2017 Porsche 718 Cayman & 718 Porsche Cayman S (982) TECH REVIEW (1 of 2) 

"They flew a suspension engineer over and I cornered him too" ; this is why I watch your channel, keep it up Motoman!

4 cylinder 2.5 engine gives an equally punch / hub like 6 cylinder on a 3.8 engine - with a target of 350 horse power and the new VTG technique, this engine fits perfectly into the 718 car concept. PS: Porsche was never known as the car with the biggest engine but with the best performance :)

Having owned an air cooled 84 Carrera for 13 years, I voted with my wallet and just ordered a 718 Cayman. The base 718 Cayman is as quick and better handling than the outgoing Cayman S, so in itself tells you a lot. I added all the performance options to improve driving dynamics vs outright power of the S version. After pouring through many reviews on the interweb and Tube, it seems that if you can deal with the difference in sonics, then you will like what the 718 has to offer. If you can't get past it, or think it's heresy to go to a flat 4, then buy a used Porsche or move up to a 911.

To many purists, the loss of two cylinders would be a problem, but to me, a Porsche is a Porsche. It's awesome regardless.

Tuners will make this the Cayman Porsche doesn't want us to have.

I didn't notice the Porsche belt buckle until the very end of the video. Normally I hate such accessories but this one fits MotoMan

I love the in-depth technical review MotoMan. Please keep up the great work.

I'm excited that they brought back the use of a 4 cylinder. Lighter weight. More fuel efficient. With the way they have it tuned it could easily handle any 6 cylinder equivalent on a track.

987 Cayman S owner here.. I prefer the sound of the 6 cylinder but due to the tall gearing, especially around corners in 2nd, there really isn't much juice until 4500+ RPM. Love my Cayman but I find myself driving it extremely hard to open up the taps. I think turbos increasing torque down at low RPMs will make the car more enjoyable at lower speeds. Always have had a special place in my heart for flat/opposing sixes and V eights. 4 cylinders and V sixes are typically not what I dream of. Can't argue with those power figures tho. Such a bitter-sweet future...

I drive a 99, 986 2.5L Boxster with a 5-speed. Losing the two cylinders will make a huge difference. There's no explanation to describe the distinct sound of a N/A flat-6 engine, even with only 2.5L of displacement. That "Porsche howl" puts a smile on my face every time.

Great video, you have a new subscriber. Love the tech-speak aspect of the review. I'm a 987.1 owner, so I'm going with heresy on the 4 cyl change. It's clearly a brilliantly engineered motor, and better than the flat six in power, torque and (cough) fuel economy. From my point of view though, part of the joy of firing up my Cayman and driving it is that sound. As much as I'd like to wring out all its performance, I just can't do that on the road without putting me and others in danger. So a big part of the experience in my car is the sound, and the typical way that you have to rev out a Porsche motor out to find its performance. Even at legal speeds, the orchestra from behind your head is stunning. It's the car's soul, and I think the 718 sounds soulless compared. My take: If you've owned or driven a flat six Porsche, the 718 will be a hard sell. If you've never done either, I think you'll love the 718.

Outstanding review!!!

Welcome to Texas Motoman! Down here in Houston the heat and humidity is ridiculous

I have a 981 Boxster (base) with 6 spd. I love it. I talked with my dealer about the 718 Boxster 6spd and took both the Base and the S for a run. 1- The sound - I didn't find the sound of the 4 that bad, but was annoyed that you had to hit a button to improve to the "sport sound". The 6 does sound better, but in the end, there is nothing to compare to the sound of an 8. So if you like the way it drives, that should be how you decide not on how it sounds. 2- Sports Chrono - in the manual it now blips the gas for down shifts. If you have problems with heel/toeing this is a big plus. 3- 718 BASE - the car has noticeable turbo lag, but when it kicks in it is pure torque all the way up the curve. Very sweet to experience. I don't like turbo lag so I looked at the "S", the variable vane turbo eliminates the lag and the ride is much improved. Unfortunately, that raises the price $20K. The dealer could not make the numbers work so, In the end, I'm keeping my 981, with no regrets.

Does the 718 cayman have ski roof attachments

Thanks for the video. I'm interested to hear your driving dynamics review. On paper I'd pickup a used 981 S cayman instead of this, but i've not driven the new car yet.

its like goign to a timeshare condo dealership looking to the cars search engines its really hard to find a 718 spyder.. so u buy a macan or some other brand..

Have you been to the Rolex 24? It is awesome too. Amazing how close you get the drivers and team if you get a pit pass.

Whats more reliable cayman 3.4 325hp or new cayman 718 2.5t

982 cayman gts vs cayman 718?

