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Johannesburg - Porsche is extending its mid-engine series with the 718 Cayman. Similar to the 911 range, the redeveloped sports coupe is now priced below the convertible roadster and therefore represents the new entry-level model for the brand.
The new 718 Cayman and 718 Cayman S are available to order though the market launch begins in September 2016.
Power
The 718 Cayman features the same new four-cylinder flat engines with turbocharging which can also be found in the 718 Boxster. As a result, coupe and roadster have an identical engine output. The entry-level version produces 221kW/380Nm from two litres of displacement, while the S-model delivers 257kW/420Nm with a displacement of 2.5 litres. This represents an increase of 18kW over both predecessors, with an NEDC fuel consumption of 5.7 to 8.1-litres/100km.
When equipped with Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK) and Sport Chrono Package, the 718 Cayman sprints from 0-100km/h in 4.7 seconds; the Cayman S manages this discipline in 4.2 seconds. The top speed of the 718 Cayman is 275km/h, while the S-version can reach up to 285km/h.
New chassis tuning, greater precision, more stability
In terms of their driving dynamics, the new 718 Cayman models follow the tradition of the classic 718 - the historic mid-engine sports cars won numerous races in the 1950s and 1960s, such as the Targa Florio and Le Mans.
In the new 718 Cayman, lateral rigidity and wheel tracking have been improved in the completely retuned chassis; springs and stabilisers have been designed to be firmer and the tuning of the shock absorbers has been revised. Steering has been configured to be 10% more responsive.
In combination with the redeveloped tyres, the rear wheels – now half an inch wider – result in an increased lateral forces and therefore greater cornering stability.
Driving dynamics options, such as the Sport Chrono Package and Porsche Torque Vectoring (PTV), allow the sporty character of the 718 Cayman to be further customised.
As in the other Porsche sports cars, the Sport Chrono Package can be operated via the switch on the steering wheel, allowing four driving modes to be selected. Available on demand, the Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) lowers the ride height by 10mm. Additionally, the S-model can be equipped with PASM sport suspension for the first time, resulting in a 20mm lower ride height.
The sports car uses stronger brake systems with 330mm brake discs in the front and 299mm discs at the rear. The 718 Cayman now features the brake system that was previously used in the S-version. The 718 Cayman S, on the other hand, now uses the four-piston callipers of the 911 Carrera, combined with 6mm thicker brake discs.
New design
The design of the new 718 Cayman sees prominent air intakes at the front and sides and its low-side profile underscore its enhanced driving dynamics. The sharper profile of the nose gives the front-end a wider, assertive appearance. It's sporty design is reinforced by the ultra-slim front lights above the air intakes, incorporating parking lights and indicators. The new front also features larger air intakes and newly designed bi-xenons with integrated LEDs (LED headlights with four-point daytime running lights are available as a new option).
When viewed from the side, the new sport coupe reveals its striking wings and side sills. The redesigned rear has a much wider look, due to the black strip with integrated Porsche badge between the taillights. The new rear lights feature three-dimensional technology and four-brake spot lights.
Redesigned interior and PCM as standard.
In the interior, revisions are visible at first glance. The design of the upper part of the dash panel is new, including the integrated air vents. The new sport steering wheel taken from the 918 Spyder as well as the Porsche Communication Management (PCM) are a standard feature. Mobile phone preparation, audio interfaces and the 150-watt Sound Package Plus are also standard elements in the new 718 Cayman. Options like the navigation module with voice control are available to extend functions of the PCM.
Price (includes 3-year Drive Plan):
718 Cayman - R854 000
718 Cayman S - R934 000
