2012 Porsche Cayman Review
Automotive experts agree that the Porsche Cayman will offer you a thrilling ride, it is perfectly balanced courtesy of the mid-mounted engine layout and it is also equipped with a smooth yet robust engine and transmission systems, and a modestly luxurious cabin. It may not provide lots of interior room for the price, but nothing beats the sensation of driving one of the best-engineered sports cars in the segment.
The BuyingAdvice Team Says:
The Porsche Cayman is one of the sharpest-handling cars in the segment. This racing-inspired performance can be harnessed both on the road and on the track, with almost zero body roll even when attacking sharp corners at speed. The Porsche Cayman is more than just a sports car: it is a precision tool made for twisty and open roads.
What’s New For 2008:
The Cayman R makes its debut for 2012, boasting a more powerful 320hp engine. The Cayman S Black Edition with a 330hp engine is also available for 2012
What is the Predicted Reliability?
The Porsche name is not just about the performance, but it is also about reliability. In an initial quality study conducted by J.D. Power and Associates in 2012, Porsche was tied with Jaguar in second place for cars that rank highest in quality, next only to Lexus. The Porsche Cayman was designed and built for the long haul with strong and robust engines and a quiet and rattle-free interior.
Analysis Of Safety Ratings And Features:
The Porsche Cayman was not yet rated by the NHTSA, but it comes with standard safety features that include side curtain airbags, side airbags, traction control, stability control as well as anti-lock brakes.
Pros and Cons:
Pros
+Racing-inspired handling
+Powerful yet fuel efficient engines
+Exceptional braking performance
Cons
-High base price
-Tight interior room
Head-To-Head Competition:
The base Audi TT costs around $13,000 less but it gives up a lot in terms of driving feel and overall performance. The BMW Z4 with the smaller inline-4 engine is cheaper by around $3,000, but the Z4 sDrive35i with the 3.0-liter V6 engine is $3,200 more than the base Cayman with the flat-six engine. The Porsche Cayman is sharper and more responsive to drive and it also returns an impressive 20/29 MPG—better than the BMW.
What Others Are Saying:
“As much as the 911 is the brand’s unquestioned icon, Porsche executives freely admit that the mid-engine layout of the Boxster and the Cayman is the dynamically superior concept.” – CarandDriver.com
“The Cayman R is perhaps the best Porsche we’ve ever driven. It takes everything that’s important about a sports car and amplifies it.” – PopularMechanics.com
“It’s an exceptional car, combining extraordinary handling, quickness, and stability.” – Businessweek.com
Read more about the 2012 Porsche Cayman from the Porsche manufacturer web site.
