Porsche 718 Cayman S: The Almost Car - Carfection
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- čas přidán 5. 09. 2024
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The Porsche Cayman is one of the best sports cars out there, but the new 718 Cayman has a new heart and a fresh look. How much difference can an engine make? Well... Quite a lot.
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![Should I buy a Porsche 718 Cayman S ? [MY NEXT CAR !]](/img/n.gif)
Drove a 2018 Cayman S at a Porsche dealership recently. I don’t know what this guy is smoking but the sound I experienced was absolutely fantastic. Sounded exactly like what it is: a stunning race car for the street. I am convinced that all these people complaining about the 718s supposedly inadequate exhaust sound are just fools. This car will the take your breath away unless you are a jaded 911 or other supercar owner.
Can’t agree more. CZcams commentators seem to feel obliged to kill the car for subdued engine noise flat 4. In reality it sounds great. And it doesn’t shake the entire neighbourhood, so you’re at peace with your neighbours. Brilliant car, without reservations.
Agree 100%
I recently test drove a 981 6MT and a 718 6MT back to back …went home and sold my 981 S PDK and bought a base 718 6MT
So I have an M2 2018 LCi MT and I bought this after test driving the 718 Cayman S MT. I now also own a 718 Cayman S and the sound on a day to day basis is really dull (on test drive I thought it was no issue and thought it was OK). The M2, which I’m now selling- always sparked joy on startup and even general driving. On bendy B roads the 718 2.5’s party piece is the handling- so barely notice the gruff and gravelly engine note.
Agreed - I took a Cayman S on the track at the experience center in Atlanta and was surprised to hear how it sounded after all the complaining by CZcamsrs, etc. The main issue I have with the car is now I want one!
But when you can get a V6 f-type, one of the best sounding cars around, for less money…
I love the sound of it and I heard many other people say that aswell
Not when u rev the n/a flat 6 right next to it tho. It doesn't sound bad. But don't compare them side by side and you're good
I own this car and absolutely love the sound! The performance is also amazing. After 6 years, 30k miles, I still get compliments on the car and even more on the sound. This is a subjective perception. To each their own.....I'm extremely satisfied.
That colour is absolutely more than perfect for this car, it gets very charming in this colour.
The more I look at this car, the more I fall in love with it. Personally I think it's gorgeous. Certainly not the best sounding car in the world, but I'd definitely go for one if I could afford it.
Hope this generation also spawns a hardcore flat-6 version like the previous one.
Still getting one! I think it sounds great and will be my first Porsche.
The new motor is partly why I and my woman decided this over very little else that fits the bill.
The problem is Porsche "fans" not the car itself. Same crowd that hates water-cooled motors.
Actually sounds pretty good for a 4 cylinder.
that's like saying my shit smells better than most shit.... it's still shit
+Harrison Conyers You need to move with the times my friend
luke simpson I get 10 mpg, but my V8 sounds great so fuck you lol
You really are a childish man
You really are a bunch of children.
i own a 987.1 Cayman S and its a pretty awesome car, i drove the 718 Cayman GTS when it was still a 4 cylinder and i had no complaints and it was hella fast!
Awful noise? just went down to my local porsche dealer and revved the balls off a 718 Boxster S. Has almost a deep v8 burble and has amazing overrun crackles. sound is subjective, but you can't call it awful.
It is because 981 with naturally aspirated flat six engines sounded so epic. The old engine howls like an angry beast when taken to the redline. It is not the exhaust noise but the engine noise which can not be duplicated with a flat four.
The problem with 718 is that it is compared to the outgoing version, which indeed sounded amazing and much better than 718. However, if you forget about the fact that 6-cylinder Cayman ever existed, and consider 718 on its own, its a brilliant car which sounds very good. Even if you compare it to the rivals, say BMW M2, it still doesn't sound bad
It might be nice, but it just doesn't FIT!
you need to hear the 981's flat 6 engine's glorious noise in person first to understand what it's missing.
while this car is propably faster and improved in every aspect i still wouldn't trade my cayman gts with a 718.
as the 718 lost its flat six engine which is the thing that added to the sports car experience in the 981.