I'm going to test drive a base Cayman tomorrow, I'm excited about the car and, I'm not worried about the power but I am worried about the sound. I currently own a 2011 E92 335iS. Sadly my budget won't go up to a Cayman S. :-(

You got character dude lol subscribed!

I love how you say Subaroo lol

Not really, I don't mind the 4 cylinders (sound isn't that terrible tbh, more than enough for a sporty daily driver) as long as the power is fine, but I'm a weird guy so...

Great review and presenter. Good you're not one of the ppl swayed by the overrated factor of sound for a sportscar. Performance is key and it's not as if the sound is bad anyway.

I'm fine with the 4cyl- it should make it easier to squeeze more power out if/when you decide to tune it.

Is there any difference between the Manuel and the PDK? Why is the PDK type more expensive ? And is it worth getting the PDK?

Honestly I don't mind the 4 cylinder at all because if anyone knows how to really turbo an engine to make up for a smaller displacement its Porsche, actually planning on purchasing one as soon as I sell my M4, plus the styling of the 718 is just epic :-)

4cyl is fine, I drove the 718s at sonoma raceway the car drove really well and was super light plus the tuning capabilities are a huge plus

I recently drove a 718 Cayman gts it was a beast and the turbo charged flat 4 sounded pretty good actually! Granted, I'm not in rush to trade in my 2006 Cayman S anytime soon!

I have 997 911 GT3 RS,, and traded my Boxster S on. a 718 Cayman S, which I will get in November. I don't think the loss of two cylinders is a big deal. The torque is the thing that will make all the difference for me. Also will like the improved mileage. I may miss the sound of the. Six, but don't know yet. One other piece is that I understand that the 718S is faster around the Nurburgring than a GT3. I went to LeMans this June and it was a great experience, so save your pennies and go there. Great fun.

As an old SAAB 900turbo guy, I love it!

Big Porsche guy here. I haven't driven a Boxster/Cayman with the 4 cylinder. With that said, I intend on buying a 911 for my next purchase. I owned a 981.1 Cayman for a bit and loved it. I'm not sure I'd enjoy it as much if you introduced turbo lag.

Anyone else noticed that the shape of the windows on both sides is the Shape of the Tail lights?

Motoman, have YOU driven a Sooobaru???? Specifically the 2.0 DIT twin scroll engine? It's not an off/on switch, but a healthy torque curve from 2k to 5-5.5k. Peppy and a very usable, sporty 4cyl engine platform. I love my 2015 Subaru WRX!

I test drove the 718 S although it’s more powerful I was not impress with the engine sound. Thus I decided to keep my 981 S there’s no substitute for engine symphony at high revs.

For 4 cylinders it closely matched up the corvette c7 and that had a v8. I don't care about speed I love the looks and the interior.

I'd take a Turbo 4 over N/A 6 any day of the week, only downside is reliability over time.

I currently own a 981 Cayman base manual, I am very excited to drive the base 718 Cayman with the torque and power increase. I am not worried about the loosing 2 cylinders, I am very confident that the Porsche engineers know what they are doing! Plus a huge tech update over the 981. Can't wait to get out and drive it!

I'm perfectly fine with 4 cylinders, for one it'll get better mileage and two it's a Porsche, they work their magic with every car they make. Future motherfuckers!

No, I am not crying about the loss of 2 cylinders, nor the addition of a turbo. Quite the contrary, in fact. I will admit that the sound coming from the engine compartment is a tiny bit more staid than the outgoing 3.4, but I can easily adjust to that. What is *far* more important to me are the advancements in performance that Porsche, somehow, managed to squeeze out of this impressive new engine and chassis, as well as less fuel burn. These are all very good things. Bottom line, I've always loved the Cayman S and, now, I love it more than ever. The purists are out of their minds if they'd push this amazing car aside simply due to its more subdued engine sound. On the bright side, if that's the case, maybe I'll get a better deal on a used Cayman S in a few years.

I got a 718 boxster (non S & no PSE) as a loan car last week when my 997.1 C2S went in for some work. The good points were acceleration, PDK gearbox (for acceleration), comfort, overtake button and it did not run out of revs which is odd for a turbo. The downside was the sound and a manual is better than paddles IMHO (PDK is both good and bad in my books). With the roof down you really hear the problem my first impression (4K rpm & below) was o my god it is 1970s beetle, the only time it sounds good is 5K RPM and above in sport or sport+ mode. I think they know they have lost the soul of the flat six and they have done their best to recreate it on a digital sampler with bangs, pops and farts but when you get back into a flat six you know you have been tricked. ps love the belt and do you have a Lotus one as well ;-) Keep up the good work. Marc

