berlin — here in the STAR) are being deployed in the 718 Cayman. The entry-level version of the 718 Cayman starts with 300 hp from two liters of engine displacement.
As soon as I started the Cayman I already knew I was in for some fun driving and some good torque, too.
Let’s drive, shall we
I had set my driving sights on Lipa, Batangas for the day. I was sooo ready for this drive and the ride in this Porsche.
I slide into the driver’s seat and got as comfortable as one can in its racecar driver bucket seat. As soon as the engine began to roar I could feel the pull of the Porsche, so ready to carry me along.
Easy peasy: The cockpit of the Cayman
In terms of driving dynamics, the 718 Cayman follows in the tracks of the classic 718 cars. Because of their agility, the historic mid-engine sports cars won numerous races in the 1950s and 1960s such as the Targa Florio and Le Mans. I noticed, not having driven a Cayman or a Boxster for many years, that the lateral rigidity and wheel tracking have been improved in the completely retuned chassis of the 718 Cayman. The springs and stabilizers of this car have been designed to be firmer and the tuning of the shock absorbers has been revised. The steering, which has been configured to be 10 percent more direct, enhances agility and driving fun. The rear wheels, which are one-half of an inch wider, in combination with the redeveloped tires result in an increased lateral force potential and, hence, in greater cornering stability.
I also like that there are strong brakes on this car — because driving down SLEX can sometimes mean stopping on a dime at a moment‘s.
Stop and get stares
That the Cayman is a looker is an understatement. I got stares and requests for selfies every time I stopped the Porsche at a pit. And, no, the selfies were not to have me included — just the car.
The new 718 Cayman has been further developed as comprehensively in its design as in its technology. The taut proportions, prominent air intakes at the front and sides and low side profile underscore the boost in dynamics. The nose has a much sharper profile, which gives the front end a wider and more masculine appearance. The ultra-slim front lights above the air intakes, which contain the parking lights and indicators, further reinforce this impression. Rounding off the front end of the 718 Cayman are the significantly larger cooling air intakes and bi-xenon headlights in their new design with integrated LED daytime running lights. LED headlights with four-point daytime running lights are available as a new option. Viewed from the side, the new sport coupé reveals its striking wings and side sills. The redesigned rear has a much wider look due to the accent strip in high-gloss black with integrated Porsche badge between the taillights. The taillights have been completely redesigned and are distinguished by the three-dimensional technology and four brake spots that appear to float freely.
Just love me
The Porsche 718 Cayman embodies everything we love about sports cars. It delivers one of the world’s most exhilarating driving experiences. No surprise, then, that the Cayman is a regular on our annual 10 Best Cars list. Serving as the brand’s entry-level coupe, the Cayman’s mid-engine chassis is sublime. The Cayman is an absolute joy to push to its limits.
I made it to my destination in Lipa in good time. Had the breakfast that I been planning, met with some 15-year-old kids after that.
The fun is never in the destination, although there is fun in that. For me, the joy is in driving to the destination and the drive home when I am alone with the Cayman. Love.