John Bender I wouldn't even trade my 2006 987.1 Cayman S for this unless I sold it on. Porsche seem to make their sports cars worse with every generation since they got better in 2005. E-Steering E-brake too many electronics etc..
this car looks just amazing
The color on this is just carfect :D
Just sold my 718 Boxster auto for a 718 gts manual. Bout as good as it gets for me. 5 stars!
If you are going to complain about noise, you need to change the outro music. It's awful.
😂
savage
Seriously, though. Is this a car channel or a mid 90s coffee shop?
Outro is great. Get out of here.
sky
I will get out of here... before that garbage-ass outro starts playing!
Am I the only one who doesn't see what the big deal is with the sound?
Slightly less soulful than the predecessor. The new car doesn't make a great noise like the old one, but its not as bad as this guy said it was. Just over exaggeration
i like the new noise a lot myself and I am thinking the 718 GT4 will get that brute noise sound when it comes out.
In the grand scheme of things, who cares one way or the other, its all personal preference. For those who don't give a hoot about the sound but wonder what the big deal is -- will never get it. Not really, anyways.
Snap crackle and pop, it sounds like shit
I like it. *shrug*
I think you are pretty harsh on the sound. It's throaghty and quite racy if you ask mee. Nice crackles too.
0 fks given
Yeah but still, it's a boxer 4 that sounds pretty good. More sophisticated than your regular Subaru on the street :) . Six is better, but these four will do in my opinion.
Are you a Subaru owner, per-chance?
Nope, Fiat! (see my channel ;-) )
The noise is good, we've driven the 718 Boxster (not the S, the dealer didn't have one available at this time) and it is loud! Well fun to play around with. It might not sound as good a 6cyl, but then again a 6cyl doesn't sound nearly as good as a V8... When we gave the car back they also had a Boxster S with sport exhaust in the showroom for a costumer to pick up the next day. The sales person fired that one up too, sounded glorious.
Nap crackle and pop, it sounds like shit
Dear Carfection,
Thank you for stating an actual opinion besides a car being "brilliant"!
Ironically the sound comparison didn't make me dislike the 718s noise. I will say one of the best sounding cars I've ever driven was a 986 Boxster S, so I can only imagine the 981 Cayman S would've been the ultimate of that engine and position. 996/997/991 engines may've each sounded better than their Boxster/Cayman counterparts, but closeness helps too.
they are left no option but to put more efficient engines in their cars. it's the way the world is going. were just going to have to live with it.
How are we complaining so much, more power, flatter torque curve, better mileage, cleaner burning, yeah thats awful.
I agree, and in my country much cheaper tax, and if you dont like the noise / volume, try aftermarket exhaust.
+Jeff K all of that is great, but the sound of a car totally changes how much fun they are to drive for a lot of people.
+Jeff K yeah but it sounds shit and who cares about mpg and the environment in a Porsche...
I'd rather drive an old v12 Jag, Aston, Ferrari or v8 muscle car than this. Driving for auto enthusiasts shouldn't be about the numbers. It's about the experience, the sound, and the way it makes you feel.
The last generation was and still is perfect. The is a new interpretation of a perfect car and the engine is perfect. A tuned 4 cylinder, pure performance and the sound of a race engine. Modern and efficient. I like the sound. I liked the old better, but it is again a perfect car.
I kind of started to like the new name. I makes me think about perfection and affection and cars. Great job guys.
Finally - the review about the 718 cayman, that I was looking for. Whenever Alex does a review of a car, that I had a chance to drive, I found his reviews spot on.
However, this time, I was expecting more depth, to be honest. Yes, it's a 4-cyl. Yes, the sound is at least "different". Everybody who is interested in the 718 has taken the opportunity to listen to the sound the 718 makes, and made up his mind.
Having driven naturally aspirated BMW i6 for the last 20 years, I normally hate Turbos. I hate the lag at low revs and I hate the unpredicted amount of power you get out of Turbos, once you lifted the throttle and get back on it within seconds (like lifting throttle while cornering).
But I DO recon, that if there is any car company on this planet capable of getting Turbos right, it has got to be Porsche. Ever since they put that VTG Turbo on the 997, they pretty much got the best Turbo cars available.
Now, we got the 718 cayman S. It is reported to do 0-200km/h in LESS than 14 seconds and shrugs a full 16 seconds off the outgoing cayman 981c's laptime around Nuernburg ring.