*Here is constructive argument (opinion)on why this does not sound like Subaru (or any other japan cars, you should be smacked for even comparing them, different beasts), not here to argue how "good" it sounds tho* but gotta say the car sounds like the best stock 4 cyl ive ever heard aside from alfa. ----Lets talk about 3 elements of sound. *Rhythm* (in this case we will use the engine's sound pattern), *tempo* (in this case we will use how fast it revs to high revs), and *pitch or note* i guess 1: pattern- is still porsche. The rhythm of the engine is the same (very noticeable in high revs, in low revs harder to hear but ill explain later) 2: tempo - basically revs to higher end about same speed as previous gen. 3: Pitch/note- It is *lower* and that is one of the most notable thing our ear picks up. IT SOUNDS LOWER PITCHED. is that *bad?* personally i say its just different. If you dislike this specific note, then you must hate a lot of cars with low pitches like AMG, and muscle cars :( All of these elements *do not sound like subaru* BUTTT *NOW HERE ARE THINGS THAT U HEAR THAT MIGHT BE WHY YOU THINK THIS SOUNDS LIKE SUBARU* 1. the initial patterns are not quite the same: There are some air blowing like noise in the very first few revs. If that matters *THAT* much to you then dont get this car and continue to bash on it as it rightfully deserves your bashing in this case. 2. the totality of the Volume is reduced. It is also a natural occurrence because we naturally thing higher pitch things are louder, when it really isnt. It just kinda shocks your ears more. kinda like how spicy tastes nice but its a sensation of pain. personally i think this car is quite nice. *i wont say this is better sounding than flat 6, but it is simply different* WOULD be nice if its louder tho but keep in mind these are videos. Mics also do not pick up lower pitched things too well (depending on brand). I checked it out irl the other day, sounds damn damn loud.

Speed and handling are great atributes...when you can use them...the flat 6 sound is what makes you want to drive it just to hear the engine no mater how mundane the journey.

remember the early 200hp flat 6 Boxter? sadly, I do

2015 Cayman GTS or 2017 Cayman S 718. Like the look on the new Cayman, but GTS Sounds amazing.

I know they downsized to the 4 cylinder for many reasons but I can't ever see myself buying a 4 banger. My son has a gla45 which puts out similar numbers but you can't ever get the aura of a 6 cylinder from a 4!

is this Guard Red?

Amazing

I think this and the Alfa 4C were good competition for each other but the caymans flat 6 is what would keep me in the porsche. but now that it is a turbo flat 4 I think the Alfa is the one I would go for.

I've been saving up for a Cayman for a couple of years ago. I am completely torn as what to do at this point. Why? This will be a car I keep for 10 years to simply enjoy driving throughout New England during the summer months. The performance is important but not THAT important. First and foremost is the driving experience. Just the simple thrill of hitting back country roads for an entire weekend with the radio off and the music of the car to listen to. Now that could be a problem with the new 4 turbo. Everything else about the 718 is far nicer, the styling, etc... but I'm having a hard time wrapping my mind around the sound of the 718. Perhaps for the first time in my life, going with a discontinued and outdated model may be the wiser move? But that 718 Cayman sure is beautiful when parked next to a 2016 Cayman.........

In love with the 718 Cayman, not quite in love with the new 4 banger

I just got a GTS and it's a fantastic car. Four vs six cylinders? You can't even see the motor. You cant see the motor in a 911 ether. It sounds great just the way it is!! I'd take the 718 with the right now torque any time over the previous car.

Those new 4 bangers are good things... for 987 and 981 Cayman owners...

Some people think its no big deal downsizing to the 4-cylinder, and thinks the purist are just obsessed with the bigger number (because bigger is always better), but that is not the case. 1. Sound, a 4-cyl will never be able to replicate the 6-cyl sound, and esp with the turbo the sound will be more muted. 2. Linear-NA power, no matter how well tuned a turbo engine is it will never be as smooth and linear as a NA engine. It will have turbo-lag. 3. Adding a turbo will bring more complexity to the engine, which means more parts that can fail and will ultimately be less reliable. There is a plus side of tune-ability but why mess with it when it is done really well from Porsche. 4. Uniqueness. Yes, I know Porsche have produced 4-cyl engines in the past so it is not a new thing, but a Cayman/Boxster have always had a 6-cyl engine, so downsizing it now just seems like a downgrade. There is definitely more uniqueness to having a car with a 6-cyl flat engine than a 4-cyl flat engine. Who else makes a 6-cyl FLAT boxer engine? 4-cyl FLAT engine just associates you with Subaru and no Porsche owners want that.

This guy talks a lot with his arms.

