Another "non-owner" review

http://www.jalopnik.com/cars/jalopnik-reviews/jalopnik-reviews-2006-porsche-cayman-s-part-1-148244.php 'After driving the new Porsche Cayman S, I reached one inescapable conclusion: it’s woefully underpowered. Don’t get me wrong: Porsche’s mid-engined marvel is a crushingly competent sports car that laughs at its direct competitors and smirks knowingly at the heavy hitters. The German/Finnish two-door goes like stink, handles like a dream, stops like bullet striking Kevlar, looks cool, sounds mean and doesn’t punish daily drivers. But there’s no question that Porsche’s hardtop Boxster needs another 100 horses in its belly. Or more. Not to put too fine a point on it, the Cayman S’s lack of neck-snapping urge makes it the dickless porn of Porsches. Here’s the deal: Cayman equals confidence. Any driver who hasn’t knocked-back a fifth of sour mash can jump straight into this lil’ bastard, drive it like he or she stole it, and not die. And I mean really fast. Fast enough to show a clean set of [co-joined] pipes to most anything realistic money can buy — especially in the corners, where the Cayman S hold onto the tarmac like its South American namesake clamping on a wild pig. Short of giving the electronic nanny the afternoon off (PSM causes cramps I’m told) or entering the car into the Ice Capades, there is no way you’re going to get into trouble caning a Cayman S, other than the kind that takes you to jail. That’s why it needs more power. Grabbing the Cayman’s blissfully button-free optional sports wheel ($250 well spent), snicking the short-shifting six-speed into any gear (as long as it puts the rev counter above 4000rpm), running the 3.4-liter six to redline with anything but monotonous regularity, you soon discover that everything works so progressively and safely that you have time to think. And the thought that eventually occurs is this: I could have done that a lot faster. So you do. And the same thought occurs again. And again. Until you think, Hmmmm, this thing needs a bit more oomph; something a little less subtle from the G-force aisle that makes me cackle, as opposed to grin like a gator. Obviously, it’s an absurd idea. The Cayman S hits sixty from standstill in 5.1 seconds, a plenty quick sprint by any absolute standard and only .9 seconds slower than a base 911 (which is a similarly priced, equally underpowered car). And yes, I know: Porsche’s marketing people thought long and hard about the Cayman/Carrera price/power calculus, relative to protecting their rear-engined cash cow from the very real danger of mid-engined fratricide. But like the aforementioned non-phallic adult entertainment, the Cayman S’ dearth of whoa Nellie excitement is obvious, annoying and absurd. Porsche constantly harps-on about evolution. If they mean it, they should build the best possible Cayman and let the extinctions fall where they may. Yes, well, I’m the same guy who said The Sultans of Stuttgart should have never built the lardy *** Cayenne SUV, bought one and wished he’d plumped for an Infiniti FX45 instead. So take that as you will. And while you’re at it, mark my words: with a bigger engine on board, the Cayman S would be the finest sports car Porsche ever built, bar none. Even with “just” 291hp underfoot, this bad boy has seriously sharp teeth. Is it worth a $5G premium over a Boxster S? Yeah sure, why not? Is it better than a 911? Are you a badge snob? [by Robert Farago ] '

I can never understand why people want cars to be engineered to have more hp than is possible to use (case in point Dodge Viper). The Viper (a great looking car) but continues to not get rave reviews because harnessing all that power for us mortels is impossible. Maybe some of these guys should buy v10 and 12s and put them up on blocks to look at only. I personaly want a car that performs and can fully use all the hp it has. I think Porsche does the best job of managing performance, hp, and speed. And so far the Cayman seems to have the best all around performence. And for the guys who trully can drive the Caymans all out it seems there are going to plenty of after market potential -which I think is a positive.

This really made me laugh out loud because it's the kind of analysis that gives everyone heartburn.....the Boxster and 911 owners who desperately want to minimize the Cayman 's uber Porsche potential, and those of us who are getting the car wondering where Porsche may (must? even worse/better?)take it in the not too distant future. I love the line: 'let the extinctions fall where they may'. Thanks Santa Fe, well worth the read.

Ruf-Ruf is all I can add...

Let's see... it's really really fast, which is what makes it really slow... and that's why you can drive it while just a little drunk and still do a fine job. Oh, and as far as porn, Porsche offers other cars with bigger.... Damn crazy review.

yeah I don't know where to start other than when I reached the statement that the Cayman S was .9 seconds slower 0-60 than the 997 I tuned out, there is no way a stock base 997 runs a 4.2 0-60 a 997S would have a hard time doing that unless launched very well and of course the author thinks it is underpowered... sheesh what a looooon!

Yes, he thinks he is funny and in a way he is right...

