Porsche
Porsche's mid-engine sport coupe. The 718 Cayman is the entry-level Porsche, often considered the better-balanced sister to the 911.
The Porsche Cayman is a mid-engine sport coupe in production since 2005 across multiple generations: original Cayman (2005-2012), Cayman Type 981 (2013-2016), Cayman Type 718 (2016-2024), and current Type 982 (2025+). The Cayman is the coupe variant of the Boxster (which is the convertible variant); both share platform. The Cayman has been widely praised for chassis dynamics that often exceed the 911 for pure driver engagement. The mid-engine layout (vs rear-engine in 911) provides better weight distribution and more progressive handling at the limit. The Cayman has been positioned as the entry-level Porsche sports car but has grown into a credible performance car in its own right. The 718 Cayman generation (2016-2024) initially used a turbocharged flat-four engine making 300-365 horsepower (depending on trim). The reception was mixed; enthusiasts felt the four-cylinder lacked the character of the previous flat-six engines. The Cayman GT4 RS (2022-2023) used a 4.0-liter naturally aspirated flat-six revving to 9,000 rpm and was widely praised; the GT4 (with similar engine) was also popular. The current Type 982 Cayman (2025+) returns to flat-six engines across more variants, addressing the four-cylinder reception. Performance is strong; the GT4 and GT4 RS variants compete with the 911 GT3 for track-focused enthusiast attention. On WhipJury, Cayman submissions are common, particularly GT4 and GT4 RS variants. Stock examples and modified builds appear regularly. The community recognizes the Cayman as one of the best-balanced sport coupes available.
Original Cayman (2005-2012). First generation. Various M97 flat-six engines.
981 Cayman (2013-2016). Refined chassis. Various flat-six engines. Cayman GT4 (2015-2016) is the focused variant.
718 Cayman (2016-2024). Turbocharged flat-four (initial). Cayman GT4 (2019+) and Cayman GT4 RS (2022-2023) brought back naturally aspirated flat-six.
982 Cayman (2025+). Current. Returns to flat-six across more variants.
Cayman submissions are common. GT4 and GT4 RS variants reliably top voting. Modified examples (with engine and chassis upgrades) appear regularly. The community recognizes the Cayman as one of the best-balanced sport coupes.