That is a seriously fast car. Add to that the fact, that much of the outgoing cayman GT4's rear suspension found it's way to the 718 and parts of the 911 Turbo's steering went into the 718 as well, I ask myself "How much better does it drive?". With 4 cyls, I expect the engine to be shorter and thus it can be placed favourably closer to the center. Can this be felt in real life? How much more of the rev band is accessible and usable, given peak torque kicks in so much earlier? Simply put, I was expecting much more about driving, than about sound.
Nevertheless, one of the best reviews of the 718 series at all. And I do expect Porsche doing a Cayman R or so with flat-6 and manual to follow up on the perfect 911R.
How about a back-to-back comparison review of the first 987 cayman, the 981c follower and this 982 generation? That would be awesome. Not only, because I am considering replacing my BMW Z4 Coupe with a Cayman and I cannot make up my mind which of the three to choose :)
Ah, and by the way, feel free to review the 911R in-depth. I'd really like to hear your take on the - IMHO - best sports car ever build ;)
Hello, I really love your reviews (far better than French ones (but hey ! we've got the roads)). This is the second time I hear you wondering how "they" measure the 10% more direct direction. First : they do not measure it, "they" engineer and build it that way. Second : basically, that works exactly as a gear, or the final transmission on a motorbike (or on a bicycle : pick the one you want). You change the number of teeth on the sprockets, and you get a more or less direct direction kinematics. 10% more direct should mean than you'll turn your steering wheel 10% less to get the full swing of your front wheels.
Or maybe I misunderstood you (still working on my English).
Keep on the good work 👍
Alex's narration is awesome!!
Have the same Porsche cayman s and it sounds awesome especially on 5k rpm! Super fast car!!
Brilliant reviewer I always look forward to hearing his reviews
I'm buying this in a few years, can't wait to own a porsche. Don't care if this is the entry level model, to me this looks much better than any other prosche model out right now in terms of design.
did you get one?
I have the 991 4 GTS and my wife drives the Boxster GTS and both have the amazing sounding engine note, we almost put an order down on a new 718 Cayman but couldn't live with the engine sound either.. Keep up the great posts
After trying to order a new Cayman GTS 4.0 and being told that I basically have no chance of getting one new, and being unwilling to pay $130k for a slightly used (msrp $108k) one, I've decided I'll be more than happy with a Cayman S, despite the 4 banger. Doesn't sound terrible to me, and I like the crackling snarl. Though I love the sound of a good exhaust note, the driving experience is by far the more important aspect. Just paid the shipping cost for a 2017 Cayman S, and am very much looking forward to realizing a childhood dream of owning a Porsche. That first drive is going to be splendid...
I'm literally thinking the same, just started looking at used 718 Cayman S with manual - how dp you likw yours so far?
@@bokicveki5489 freakin' fantastic! Such a glorious machine... There's a nice twisty road near me, I've done it in a few different vehicles and a couple motorcycles, including my Ducati Monster 1200s. The Porsche dances in a way nothing else can. So light, so nimble, so precise. It's not perfect, but it's incredible. No regrets. If I were a rich man, I would definitely get a Cayman GT4rs...
@@phreenom Thanks for the reply, that's good to hear. All the reviews and tests I've watched in the last few weeks are saying pretty much the same thing - I'm going to look for a used one nicely spec'd in the future for sure. And what a coincidence, I ride a Ducati too, Hypermotard 821 SP, love that thing, never going to sell it. Anyways, thanks again and take care.
Speaking from a guy who has a 2015 Cayman flat 6, I think that Porsche roar is wonderful, but not a dealbreaker by any stretch. At 6am with no one on the road, it's a joy to behold. But with normal traffic and life, you rarely think about it. If you get a better car all around minus the sound, wouldn't you make that choice?
One of the very few reviews of the 718 cars, that seems honest. i bet the car reviewers who make Porsche happy by saying nice things about the horrible engine sound, wouldn't dream of actually putting their money into one. Not many car lovers would.
Great review. I love the looks of it, and everyone goes one about how great it handles and all that. SO sad they decided to put a Subaru sounding thing in it. It's fine for a Subaru, and i rea,lly like Subarus (the older, not the EXTREMELY ugly newer ones), but this is a Porsche.
