2012 Porsche Cayman S (981C) 3.4L 7AT RWD (325 HP)

Vehicle Overview

The second generation of the Cayman S, the smallest coupe in the Porsche stable, became an attractive alternative to the mighty 911 in the Carrera spec, thanks to the performance and comfort it offered.

Porsche unveiled the second generation of the Cayman S at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show in March. However, the production version came a year later, in 2013, in the same spot. It was more than just a covered version of its Boxster S brother. It had stiffer bodywork, improved comfort, and better insulation thanks to its fixed roof compared to the multilayered rag top of its roadster sibling. Furthermore, the Cayman S was more powerful than before and could lap the famous Nurburgring race track faster than the Porsche 911 of the 996 generation. But it was also a proper daily driver thanks to its advanced safety systems, which included adaptive cruise control, an exquisite Burmester sound system, and its better-built interior quality. Even though it was longer and wider than its predecessor, it was also lighter by 30 kilos (66 lbs.), which was good news for those who wanted to enjoy taking their Cayman S through a canyon road or around a race track.

At the front, the Cayman S looked meaner, thanks to its 40 mm (1.6-inch) wider stance than its predecessor. Its bi-Xenon standard headlights offered a much better nighttime driving experience. These were identical to those installed in the Boxster, with which the Cayman shared its platform. On the other hand, the lower bumper was slightly different. It still had the same trapezoidal-shaped air intake in the middle flanked by a pair of side scoops adorned by three horizontal slats, but they also sported round fog lamps, which were unique to the Cayman.

From its profile, the longer wheelbase and the rounded roof created an even more sporty look for the Cayman. Its low-slung stance was emphasized by the new side sills featuring an upward curvature towards the triangular air intakes behind the doors. Over the rear wheel arches, the automaker created muscular-looking shoulders. Porsche offered the Cayman S with a set of 19-inch alloy wheels and an option for a 20-inch set. At the back, behind the sloped down tailgate featuring a generously sized rear window, the automaker placed a retractable wing, which could also be manually deployed. The main visual difference between the 2012 Porsche Cayman S and its non-S sibling was noticed under the rear bumper, where the S-version featured a dual exhaust, while its lesser-powered sibling had an oval-shaped one.

Inside, the automaker created a 911-like cockpit in terms of quality and refinement. Fronting the driver was a three-dial instrument cluster, with the tachometer in the middle, flanked by the speedometer on the left and a fresh 4.6-inch VGA display on the right. The center console housed a standard audio system, with an option for a touchscreen PCM (Porsche Communication Management) infotainment unit. Porsche also offered the car with a keyless-entry system, which was available at extra cost. Bluetooth connectivity was also on the options list.

However, customers bought the Cayman S mostly because of its performance. They could equip the car with ceramic brakes and the Chrono package. The latter included a 10 mm (0.4-inch) lower ground clearance than the rest of the range, adaptive dampers, and better acceleration times when fitted with the seven-speed automatic (dual-clutch) PDK gearbox. The 3.4-liter flat-six engines had the same displacement as the previous generation but offered slightly more power.