Used 2015 Porsche Cayman

While many assume the pricey 911 is Porsche’s most exhilarating sports car, a spin in the 2015 Cayman coupe might just convince them otherwise. Designed to mimic the weight balance of the world’s most sophisticated racecars, this mid-engine coupe is an enthusiast driver’s dream come true. While competitors such as the Chevrolet Corvette, Audi TT and even the Nissan 370Z all offer similar or better straight-line performance, none can match the Cayman’s ability to wed driver and car into a single symbiotic being. The Cayman offers a choice of three flat-6 boxer engines and a long list of advanced features, including a Burmester audio system and adaptive cruise control. Dynamic curbside appeal comes standard.

Porsche’s Cayman coupe for 2015 might just be the most user-friendly sports car the company has ever built. Tuned to please hard-core enthusiasts, the Cayman’s mechanicals answer driver input with surprisingly little fuss. The electrically assisted power steering is pleasantly predictable, communicative and responsive, while the Cayman’s braking is immediate without feeling overly sensitive or vague. The stiff chassis and taut suspension found in both the Cayman S and GTS are perfectly suited for a day at the track, but can become tiresome in routine day-to-day driving. We found leaving the Active Suspension Management setting in the “Normal” mode mitigated the most unpleasant undulations without detracting from the Cayman’s overall driving enjoyment. When placed in the Sport Plus setting, the Cayman’s rev-matching manual gearbox automatically performs what only heel-and-toe shifting once could, that being the matching of engine rpm to wheel speed during downshifts for smoother clutch re-engagements.

The mid-engine 2015 Porsche Cayman coupe’s cabin is sleek and upscale. In true Porsche tradition, the sophisticated cockpit-style layout features a driver-focused dashboard and a myriad of easily accessible controls. Gone is the claustrophobic feel of past Porsche cabin designs, replaced instead with ample headroom and a surprising amount of legroom for a segment not known for it. Ergonomics are outstanding, though outward visibility is quite limited due to the Cayman’s high beltline and bulky C-pillar. The standard seats are supremely comfortable and supportive, and while the available sport seats further up the performance ante, we deem them non-essential.

Sharing most design cues with its Boxster kin, the Cayman demonstrates an assertive look, underscored by edgier lines, sloping headlights, and prominent side scallops. The body is 44-percent aluminum, which makes the Porsche Cayman for 2015 one of the lightest cars in its class. A long wheelbase and wide track afford a sizable boost in high-speed stability. In terms of storage, the luggage area within the rear hatch coupled with a front trunk combine to deliver a commendable 15 cubic feet of cargo space, comparable to most mid-size sedans.

PDK TRANSMISSION
For the most efficient gear changes (ultimately leading to the quicker acceleration), there is no beating the Cayman’s dual-clutch PDK automatic transmission. The 7-speed PDK’s dual personality makes it ideal for easing through bumper-to-bumper traffic, then returning manual control to the driver when the open road beckons.

PORSCHE TORQUE VECTORING (PTV)
The 2015 Porsche Cayman’s PTV system tames understeer by gently applying brake force to the inside rear wheel. The system takes into account vehicle speed, steering angle and throttle position to determine exactly the right amount of force needed to the keep the car in line.

The 2015 Cayman by Porsche is available in base, high-performance Cayman S and supercar-like GTS trim levels. Standard features on the base model include 18-inch wheels, water-repellant front windows, rain-sensing windshield wipers, and a 4-speaker audio system with a 7-inch LCD touch screen. Cayman S models include a wider track for improved lateral grip, 19-inch wheels, and low/high beam xenon headlights that emit up to three times more light than conventional halogen systems. When it comes to safety, all Cayman models include eight airbags, a wide range of electronic stability aids, and complimentary roadside assistance for the duration of the limited warranty.

The 2015 Cayman offers a lengthy list of upgrades along with numerous bespoke options that will wrap just about any interior surface in leather, carbon fiber, Alcantara (synthetic suede), aluminum, or matching exterior paint. Unlike some of its more raucous rivals, the Cayman’s unobtrusive exhaust note makes the premium 12-speaker Burmester sound system a worthy add-on. Lastly, if you believe it’s necessary to outfit your next sports cars with pricey traction-enhancing gizmos, know that most drivers will run out of nerve long before the Cayman runs out of grip.

The 2015 Porsche Cayman offers a trio of mid-mounted flat-6 “boxer” engines. The base 2.7-liter engine is good for 275 horsepower, while the more powerful 3.4-liter mill of the Cayman S churns out a very respectable 325 horsepower. The GTS delivers 340 horsepower. All three Cayman variants direct power to the rear wheels through a 6-speed manual transmission or an available 7-speed dual-clutch automatic.

2.7-liter flat-6 (Cayman)
275 horsepower @ 7,400 rpm
213 lb-ft of torque @ 4,500-6,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 20/30 mpg (manual), 22/32 mpg (PDK automatic)

3.4-liter flat-6 (Cayman S)
325 horsepower @ 7,400 rpm
273 lb-ft of torque @ 4,500-5,800 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 20/28 mpg (manual), 21/30 mpg (PDK automatic)

3.4-liter flat-6 (Cayman GTS)
340 horsepower @ 7,400 rpm
280 lb-ft of torque @ 4,500-5,800 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 19/26 mpg (manual), 22/31 mpg (PDK automatic)