Finally a someone in the car journalism world had the guts to call out this petty attempt from Porsche to make people less angry about the engine configuration and justify the downgrade in sound by sticking the name of race car from a ages ago. The intention is so obvious to the point of being downright ridiculous. The driving experience is as important or more than the spec sheet and numbers and sound plays a quite big part in it
My favorite review of the 718 thus far.
Same. It was no holds barred review and he spoke for the majority of the actual Porsche enthusiasts.
drove one last week. The 4 cylinder at idle sounds like a lawn mower engine, but when the turbo kicks in, the acceleration is terrific.
I'm just waiting to see what the aftermarket is going to do with this car, aftermarket exhaust (never going to sound as good as the old one but it probably will sound bloody good) and a ecu tune and this is going to be a rocket!
sounds fine. Don't be stupid.
no it does not. It sounds like a boring Honda Civic. Now go listen to the Jaguar F-Type...that's is a proper sounding car.
***** lol.....uhh...the f type is a v6.
apples to oranges buddy. This is not a v6.
+doublestrokeroll
His point is well made thought, v6 supercharged or Flat 6 N/A are far superior to this shity little turbo. It literally sounds like a subaru for a base price of 60k your a jack ass if you buy it. Who cares about faster do more than 20 over the speed limit on public roads and you lose your license. So the track is the only place you will really see a performance difference but on motor sound that's every where, every day. The flat 6 is cheaper, same top speed, sounds far superior and still available. Get them while you still can and hang on to it values should rise over the years. why? because this 4 cylinder takes less responsive than a flat 6, will be more costly to repair, fuel savings are 4 miles to the gallon difference from the 981 flat 6, plus replacement parts from porsche will be astronomical and lastly because 4 cylinder will never be worth shit. Have a nice day.
TheCa007 you sound like a child arguing about a toy....lol...
+doublestrokeroll
your half right my 981 cayman gts is my toy 😝
I like the name and I'm happy Porsche changed it because they wanted to show the cars are different from their respective predecessors. The change in name fits the change in engine type.
I think many people don't understand why they dropped the 6 cylinder motor from Cayman and Boxster. The BIGGEST reason is very simple, it's to make the 911 more exclusive. Half of a sports car's worth is valued in the engine it has. If a Cayman and 911 has the same amount of cylinders, most customers will not see the value in the 911. With the Cayman/Boxster not having 6 cylinders anymore, there's a clear distinction between a Cayman, and a 911.
Siri true dat
Seems hard to complain, its faster, better handling, better breaking, and better gas mileage. So it doesn't sound the same.
It has a golf engine.
Kevin Keelan prove it.
@@kevinkeelan354 Your an apocalyptic pillock
Carter retraC “pillock” lol. What year are you from you twat? It has a seat/Skoda engine if it makes you feel better.
Dog of a car which is why they ditched the 2.5 gts and put a proper Porsche engine in it.
People pay too much attention to details you probably ain`t gonna see and hear in normal driving (city). And of course, there`s gonna be aftermarket exhaust that`s gonna sound meaner than previous Cayman ever sounded. To me, this Porsche is spot on, good looks, great handling and a price that finally looks and feels fair asked for sports car !!!
I like the new sound. It's less bark, more bite. It sounds like more of the power is going to the wheels, rather than the muffler.
As the proud owner of a 718 Boxster S, don't let this guy convince you to buy the pre-2017 model. I understand nostalgia but it's almost like he's trying to protect the feelings of those that missed out on these new 718's. Here are the facts. The "S" boxster/cayman is now as fast as a new base 911 Carrera (a first for Porsche). The interior and exterior changes are a big visual improvement. The technology updates like Apple CarPlay bring these cars into the modern era. Lastly, shockingly, the exhaust sounds JUST FINE to me. It's deep and full, yet quiet and subdued when you want it to be. The torque you get means you don't have to wind the engine up as much. Think 3K RPM's vs 6K to get that "punch". Choose wisely!
Carfection. Bravo. Your review is always so honest, on the mark and passionate. Well done. I am a Cayman S, as in naturally aspirated flat 6, driver and agree with your conclusions. Again, well done.
Now that it’s turbo charged so and APR tune will give it a nicer increase in HP than the flat 6 with a tune
It's like a rich man'd BRZ... Nice color though.
