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2008 Porsche Cayman S Review

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Amyot Bachand
Straightforward driving
The Porsche Cayman S is a pure driver's car. With a 6-speed manual gearbox and 295 horsepower, it can either be docile like a German Shepherd or ferocious like a roaring lion. It loves highways and byroads. Plus, cargo capacity is pretty decent, which is rare for such a sports car.

When you look at the Cayman, you can't mistake it for anything else than a Porsche.

Porsche DNA
When you look at the Cayman, you can't mistake it for anything else than a Porsche. The design is a combination of the Boxster and 911 heritage. In fact, some would say that it's nothing more than a winter-ready Boxster with a fixed hardtop. Surely, the Cayman has no problem withstanding the cold season.

The front fascia is inspired from the 911, with wide intakes designed to cool the brakes and optimize the airflow underneath the car. The side air vents, meanwhile, feed the mid-mounted flat-six engine, whereas the dual exhaust pipes remind us of its power. The rear spoiler deploys automatically at 120 km/h, meaning the car has exceeded the legal speed limit. Of course, you can lift it up at any given time thanks to a switch on the dashboard. Then you can let onlookers dream...

Travels
Largely based on the Boxster, the Cayman offers not only one but two trunks. Therefore, long weekend getaways with your wife are possible. Both the front lid and rear hatch open easily, either with the key or the clearly-identified buttons on the left door sill. The sloping design of said hatch cleverly hides your luggage and other valuables. The cupholders, while not very big, are discreetly positioned.

Driving cockpit
The interior of the Porsche Cayman S is quite functional and clearly driver-oriented. Access is somewhat complicated but, once inside, you quickly come to appreciate the comprehensive instrument panel. I especially liked the digital speedometer, which I found easier to read than the traditional analog gauge. The decently-sized steering wheel offers both tilt and telescoping adjustments.

Both the front lid and rear hatch open easily, either with the key or the clearly-identified buttons on the left door sill.
Amyot Bachand
Amyot Bachand
Automotive expert
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