As a basic rule, if Porsche gives a mannequin with the “T” designation, it is the one you need to get. Mixing the bottom variant’s powertrain with efficiency goodies from larger up the meals chain, a T mannequin makes a powerful worth play that is uncommon from a model like Porsche. The 2020 718 Cayman T is a textbook instance of the method.
Slotting in between the usual Cayman and the Cayman S, the T is a driver’s automotive first, with good reflexes, limitless suggestions, and uncommonly approachable dynamics for a mid-engine product. However recognizing these qualities is essential to ignoring a number of the Cayman T’s drawbacks, which embrace an un-Porsche-like exhaust be aware and a dash to 60 that qualifies as “relaxed.”
Nonetheless, as a way of scoring a mid-engine sports activities automotive that may delight you at each nook, the $66,000 718 Cayman T is a tempting proposition, particularly when you think about how completely different its method to efficiency is for a German automobile – letting straight-line velocity play second fiddle to agility and suggestions.
Professionals
The Cayman T begins at $66,400, and the instance featured right here rings up at $72,570. Immediately, you are saving numerous money in comparison with the $71,900 Cayman S, the $86,800 GTS 4.0, and the $100,200 GT4. Certain, you may concentrate on this being the least highly effective variant, with simply 300 horsepower, or that the pricier two fashions include a shocking 4.0-liter flat-six engine. However whereas these are legitimate factors, when it comes to mid-engine dynamics, enjoyable, and value, the 718 is extremely exhausting to beat.
As is frequent with T fashions, the Cayman adopts a lot of options not out there on the bottom automotive – a Porsche Energetic Suspension Administration Sport suspension and wider rear tires, for a begin. It additionally provides commonplace tools that might be elective on the bottom Cayman (a limited-slip diff, sport exhaust, and Sport Chrono bundle). Alongside a modest 300-horsepower flat-four engine, the Cayman T encourages its driver to bask within the act of driving, reasonably than in lap instances, straight-line velocity, or outright agility.
It includes you within the expertise, from turning the wheel and stabbing the brake pedal to snapping off an upshift from the six-speed guide. You are feeling the completely different components working round you in a method that is distinctly old-school. It looks like there are fewer layers between you and the mechanical bits of the automotive, so each time the suspension reacts to the highway or the flat-four engine sings its raspy music, you are feeling such as you’re enjoying a task within the act of shifting the Cayman down the highway. That is the kind of analog driving expertise that few new vehicles provide.
In fact, the T adopts just a few aesthetic touches to face out from the pack. Its commonplace 20-inch Carrera S wheels, borrowed from the 911, put on a Titanium Grey end that is unavailable on the broader Cayman vary. That shade reappears on the mirror caps. There are Cayman T door decals, too. And within the cabin, Porsche’s kitschy nylon door pulls make an look, complemented by unique upholstery that places Sport-Tex trim on the seat facilities.
Though this instance wore the no-cost black, house owners can coordinate the colour of the door pulls with the stitching on the seats and sprint – Guards Purple, GT Silver, Racing Yellow, and Lizard Inexperienced can be found – giving the inside a sporty character. These are all small issues, however they make the T really feel only a bit extra particular than a traditional Cayman or Cayman S.
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Cons
I am not getting on the flat-four hater’s wagon, as a result of I do imagine that it is a good little engine. There’s ample torque and an eagerness to rev that make this a enjoyable accomplice on a twisty highway. However man, even the T’s commonplace sport exhaust can not help the two.0-liter’s often harsh and unsightly singing voice.
Whereas Porsche would by no means admit it, I am satisfied the explanation we have now flat-sixes within the GT4/Spider/GTS 4.0 is as a result of folks simply don’t love how the usual four-cylinder sounds. The two.0-liter looks like a Porsche engine, nevertheless it not often feels like one (in fact, that does not change the truth that it helped make a enterprise case for the Cayman line).
Increasing on that engine, the 300-horsepower mill and its 280 pound-feet of torque are sufficient to get the manual-trans mannequin to 60 in 4.9 seconds. The PDK is faster, at 4.6 seconds, however each instances qualify as “leisurely” in a world the place 3.5 seconds to 60 is the brand new 4.5. Now, I believe the improved dealing with from the usual PASM Sport suspension and wider rubber, together with the financial savings relative to the Cayman S, make up for that shortcoming.
However going with the Cayman T means you prioritize one thing aside from straight-line velocity and understanding that truth might be key to a cheerful possession expertise. In case you care extra about blasting away from stoplights in a cloud of tire smoke, the 350-hp Cayman S – zero to 60 in 4.0 seconds when correctly geared up – might be extra your velocity.
On the one hand, we needs to be grateful the US-market Cayman T comes with a radio and touchscreen in any respect – it’s an choice throughout the pond. On the opposite, perhaps we’d be higher off with out the last-gen system that occupies the 718’s heart stack. Cursed with uninteresting graphics and an excessively advanced structure, easy duties like altering the radio station take a number of inputs.
Including insult to damage, the Cayman doesn’t provide Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. Within the automotive’s protection, it’s the second oldest product within the Porsche household, having made its debut on the 2016 Geneva Motor Present. A facelift is due any day now, and as with the Macan, we anticipate the smallish, annoying show to maneuver to extra fashionable {hardware}/software program as a part of its refresh.
Correction: A earlier model of this evaluation listed the Cayman T’s engine as 2.5-liter flat-four. This was incorrect – the engine displaces 2.0 liters. We remorse the error.