Production value of this video is awesome.
I agree it doesn't sound as good as the last gen, but I don't think it's bad. It's a turbo 4, and as far as turbo 4s go, it's actually pretty high on the list of ones that sound good in my opinion. It gets a benefit from being a boxer style 4 than an inline and while that kinda makes it sound like an STI, I'd take STI over GTI tonally (and I own a Mk7 GTI, trust me the sound is my least favorite part. The car otherwise makes it worth it though). But maybe an aftermarket exhaust would let it howl a bit more.
Regardless, I think the damnation of the exhaust note for this is a bit harsh, but it's all subjective. I don't think any Porsches besides the GT series cars sound good, at least compared to their competition, but they'd all still be my first choice if I were in that market. I really like this Cayman, and I could easily live with that still decent exhaust note to get an overall package that's improved in literally every single other way.
If Porsche wanted to put a four-cylinder turbo to market, why not just revive a 924/944 style car? Putting four-cylinder turbos in cars that are heralded for flat-sixes seems daft
I just had this for a week on loan. The sounds is awesome! Don't listen to this guy!
What I would like to see is a review of the base model (the non 's'). Like engine response, power delivery, differences to the s model and stuff
Thing is that the latest Boxster and Cayman are a massive improvement over the old cars. Far faster, better handling, better riding and considerably quieter. You only hear the engine if you’re flat out and then there’s an aggressive rasp and immense acceleration. They’re really fast and make the old cars noisy, feel sluggish and as though you’re travelling faster than you are, which is the opposite of the new car.
These enormous benefits are lost in a forest of exhaust sound twerps, who need to get out more.
I’ve just been thrashing my 718 up and down mountain passes in Spain in my 718 which replaced a much lover 987.
Next trend: swapping older engines into newer cars
I think it has quite a muscular deep tone to it, something that's hard to do with a four cylinder motor. Don't get me wrong, the previous flat six was amazing, however emissions laws are taking hold, and sadly turbos are the way of the future.
when you are a proud swede and love malmö, you feel so proud when a porsche video is made here!
It's about time someone actually speaks their true opinion on these cars. These cars need a 6 cylinder. Porsche did a good job with their turbo 911's but it's just hard to make a I4 sound as good as a straight 6
Straight what?
I hope you meant boxer six ...
+thee Mitchi oh I was referencing the 911's turbo 6 sounding decent
Flat 6
+Angel you should not be allowed to comment anymore. Your obviously an idiot. They are both boxer engines man. Flat six and flat 4. Not a straight 6 and not an i4
I actually like the sound of the 4 cyl caymen. Its unique.
people just can't handle change
+Jeff K that's not the issue. The issue is when change falls short compared to the predecessor. Objectively the new motor offers some benefits, but the one big subjective thing is sound. And any sports car is bought with heart not head.
Let´s hope these fanboys cause it to be cheap to buy used because they are all heading for the old one
says the Golf GTI owner.
I am utterly infuriated with Porsche. Not only have we lost that amazing flat 6 sound and smoothness, but the 4-cylinders get 2 less MPG by the American mileage ratings, and the 4 cylinders are only going to burn more fuel in the real world too...all these turbo fours give you the OPTION of better fuel economy, and beat the standardized test cycles sometimes, but in the real world 1 HP basically takes the same amount of fuel (given a constant efficiency, and no efficiency doesn't vary that much from the very excellent and recent 2.7/3.4 liter motors and the 2.0/2.5 turbos) and these cars have more power in more places on the tach which means...more fuel, more emissions, and no point.
The car exists in this form because Porsche built it to trick the regulators, not because it makes a better car.
And you're right on with the naming, it really shows Porsche for what it is these days...a big corporate group that is playing on its past and starting to fail to live up to its own reputation.
I've been a huge Porsche fan since I was 14, they are what got me into cars, and for me I have stopped caring about the new sports cars. They're too refined, too palatable, too grown up, too expensive. I honestly find the Macan to be the most compelling car in their lineup anymore (GT-models excepted).
If I won the lottery tomorrow, I would be buying a used Porsche over a new one.
Dude, nobody buying a Porsche gives a crap about mpg and fuel economy. They buy it for the driving experience.