Yep i love it as a porsche 944 owner this will be the new ugly duckling again an im buyin one i love a useful 4cyl coupe wit reasonable horses torque and handling 👍👍👍awesome review without biased views 💯💯

Isn't it more expensive for Porsche to develop a new 4 cylinder engine than fiddling around with the 3l Carrera engine and make it Caymany ???

Didn't know wether to look at the car or the hands moving round like a 1000 times per second or the poor camera skills lol but good info

Motoman, where could I get your belt with this Porsche belt buckle?

For those talking about 4 cylinders. Please. When the government is demanding lower emission and the customers screaming for more power for the same price, achieving all of that at the cost of engine sound is a bargain. You are more than welcomed to suggest an alternative.

camera work is so shaky

Poor you, but hey you drive all the cool cars!

The 4 cylinder doesn't bother me but I don't like the restyle. I do like the new technology in the interior. It's always something....

Hmm... just a thought! My Z06 has a V8. You know... four more! LOL Oh... it also is really hot. Particularly at the track.

1:58 the hell.... that doesn't describe a Subaru at all. They have very good response down low. Couldn't have gotten it more wrong.

I love how Porsche resurrected the 718 moniker so assuage the whole situation of losing 2 cylinders. As much as I love Porsche, this is just disappointing. Why can't they just make the GT4 for the "masses"? (As in not in limited numbers)

4,6,8,10,12, 16, it doesn't matter. The most important question is how it performs, how it gets there is largely irrelevant. Then again, I'm not really a Porsche guy so I don't really care for the tradition.

I have a profound affection for the 3.9L 6 cylinder from the Carrera 4S. But with the changing times and fuel eco I think the 4 is a good move. I know that Porsche wouldn't sell a car that it's purists would drive. I hope to drive this new one soon

What happened, Moto? You didn't start the video with your trademark, "Friends!"

The only thing keeping me away from this beauty is finances and the roads here....the engine change doesn't bother me at all because knowing Porsche they did it for a reason. Greetings from Canada where I could never drive this car anyway :)

Very nice car.

I have owned a 987 Cayman S and that engine was a gem. The Cayman never needed more power, it needed to keep the level of driver involvement. The loss of the two cylinders (and loss of sound) is a big disappointment. For me the turbo engine just has the wrong characteristic for what I consider the ultimate drivers car. This engine reminds me of my girlfriends Golf GTI. It is good and powerful but lacks soul and a desire to wring every last rev out of it. Even though the new engine and PDK are technically brilliant and perform extremely well in all measurable ways, they just lack the involvement of a manual gearbox and NA engine.

for this current period of time, I would buy a second hand 2015 Cayman GTS with 15000 km on it

they spoiled it poor cayman it was such a good chassis, i now pray for a new gt4 with this body and a proper NA porsche engine.

I have a 987 Cayman. I have fallen in love with it over the time I have owned it. The 718 looks great but it's lacking the iconic flat six noise that accompanies Porsches. I don't think I would buy a Cayman again unless they brought back the flat six.

He couldn’t handle that Texas Heat lol

Wouldn't bother me at all. I'd open for the base model S, with half leather seats as the only option. A great car at a great price. As long as you don't go made with the options.

If it still sounds like a Porsche, I'd be able to live with it. Not happy about it, but could live with it.

I don't think i like the tail lights :/

I hope you gave Richard his money back.

Love the looks of it but 4cyl...?? What next? A fwd porsche?? because €€€€

More power from four cylinders versus less from six cylinders? Two words: engine stress.

Dude...there are a lot of decaf brands on the market that are just as tasty as the real thing... Just sayin...Speed kills! lol.

i will never trade my 981 for a neutered 982.

I have a Porsche I have a Cayman ugh! Porsche Cayman.

Santa maria madre de Dios what a beautiful car, the name is stupid though!

I'd rather have the old cayman s then the new 718 I think it looks better and I don't want a turbo

Lost me at aluminum jeez

This car made me consider the evora

The 4 cyl bugs me a lot in a Porsche even if the power is there. But please stop referring to Subaru. Their engine is not reliable . The Sti Is a great car to drive but again the engine needs a big upgrade. Unfortunately Subaru doesn't have the money like Porsche. I know I digress...

The 718 sounds like a toy compared to the 981

Sound counts - 4 cylinder ok only if it delivers same visceral experience. You wanna go out w/ a cute girl with a weird voice? Don't think so :)

even if made like 250k a year. thats so over priced.

I would never buy a 4 cylinder Porsche. The CAFE and emissions rules are just ruining the lower tier cars in these segments. Same is true for the new E class. A 4 cylinder in a $60k luxury sedan? Never. Don't care how smooth the engines are.

Hair dryer.

Dude quit movin' around pleassssse