The first 200 miles

I've done 200 miles in 2-days and this car is simply the best I've ever driven. Here are some comments, touching on some of the themes we've all discussed. I've changed my opinions about some of the options I think are important too! Engine: At low and constant speeds you can mainly hear the belts in the engine whirring, almost like an electric motor! So when I first heard this I was thinking where's the boom and the bark from this engine? Then I put my foot down! The noise is totally addictive. Under any acceleration a deep bass growl comes from the exhaust and changes to a metallic howl when you pass 5,000 rpm - think M3. When I'm driving I just want to hear that noise and so I simply can't help but accelerate! I got to 100mph so fast and the engine just wanted more. You could go to 170 easily, I'm sure. The only thing I wish it had more of was a louder rumble at idle, like a 911. They need to do a 911 style sport exhaust. Acceleration: Very smooth, hugely powerful and consistent. I like acceleration that snaps your head back when you run through the gears and while it does this when you jab your foot down hard I can only imagine that the sport chrono would have been a good investment for me. So, consider that if you like very, very sharp acceleration. Running in: Forget it. I said in another post that I'd go 400 miles and ease it in. It was impossible. After about 50 miles I just floored it to the red line. If you can hold off doing that you've got some will power! I did however take the advice from you guys and wait until the engine was warm and I'll continue to do so. My dealer told me the engine is bench run he suggested keeping it below 4000rpm for 800 miles. Handling: Just as impressive as the engine. Its incredible how the set up is so firm, yet the car doesn't crash over bumps - it just soaks them up. I've gone on 18's and non PASM. Cabin heat: The engine cover does get warm, but the temp on the cabin is not affected. I didn't get auto climate control. Setting the temp and fan to mid point keeps the cabin at a nice temp. Ask me again in the summer! Golf!: This car has to be the most practical sports car in the world. I kid you not I've had 3 sets of golf clubs in the back and a cart in the front compartment. Stack your clubs vertically (you can't get them in horizontally. There is so much space! The 911 just doesn't come close. Build Quality: I've had several BMW's and even the pre-Bangle cars (they were better quality in my view) don't come close. It is so well built. The only rattle I've heard came from my golf clubs! Stereo: I've got the sound package upgrade and I agree with Jackwood - it's pretty poor. I'm comparing this to Harmon Kardon and Bang and Olufsen here so I was disappointed. I will most likely replace the amp and speakers, but after spending £600 I'm a bit reluctant. Go Bose if you value your tunes! After some fiddling with the controls I got a respectable bass. Tip: Set the loudness control to On, Bass to about +3 and treble to 0. All thatsaid - I just listen to the engine! Wheels/colour: I've gone arctic with standard wheels (played it safe - it's my first Porsche and things like stone chips etc put me off dark colours). This is of course totally personal and I love some of the combo's you guys have gone for. I do think that arctic silver and the standard wheels are made for each other. If I was to buy a second I'd go black or seal with 19' carrera classics. Final thoughts: You will love driving this car every day for a long time. I've waited for 6 months for it and deliberated over the spec every day. I spent £48k and to be honest when you get the car the money just doesn't matter. My main tip would be spec it up with everything you want - someone else said that in another forum and it's good advice. Enjoy! P.S K-Man can we have a forum for 'recommended driving routes' that we can look-up when we need to go somewhere to blast our cars...without the police? Also, we've got to sort out some regional meetings! Edited by - Freestyle on 12/23/2005 11:52:09 PM

Freestyle, fantastic review, it's given me goose-bumps on my arms ! You lucky, lucky git ! Also, you've made my day as I ordered Seal Grey and Classics, but like you I've been going over the options list virtually every single day since I ordered it in July, and even though it was built on Dec 22nd, I'm still going through them ! Have a great Christmas driving the Cayman - who cares about Santa ?

Thanks for the report.

Freestyle; The smile on your face is coming through. Thanks for sharing your experience and recommendations.It's a great photo, nice lighting.

Thank you for the comments. I also orderedthe same color with 18's and I think it is the classic look. The wheels are the only thing that I wonder about. If I want 19's or not. Your pic convinced me to stay with the standard wheels. Iwill probably change the exhaust first. After I hear of others doing it first with positive comments. Fabspeed has a great video about their system for the Boxter S. I think it will fit right on the Cayman, but not sure. Mine is 3 weeks away so I love to hear your driving comments. Mike

Yeah, that was fun, thanks!

awesome picture and great report...thanks! Those 18' wheels look really sharp from the angle the picture was taken. After reading your driving report & the one from the LA Times, I can't wait to get behind the wheel of a Cayman.

I ordered mine on Thursday so I've got all this excitement to come... had a couple of test drives and can only agree with your comments for your first couple of hundred miles (although only done 30 or so miles myself....). Once I'd driven the Cayman everything else I was looking at was being compared to the Cayman, and they didn't in my view... so I ordered on Thursday this week (well it is Christmas) so the only down side is it looks like June next year for delivery, still I know it will fly by as well as taking for ever all at the same time. /fckeditor/editor/images/smiley/MWPX/teeth_smile.gif Out of interest has anyone seen any decent hi-res large pic's of the Cayman in Seal grey, this is my choice of colour for now but only seen Boxsters so far for real and a couple of smaller pic's on here for the Cayman.

Wow it was easy to share your enjoyment. Keep telling us about it as you get to know her.

Freestyle - Great Stuff! Keep it coming! I've taken your suggestion to heart and created a new forum for everyone, check out: http://www.planet-9.com/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=991&FORUM_ID=11&CAT_ID=3&Topic_Title=A+new+forum&Forum_Title=Recommended+Driving+Routes

Freestyle, Fantastic report, your honestly about the redline will probably be echoed by others including myself. Thanks Russ

Rich, I ordered mine on Thusday also, seal greay/blk. The waiting begins.... I am also looking for a SG pic if you come across one pls post it. COCO

Great review Freestyle......it and thepix just reinforces what I think of the car with standard suspension and wheels. IMO thestock 18' Caymanwheels actually make the car look more muscular than some of the 19's and when coupled with the stock suspension make a great package. I did go for the Bose so hopefully it will bemoney well spent......I think it will. Thanks......and enjoy!

Great review on your new Cayman - I’ve got to wait for my Jan build. When all is said and done you could always switch your profession to a car reviewer... zornet

Freestyle more pics in either this thread or the pictures thread please!

Freestyle, thanx for the great review..Glad you get to enjoy the toys Santa brought ya for Christmas....Can't wait to take delivery on mine.

Santa said I have been a bad boy this year so no cayman for me till at least April...oh well enuf said. Merry Xmas everybody....!