Well that was some review, someone has to be the contrarian. So I wonder who is he mad at? Porsche ? Himself? His wife? Or just everyone. Russ

Bargain, that's what I say. You can slather your personal Cayman S with many more tasty option bits than you ever could in a 911S , while remaining under the 911 S' price. It's a fast back mid engine Porsche ! It's okay if it's a bit down on power compared to a 911 , Porsche has to leave the 911 with some shred of dignity. Cayman 's got the perfect harmony of balance. That buys a lot of owner satisfaction, and keeps the car more interesting longer. You'll feel smarter driving a Cayman S , This I know from experience! Newer technology. The Cayman S is a bargain compared to a 911 , not a cheap alternative, as some sourball 911 owners might suggest. Elsewhere, someone suggested that the 911 owners were afraid of what the Cayman represents for Porsche 's future. Heck, they don't have to look further than the GT. Mid engine! The 911 will become even less current. Personally, I'd hate to see Porsche sit idly by, afraid (for perceived marketing reasons) to allow it's mid-engine cars to grow to their fullest performance and design potential before too many model years elapse. For the 911 , that rear engine weight will always be hunched up there, right over your shoulders. I could feel it on mine and I didn't like the sensation. It just never felt 100% confidence inspiring hustling through unfamiliar turns. Sliding around turns like you're a drifter is not the fast way around the track, fun, but not fast. Carrying corner speed is the way to win. Mid engine. I can't help but wonder what a 365 hp Ruf 3.8 Cayman S with PCCB , PASM , and nav (!) would be like around Road America.

Opinions vary, but mine is that 99% of that review is right on target. Put the 997S motor in theCayman, and I'll be first in line.

What do you drive now John?

With all the nonsense about the Cayman being underpowered, where in the world do we go nowto exercise it, much less with more power. We are not all track or race folks, in the first place. Porsche seems to be doing just fine with its engineering and production with the cars it has brought out in the past, and the Cayman is an excellent example of the future. One step at a time, we say.The last thing desired is to expect Porsche to price/perfornance itself out of a healthy business. Mid engine is the way to go, for sure, and it will be exciting to watch after market (RUF?) do its thing for those who want it. Our Cayman is going to be a street driver, and it is already doing that now with fantastic satisfaction. There will probably be only a few folks like us responding to this thread, but others are out there, and the dealerships love them, and want all they can find.

Met one of my neighbors for the first time today. He lives one street over from meand he has the same street address number as I do. For five years, from one week to the next , I have gotten his Autoweek or he has received mine. Following the unwritten Autoweek code of honor, you always immediately walk the other guy's Autoweek over and put it in his mailbox. So, I am coming back from the park with my three-year old, who is pushing his dump truck full of sand, when this guy comes down the hill accompanying his daughter who is on a bicycle. We exchange hellos and I continue around the corner escorting my son. As I get to my house I retrieve the mail from Saturday, I've kind of lost track of the normal routine since Friday night, when the father and daughter also round the corner. He recognizes my mailbox and introduces himself as a fellow Autoweek reader.I then tell him that I've just realized my Autoweek fantasy and would he be interested in seeing it. Of course he is interested. I open the door to show him the Cayman . A car which he is just about to order. I offer to take him for a ride and we get to know each better and I learn that like me he has raced go-karts, but he has also raced race cars as well. Near the end of our drive we agree that the Cayman sounds like and practically is a race car. Having driven around the public highways today and found myself numerous times way over the posted speed limit. Idon't think that I wouldwant to be tempted with anymore horsepower that I could not use, well maybe, sure, pile it on!. I expect that there will be full blown Caymans on the track soon, but the Cayman S is a brilliant road legal and road livable compromise. At a stop light today I was next to a 996 with a young guy at the helm, we had our windows down.As I came up to the red light he blipped his 996, then I blipped the Cayman - there was no contest on who had the best sound track! There was no drag race when the light turned green. There were cars, people and police on motorcycles waiting for someone to goof off.

Did you point your neighbor to this site as a resource if he is planning to buy a Cayman or is he already here?

mpollard, Great story! That was it for me tonight. Aloha Russ

Talked to the folks from GAIC at the LA Auto Show today. They claim to have a Cayman on the dyno with a 20 HP and corresponding torque increase from just ECU reprogramming. Apparently, they will soon make an ECU flash available. That gets us to at least 315HP. JHellow

Sounds promising. Thanks for sharing that tip. I have sent them a request for more information. http://www.giacusa.com/giac_porsche.php

Daily driver is a MY05 base 987, andI wish it had more power. If I had bought the S, probably would not be considering the Cayman / 997S as I haven't owned a convertible since highschool and it's fun. Here is a pic of my car.

