Porsche's new 718 Cayman on track for SA

Dubai - Assembly of the new Porsche 718 Cayman is underway in Germany with the redeveloped mid-engine sport coupe boasting more speed, power and a stylish redesign.

The announcement comes soon after the introduction of the newly designated and revolutionised 718 Boxster of which the 718 Cayman features the same new four-cylinder flat engines with turbocharging.

The result is a 18kW increase in both the 718 Cayman and 718 Cayman S when compared to their predecessors. The new Porsche coupe is being produced at the brand’s historic headquarters in Zuffenhausen. 

WATCH: Porsche's new 718 Cayman ad shows off Joburg

The new 718 Cayman and 718 Cayman S are available for order now though the official market launch begins September 24, 2016.

Porsche South Africa says the first 718 units should arrive locally by the end of September or early October 2016.

Driven: Porsche 718 Boxster

Eagerly anticipated

Albrecht Reimold, executive board member for production and logistics at Porsche AG, said: "The production launch of the Cayman successor models was executed to our full satisfaction. After the successful launches of the new 911 at the end of 2015 and of the new 718 Boxster in spring 2016, the team in Zuffenhausen also handled this production launch impeccably.

"This is further proof that our employees work with perfection and passion on a daily basis to enable a very special Porsche experience for our customers."

The 718 Cayman is driven by a newly developed, 2.0-litre, 220kW engine with innovative turbocharging. The substantial torque increase of 35% in the new engine of the base model promises driving fun and agility with a maximum of up to 380Nm. Featuring a turbocharger with variable turbine geometry (VTG), the 718 Cayman S boasts 2.5 litres of engine displacement and 257kW/420Nm. 

READ: Porsche's new 718 Boxster for SA - All the details

When equipped with Porsche Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK) and Sport Chrono Package, the 718 Cayman accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 4.7 seconds, whilst the S-version achieves the same in 4.2sec. The top speed for the base model is 275km/h, while its sibling tops out at 285km/h.

The comprehensive rework of the new model has been well documented with a new distinctive design giving a more muscular appearance. Meanwhile, inside the cockpit, upgraded elements create greater sophistication alongside state-of-the-art technology for an enhanced driving experience.