2008 Porsche Cayman S Review

When the flat-six engine bolted to the middle of the Porsche Cayman S first fires up, it makes a lumpy, erratic and hoarse noise that nearly brings its health to question. For a car that pays homage to Porsche's great mid-engine racers of the past, it sounds more than a bit out of place.

Thing is, any good singer needs a moment to warm their vocal cords before a performance. Some even say the added sound effects are part of the boxer engine's charm. Indeed, the sweet song that ensues is well worth the wait for operating temperature.

Ultimately, Cayman S is a beautiful car in most every respect- though it's not one for every budget.

A stirring look
Like the engine sound, Cayman's finer details start presenting themselves after a moment. You'll notice slotted brakes, air ducting, expressive lines, and the adjustable spoiler- not to mention the bulging rear fenders that visually glue it all to the road. Every detail and line is penned with the intent to create a potent, beautiful and sculpted punch. You could stare at the Cayman S for hours.

A comfortable leather glove
Designers have created a focused atmosphere inside that's simple to adapt to, useful, and free of much clutter. The tester's interior was finished in grey, broken up with aluminum trim, and dotted with storage compartments, cupholders and easy-to-reach controls. A cargo-net keeps belongings secure just behind occupants at shoulder level, on top of the engine cover.

There's a shallow trunk in the rear and a deep one in front- meaning generous room for a two-person weekend getaway. The cabin isn't what most would call spacious, though it isn't cramped either. It fits like a leather glove, just not a tight one.

Instruments are clean and easy to read, even if they use the same font you'd find in a high-school girl's loveletter. Everything but the outboard-mounted key falls into place where it should be, and though visibility is limited out the Caymans backside, the wide mirrors more than compensate.

No complaints arose from the interior's operation, though one might expect a few more features given the price. Heated memory seats, Bluetooth, a CD-changer, steering-wheel audio controls and xenon lights have become a standard on less expensive machinery- though all were absent from the $81,000 tester.

No complaints arose from the interior's operation, though one might expect a few more features.