Cayman base versus S

have a 2007, 5 speed say base, VIn says base, 18 " wheels could be upgrade, aluminum sill plates say Cayman but trunk lid says S?

Previous owner obviously added the "S" for reasons some of us will never understand. The "S" was never released with a 5 speed that I know of.

Lots of base versions came with 18" wheels so that is not inconsistent... the only inconsistency is the S on the trunk, and I'd guess a previous owner added that thinking it would make the car cooler. Probably didn't even shift the " Cayman " letters over to make it all centred.

The proof is right there in the VIN. If it indicates Base, it’s a Base. Cheapest trim level upgrade I’ve heard of. Find or buy an ‘S’ trunk badge from eBay or a junkyard and ‘VOILA’, you’re driving a Cayman S .

Comon you understand. Any kid with cards in his Schwinn spokes certainly understands. In defense of the previous owner, that certainly is the cheapest way to get an S.

base is better for the street and mountain roads anyway.

I’ll say this, I feel like my Spyder is right in the sweet spot. Newer Spyders have incredible engines transplanted from the 911 series. But I can’t use 320 without going to jail so I find my car right where I want it to be it was the perfect choice for me.

Funny thing is, to the casual observer, the "S" badge would mean nothing. To the enthusiast, it would be considered a joke.

Porsche are the smart ones on this. That tiny slab of polymer isn’t cheap, here you go Mr customer, no problemo. 😂

Thanks for the comments. Seller did not have a rear photo. I was disappointed when I saw the S but as you say the VIN does not lie. When I look closely the chromed S is a little different. Cheers

Funny thing - I won 2nd place in the Boxster/Cayman section of a local Concours.. and it was announced that it was for a 2009 Boxter S - which I don't have. And I have no S on the trunk lid or anywhere else on the car. What I do have is dual exhaust tips off an S - which I put on just because I thought they looked better.

I went the other direction with my 2.9L Cayman . I debadged it, carefully removing ' Cayman ' from the hatch lid. Since I have a Fabspeed exhaust, the only clue that it's "base" is the black/charcoal brake calipers. The other difference being the spoiler lip color. Both these clues are things which only the educated would look for. But my goal wasn't to fool anyone into thinking it was an 'S'. I like the stealth look. F unny how many times people have asked what it is. Only the Porsche shield on the hood and wheel caps (the stenciled "Porsche" on the rear hatch glass is fairly inconspicuous) tell of its bloodline. And at first glance several people mistook the stallion in the logo as a Ferrari badge. It's also funny that, before the Panameras and SUVs came along, many Americans thought a modern Porsche was a 911. They had no idea what a 987 was, but assume since 987 is greater than 911, it must be better. I don't dissuade them.

That’s not the same, I had a Dansk sausage on my 986 , very cool dual tips and a growl. Your choice is not a foul Don, it’s not putting RS on the tail. I loved the look and sound so I get your position Don. I have to say sport exhaust is much better in my opinion. I love growl and no growl on a long highway trip. Worse IMO? The Fiero Ferrari crowd, ummmmm no, be what you are, a Pontiac.

Honestly it’s your car, mod however you like. But I see that the Porsche community gets a little touchy on mods, on example is caliper colors. My base calipers were gray so I painted them yellow and too many people were asking if they were pccbs. Obviously base brakes look nothing like pccbs. So now they are a sweet burgundy. But a poser badge is the biggest offense. Saw this in the subie community with WRX and STI.

It’s not some infraction worthy of excoriation. People always have some opinion. My 944 wasn’t a real Porsche and my flat six Spyder is a hairdresser’s car. But at least everybody doesn’t take me even old Ford woodies in my no go showboat. ( that’s how long this has been going on). 😂 I do have to draw the line though at hello Kitty Lamborghinis.

In Maryland we have every 2 years emissions testing. But is is strictly via the OBD port. Basically, if there is no check engine light you pass. I've taken my 20 year old minivan with a small exhaust leak through with no problem since there was no check engine light. They even have a self service kiosk which takes $4 off the $14 fee. In terms of car mods, everyone has their own taste. But not cool to misrepresent the car. I chuckle when I see a regular Benz which has a slapped on AMG badge.

Our dealership Truck had a real not replica OG oooga horn, it was awesome. I had Fiamm trumpets on my Sundancer, I never saw anyone else with them.