Close X
Sunday, November 24, 2024
ADVT 
Reviews

2023 Porsche 718 Cayman 4.0, Saving the best for last

Benjamin Yong Darpan, 26 May, 2023 04:52 PM
  • 2023 Porsche 718 Cayman 4.0, Saving the best for last

As Porsche already stated last year the 718 is heading for electrification in the near future, enthusiasts should seize the opportunity to enjoy the model’s internal combustion offerings before they ride off into the sunset. And it doesn’t get much better than the Cayman GTS 4.0.

The number attached to the end of the name is quite self-explanatory: the latest motor to be added is a naturally-aspirated, high-revving 4.0-litre flat-six, delivering 394 horsepower and 309 lb-ft of torque, from directly behind the seats to the rear axle. Borrowing its bigger brother GT4’s twin tailpipe Sport Exhaust System, the engine note produced can only be described as glorious. 

A six-speed manual gearbox is standard, though the example the brand provided us was equipped with the quick-shifting seven-speed dual-clutch PDK transmission. Also similar to the GT4, adaptive cylinder control automatically switches off two cylinder banks in low load cruising situations increasing efficiency. Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) softens dampening while street driving and all together makes this Cayman a comfortable and capable daily-driver.

When the time comes for more spirited operation, the PASM stiffens up and the Porsche Torque Vectoring, working alongside the mechanical limited-slip differential, applies moderate braking to the inside rear wheel helping the coupe get around tight corners quickly and efficiently. For a high-output rear-wheel drive sports car, the ride is remarkably stable.

Speaking of the brakes, six-piston calipers clamping onto big 350-millimetre front/330-millimetre rear cross-drilled rotors bring all the power to a stop quickly. The former finished in a bright red colour really makes a statement, particularly when paired to one of the brighter paint options such as the recently added Python Green that is guaranteed to turn heads on the road.

In signature GTS style, the vehicle adopts the Sport Design front fascia featuring a blacked out single central air intake, lower lip and substantial rear diffuser. The daytime running lamps and tail lamps are tinted as well. Sitting 20 millimetres lower than the regular Cayman, and when fitted with the satin black 20-inch light-alloy wheels, the side profile is just the right amount of aggressive. 

The classically minimalistic, driver-oriented interior is swathed in black Race-Tex synthetic suede material, replacing the outgoing Alcantara, covering pretty much every often-touched surface as well as the headliner. This includes the Sports Seats Plus that are ultra-supportive, however be forewarned the bottom bolsters have no give and will cause pain if accidentally sat onto during ingress.

Installed in all GTS 4.0s is Porsche Communication Management. The infotainment utilizes a 7.0-inch touchscreen display blending the perfect amount of physical and digital control and is intuitive to navigate. Also bundled is the Sport Chrono package adding extras like the dash stopwatch and performance switches on the steering wheel. Pressing the Sport Response button unlocks a temporary 20-second burst of maximum power. 

The 718 EV is expected to arrive shortly after the Macan EV, representing the third zero emissions product from Porsche. The company has set a target to electrify 80 per cent of the lineup by 2030.

Highlights:

MSRP: $112,042 

Motor: 4.0-litre turbocharged six cylinder

Horsepower: 394 @ 7,000 rpm

Torque (lb-ft): 317 @ 5,000 rpm

Gearbox: seven-speed automatic

Layout: mid-engine, rear-wheel drive

Fuel economy:  12.0 L/100 km mixed city/highway (observed)

MORE Reviews ARTICLES

2013 Jeep Patriot

2013 Jeep Patriot
A few years ago when the Patriot arrived in showrooms, I immediately thought of the old boxy Jeep Cherokee, one of Jeep’s most popular selling vehicles. You have to admit that it is a practical design that gets the maximum cargo space in the smallest package.

2013 Jeep Patriot

2013 Range-Rover Autobiography

2013 Range-Rover Autobiography
I recently attended the inaugural Auto-biography event in Vancouver showcasing the 2013 Range Rover special edition model. Sipping mimosa’s and indulging in appetizers, we were taken back in time as we were re-introduced to Range Rover’s impressive history.

2013 Range-Rover Autobiography

2013's Top 5 Crossovers: Compact CUVs to watch out for this season

2013's Top 5 Crossovers: Compact CUVs to watch out for this season
With school back in full swing, for many it means another year of shuttling kids to and from school, sports and everywhere else in between. For those that aren’t keen on making the leap to a minivan quite yet, the compact crossover utility vehicle comes to the rescue 

2013's Top 5 Crossovers: Compact CUVs to watch out for this season

2013 Porsche Lineup Test Drive

2013 Porsche Lineup Test Drive
Recently I had the opportunity to test the full line of Porsche vehicles at the Porsche World Roadshow. This is a performance demonstration Porsche organizes for potential buyers and media every two years

2013 Porsche Lineup Test Drive

2013 Honda CRV

2013 Honda CRV
Of all the Sport Utilities Vehicles you see on the road today, one of the most popular has to be the Honda CRV. This vehicle has really grown in popularity as well as size since it was first introduced a number of years ago.

2013 Honda CRV

2013 Ford Mustang

2013 Ford Mustang
Ford is not resting on just good looks to sell this muscle car, it has much more than just good looks as I discovered on my short stay with the car.

2013 Ford Mustang