*****
Which only proves my point further. The 6 cylinders were a better driving experience AND get better MPG on the US EPA tests.
Sounds great, love the growl and rumble and not whine…
Great job Alex. Exactly the reason I won't even consider the idea of buying one of these, despite being a huge Porsche fan. I'd choose the old model even if it cost the same in today's money.
Both the 6 cylinder and 4 cylinder sound good to me. They sound different, the 6 sounds loud and scream like where the 4 sounds deeper and more throaty. Both sound good in different ways.
Ahree 100%! 👍
I think a lot of people swing and miss with the sound, it's not JUST because it lost two cylinders. The fact that it is now turboed makes as big if not a bigger impact on the engine sound, turbos by design extract energy that you would otherwise hear through the exhaust.
This guy is SPOT ON!!!
Best looking Cayman yet. Love the rear styling.
If I hadn't purchased my 911 GTS back in March, this is a car I would have seriously considered. Sure, it doesn't have as nice a sound out the back as my flat 6 has, but for the money it's still a great looking car. Being a bit of an old guy, I'll take mine with a PDK.
It would be a perfect car, if it had six cylinders. On Matt Farrah's One Take video of the Boxster, I asked in the comment section why they car didn't come with a very small, let's say two liter turbocharged six. He answered that they tried to, but apparently there wasn't enough space ...
I am so glad Carfection shared their HONEST OPINION instead of just trying to make Porsche happy with this review. The sound is just terrible and also totally ruins the car for me. It surely drives better, but the noise is missing.
100% agree
I was in the market for a Cayman a month ago. Had the budget for a new 718 base or 981 S CPO. I opted for a heavily optioned 981 CPO car - the 981 simply makes better noises, the CPO had way more included for the same money and my last 3 cars were forced induction and I wanted to try a flat-6 N/A car before they disappear from the market.
Good choice, tell me when you want to sell it :)
I think it sounds different but certainly not "ruined", and 718 is only 3 numbers , not too hard to remember . Let it go man!
i have seen it live, its absolutely stunning
absolutely stunning car, yes engine is downsized but that is just the way of the world at mo, can't wait to get mine!!!!
Turbo lag is measured in time, not RPM. Turbo lag is the delay between stepping on the gas and the boost reaching the engine.
*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.
After reading this long list of arguments, I'm thinking of the coming TAYCAN and its soundtrack? Electric motors.
Will be most interesting to read comments from testdrivers around.
I have had the good fortune of owning an AMG SL55 (V8 supercharged) and I now own a 718 Cayman S (Flat 4 turbo charged). Both tend to produce exhaust tones that do not live up to everything else about the car IF YOU DRIVE AROUND LIKE A COW. Both have paddle shifters and both can be forced to make glorious exhaust notes everywhere you go. You just have to put the car at the ready. I used to drive the SL55 with the rear windows down, just to hear that rumble. As we used to say about VW, you have to keep your Rip Ums UP! The sound will be there if you want it to be. These guys driving around with PDK will be rewarded with lightning quick up shifts and brilliant down shifts, but they can't expect an engine to deliver great sound when the world is asking for better mileage. If they want to make beautiful tailpipe music, get back in Manual mode and stay in a higher RPM range.
The new Cayman is possibly the best looking Porsche yet, IMO, but not nice enough to overlook the 4-cylinder motor. What a shame.
Love your reviews, Alex. Spot on, and slyly & subtly entertaining. *thumbsup!*
Thank you for saying what you think about the noise. I cut short my test drive in a Boxster because I was offended that they would screw up the car. If I wanted a Beetle from the 1960s I'd have bought one. Also they've used some dubious plastics in it. The Sport steering wheel has gone from an alloy one to plastic, and it feels cheap. I also agree about the black rear trim with the Porsche badge on it - looks awful. Do you think they will be popular?
I have one of these on order. And I have a simple solution to the noise issue... I will never drive the Cayman GTS. Or S, anymore, cos I forgotten how it sounded when I was driving it few years ago.
Because the engine sounds ok, and in fact good, but it's just the fact that the old one was WAY, way better that ruins it. Take the 718 in isolation and it's a brilliant car.
(P.S. I couldn't have bought a used GTS or even the old S because stupid insurance costs in the UK mean that I can't afford one)
I saw one of these in this color with black wheels. It looked sexy. The color looks better in person I think however.
