Porsche Cayman: Makes driving fun
Cox News Service
December 8,2006
The new 2007 Porsche Cayman is a less costly alternative to the Cayman S or the iconic Porsche 911, but it is still plenty powerful and responsive. Simply put, this car makes driving fun.
 Photo by Porsche
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Porsche Cayman | |
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ABOUT THE PORSCHE CAYMAN:
Body style: Coupe
Price: Base MSRP is $49,400
Drive: Rear wheel
Seating: Two
Engine: 2.7-liter Boxer six-cylinder
Transmission: Five-speed manual
Miles per gallon of fuel: EPA estimate 23 city/32 highway
WHAT'S SPECIAL: The midengine design contributes to rock-solid stability, making 80 miles an hour feel like 40 mph. Not that we, ahem, would advocate exceeding the posted speed limit. The steering is precise. The combination puts you in control of the sports car's power. An electronic stability control system adds more confidence.
WHAT WE LIKE: Generally, the quieter the car, the better. But with the Cayman, the noise is a joyful one. The single, centered trapezoid exhaust pipe offers a low, seductive, Kathleen Turner sort of rumble at low rpm.
WHAT ISN'T THERE: A backseat. The cabin accommodates just two people. The rear hatchback has 9.2 cubic feet of cargo space, while the front trunk Ñ the engine is in the middle, remember Ñ is large enough for two airline carry-on cases.
YOU OUGHTA KNOW: The Cayman is an Earth-friendly sports car. It is certified as an ultra-low-emission vehicle. While the six-cylinder engine cranks out 245 horsepower, it is also fairly frugal, getting 23 miles per gallon around town and 32 mpg in highway driving.
EXTRAS: The leather seats seem to wrap around you, keeping you in place through high G-force S curves. Storage compartments in the door panels and behind the seat keep essentials tucked away. The cup holders spring out from the dash. The tachometer takes center stage in an instrument panel that is easy to read, providing analog and digital displays of speed. Passengers are protected by six air bags.
AND ANOTHER THING: The Cayman jumps from zero to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds, Porsche says. Sounds about right. Top track speed is 160 mph. Have to take their word.
