2008 Porsche Cayman S
A fine-tuned precision driving tool
North America’s love affair with the automobile is deeply ingrained in its culture. Society’s fascination with the automobile runs deep at every level, making cars one of the most popular hobbies, pastimes, fads and leisure pursuits ever invented. Obviously, there are those that see the car as a means to an end and no more. And then, there are car-nuts, obsessed car-crazies that eat, sleep, breath and drink automobiles.
Luckily, car junkies can count on manufacturers like Mazda, Volkswagen, BMW and, of course, Porsche, to satisfy their cravings for power, handling and speed. The Porsche company is currently in an especially privileged position; not only are they rich but they are one of the most sought after and highly regarded brands on the planet. Having stacked up victories in every known motorsport category, the company has achieved cult-car status. The 911, most famed of all Porsches, is the reason why they are where they are.
For better or for worse, the 911 has increased in size, weight and power over the generations in response to safety considerations, consumer demands and market trends. These changes left somewhat of a hole in Porsche’s line-up, until it was temporarily filled by the Boxster. However, as competent and exciting as this car was to drive, it did not succeed in wooing Porsche fans nostalgic for the 911 Carrera RS, the SC (930) or even the 914 and 924. Although the 944 and 968 were attempts to recapture the spirit of the original 911, it was only in 2005 (as a 2006 MY) that Porsche achieved its goal with the launch of the Cayman.
The Cayman is a beautiful expression of classic Porsche lines and styling cues , such as bug-eye headlights and wide rear haunches. The Cayman’s design is sleek and pure, unburdened by the necessity of having to hide a rear-mounted engine or house a folding hardtop. The simplicity and elegance of the Cayman’s styling make it the best looking current line-up Porsche other than the wild 911 GT3 RS.
The Porsche legacy carries over into the cabin. Although intimate in size, two passengers fit comfortably in the snug and supportive seats. My favourite signature Porsche item, no doubt also appreciated by other Porsche enthusiasts, is the triple-gauge instrument cluster. The car’s tachometer and small digital speedometer are strategically placed, fulfilling drivers’ every need.
The three-spoke steering wheel melts in the driver’s hands and the shifter feels as if it were custom-mounted. Every control is simple and straightforward save for some of the audio controls which were small and difficult to operate. Otherwise, the Cayman’s fit and finish is top-notch, right up there with the top-of-the-line models. The Cayman is also quite versatile. The in-door cubbyholes and two reasonably- size trunks are more than enough to accommodate a weekend’s worth of gear for two.
The main difference between the base and the Cayman S models lies behind the front seats. The base model is equipped with a 245 hp 2.7L flat-6, while the S gains 0.7L of displacement and 50 extra hp. The resulting 295 hp may not be worth bragging about to your friends; however they are all accounted for. The super-slick shifting 6-speed manual gearbox is a delight and loves to cooperate with the driver’s every wish. A 5-speed Tiptronic is optional.
As a driving enthusiast and car lover, I regularly attend high-speed driving schools to hone and sharpen my skills. For this summer’s class, I was able to perfect my skills in the finely-tuned precision driving machine that is the Cayman S. Porsche graciously offered me the opportunity to find out first hand what makes a Porsche a Porsche.
I decided to take my Cayman S to the BMWCCA (BMW Car Club of America) because I am a member and they routinely hold driving events at tracks like Watkins Glen, Calabogie and, my personal favourite and destination for this class, le Circuit du Mont Tremblant.
What an unbelievable experience! I can confirm that all 295 ponies are accounted for, because the Cayman S catapults to illegal speeds with ease, effortlessly passing other, more powerful cars on the track. So, what is the car’s secret? The Cayman has the ability to carry a tremendous amount of speed through corners. Its perfectly balanced chassis, neutral handling and PASM (Porsche Active Suspension Management) all work in unison to keep the Michelin Pilot Sport tires firmly in contact with the tarmac. Of course, I did not dare disengage the stability control principally because this was not my car, which, while extremely lenient, did kick in on occasion. However, I probably would have flown through some corners if I had.
My instructor, who happens to be the Chief Instructor of the Patroon Chapter of the BMWCCA, did his best to drive home the concept that to go fast on a track, it’s always easy in (to corners) and fast out. However, even he was astounded with the car’s ability to maintain a good line between apexes even when it seemed as though I was going to fast (I did go a little hot into some corners, but that’s part of the learning experience). And, although the Cayman S is less powerful than the E46 BMW M3, I was able to reel them in one by one. Of course, my driving skills may have had something to do with it … I will have to check with my instructor.
Perhaps the only “weakness,” and I use the term very lightly, that I was able to observe in the Cayman S, may have been the brakes. After three or four hot laps, the middle pedal would get soft and require more attention. However, in the car’s defence, I was using a “press” vehicle, which are known to take quite a beating, especially when they carry Stuttgart logos. Even the car’s tires impressed me, and according to a Cayman S owner I spoke to, the Pilots are quite good at resisting heat and negotiating rain-soaked tracks.
This car was fantastic, and the BMWCCA made it possible for nearly a hundred drivers, to have a great time. I have been a member for nearly 10 years now and have always been impressed with the club’s organizational skills and the quality of its instructors. Over the years, I’ve been involved with six or seven different driving schools, so I can vouch that the BMWCCA is one of the best.
If you love to drive and want to bring your driving abilities and knowledge up to speed, there is no better or safer way to learn and enjoy your ride than by signing up for one of these schools. Also, although the BMWCCA is a BMW Club, all makes and models are permitted (so long as the car is in good shape), as can be seen in the picture gallery.
All in all, the only downside of the whole experience was having to explain to fellow car enthusiasts that the car was not mine.
Oh, and lastly, if anyone from the Porsche crew is reading this, please sign me up for a new Cayman S Sport in Carrara white with PCCB, PASM, 303 hp, black SportDesign wheels, mirrors and lettering, xenon headlamps and a GT3 Alcantara-wrapped 3-spoke steering wheel. Thanks!
Summary:
Strong Points
Weak Points
- - 3.4L flat six is a gem
- - Incredibly smooth gearbox
- - Amazing handling
- - Brakes could use beefing up
Editors Rating:
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