So here is part three of this 'review'. Part two is here: http://www.planet-9.com/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=1278&FORUM_ID=1&CAT_ID=1&Topic_Title=Part+two+from+Fargo&Forum_Title=Cayman+Chat ' Why you should buy this car: The Cayman S is the world’s safest, best handling sports car. Why you shouldn’t buy this car: The Cayman S is not quite sexy enough to win your heart and not nearly enough powerful enough to exploit its inherent capabilities. Corvette’s significantly faster and identically priced (once options are factored in) Z06 and BMW’s forthcoming M Roadster are worthy alternatives. Suitability Parameters: · Speed Merchants: Yes · Fashion Victims: Yes · Treehuggers: No · Mack Daddies: No · Tuner Crowd: Yes · Hairdressers: Yes · Penny Pinchers: No · Euro Snobs: Yes · Working Stiffs: No · Technogeeks: No · Poseurs: Yes · Soccer Moms: No · Nascar Dads: No · Golfing Grandparents: No Vitals: · Manufacturer: Porsche · Model tested: Cayman S · Model year: 2006 · Price as Tested: $69,910 · Engine type: 3.4-liter flat-6, aluminum block and heads · Horsepower: 295hp @ 6250 rpm · Torque: 250 ft. lbs. @ 4400 - 6000 rpm · Redline: 7200 rpm · Wheels and Tires: Michelin Pilot Sport PS2; F: 235/35ZR-19 (87Y), R: 265/35ZR-19 (94Y) · Drive type: rear-wheel-drive · 0 - 60: 5.1 secs. · 1/4 mile: 13.4 secs. @ 105 mph · Top speed: 171 mph · Fuel economy city/highway: 15/30 · NHTSA crash test rating front/side/rollover: NYR [by Robert Farago ]

I guess Roger hasn't tried buying a Z06, he would pay significantly more than MSRP. The official numbers don't always tell the whole story in many departments.

mpollard, If you talk to GIAC, see if they are interested in becoming an advertiser/sponsor here and if they want to showcase their flash here? Let me know. Thanks!

Nice car John! Just wanted to make sure you a Porsche owner! I think the 30 or 40 more horses the Cayman needs will be readily available very soon!

I have a signed contract for a Z06 at MSRP (look around, it can be done) but think I am going to turn it down when it comes in. Owned a Vette for 5 years, it never ran right and started rattling after a couple years. I have a much stronger emotional attachment to my 987 in 9 months than I ever had for that POS Vette.

Kevozzi, who is going to provide the 30 or 40 more horses with out voiding the warantee? Why spend the money for a Ruf supercharger when it will substantially (according to them) lower your engine life. I test drove the Cayman S on the morning of the 14th and was impressed with most everything except the power. I really want to love this car. But it is a bit embarassing knowing that you will get crushed off the line by any of the hemi Cryslers! I don't plan to track. I just think it is fun to get from zero to the speed limit fast! A mechanic friend of mine can easily add 10% to any car of he can have access to the spark plug wires. He says a lot of energy is lost in the engine, and he wires the spark plugs together somehow. The net effect is increased lower and midrange torque and horsepower and a more efficient use of the engine energy giving a 2 to three gallon increase in fuel economy. He did this to my turbo Z and the difference was shocking! Costs about $50 including the wiring and labor. If some of you can tell me how in the world one would work on an engine we can't see, I would be more than happy to provide more details from him when I get them. The mod actually increases the life of the engine and is very simple. I'm sure you guys can do it yourself of find a mechanic friend that could.

I belive the Cayman engine has a seperate ignition coil for each spark plug . You do not have your typical spark plug wires. I had a 69 GTO when I was younger. It was great at going in a sraight line, just don't try to turn to fast. I think the Cayman does well because it can maintain it's spead even in the turns better than most any car out there. That's why I ordered it.

I would like to add to the observation of this non-owner. I too was initially interested in the Cayman . I even flew to Frankfurt in Sep. of last year to check her out. I was really interested, as I think many are, in being able to take it to the track as well as using as the daily driver. Though I loved the car and enjoyed the long test drives I took with different friends, I choose the 997s. After having come from tracking 5-6 times a year with my daily driver E46 M3 it was just hard to accept the lack of horsepower and more importantly torque. While driving this car above 4000 is quite impressive, that is how one has to drive the older E30 M3s. I am not opposed to this, it is just that I do not leave the track with as large a smile on my face driving these "momentum" type cars. If you are not going to track this beauty then no big deal. I have already contacted Farnbacherloles up in Conn. as they have begun producing the Cayman GTR with the 3.8 engine. Somewhere in the next few years I can easily see picking up a used Cayman and having the larger engine placed and leaving my 997s behind. Until then,...... Chris