I definitely understand the disappointment and anger resulting from the deviation of the flat 6. It sounded utterly amazing. However, as 4 cylinders go, this new engine sounds great; easily one of the best sounding stock four bangers IMO.
Porsche have fixed the inconsistencies in the model naming lineup, ie: sports cars all have number + name such as 911 Carrera, 918 Spyder, and four/five door cars have names only, such as Macan, Cayenne and Panamera. Also, the cabriolet versions of the 911 had the same hp as the coupe versions but were more expensive and now the Boxster/Cayman model range is consistent with this too.
See, it does make sense in a rigid germanic way...
I'm in love with this color.
3:03 I love this shot
Upset about loosing the flat 6, but these are still worth the money. No little hatchback or performance car under $50k will handle better or have the drivers feel that Porsches do.
Sound aside, we now live in an era where a four cylinder Cayman, far from the top of Porche's lineup, can reach 60 mph in just over four seconds. Just 5 to 10 years ago, 4-ish second 0-60 times were the benchmark of many sports cars with 6 cylinder engines with forced induction or V8s.
Looks fantastic
Nothing Naff about the Porsche lettering on the back... Looks AMAZING ! Took one for a test drive.. Sound was Fine. One of the best rides i've ever experienced ! Just as cool as a Ferrari F430 i've driven.
Black band looks cool tbh. I bet the design engineers at Porsche are really worried by these negative “presenter” reviews 😀😀. What a car 👍
Talking of the sound, I think (strictly my opinion) it sounds okay, apart from the pops and bangs and crackle when you lift off the throttle. SINCE we are talking of the sound at the end, I properly do NOT LIKE the 'send me a message~...' song. You guys aren't Porsche and it's definitely easy to edit or just put a different music or end credit. Tip: you may throw in behind the scene stuffs of that particular video.
Great job as always!
I think you've got it backwards with the name. Porsche is, IMO, going to transition the Boxster/Cayman cars to be the 718 series and will drop the Boxster/Cayman names. It makes a lot more sense from a marketing standpoint to have one series of cars (718) than to have two separate series that share everything but the type of roof.
I also think that going to the 4cyl engine will allow Porsche to really make these cars shine. Before there was always the concern of making it too close to the 911. Now there is something really substantial that separates them (number of cylinders) so Porsche doesn't have to worry quite as much.
the only thing this does i kill 911 competition
+TheCa007 That's what they wanted to do. Porsche gains nothing by competing against themselves. The 911 will slowly be pushed upmarket while the 718 will be the more affordable pure sports car in their lineup. Porsche could've gone with a small 6cyl if they had wanted to (not like a 6cyl wouldn't fit...), they went with 4cyl for market segmentation reasons. They'll get the exhaust note figured out soon, or the aftermarket will.
I also like the noise from what I could hear from this video. Side thought; aftermarket parts are cheap these days..
One of the best reviewers on CZcams. I go to Autogefuhl if I want a complete rundown with a neurotic level of detail, but if I wanted to feel as if I'm conversing with a friend, I come here.
I agree with this review 100%, just wish it didn't sound like a Subaru. Not that Subaru's sound bad, just what most car enthusiast are used to hearing that sound from. Maybe the next gen will have a small flat 6 that's turbo.
As someone who lives in a country where they tax cars based on the displacement/cylinders, I'm really happy about this new Cayman/Boxster, as they're going to be at least 15-20k USD cheaper new. While I prefer the previous generation's sound as well, I really don't mind the 718 considering how they improved pretty much everything else about the car.
I agree noise is very important when it comes to sports cars
Interesting that in all these reviews nobody demonstrates the effect of that magical Sports Chrono button in the middle of that steering wheel sport chrono dial (and the count down on screen!!). Yes the 981 engine sounds great, I love the 6 pot sound, but when you hit that button WOW does that new engine come alive. I was literally shoved back in the seat when accelerating from all the torque the new engine produces. Talk about sensory overload...
Yes the 781 sounds different, and people inherently don't like change, but that doesn't mean it isn't a future great, in fact it's an amazing engine to experience when driving it properly. And don't get me started on the handling.....
I thought I was listening to Richard Hammond for a minute there :D
I always enjoy the videos Alex, but can I ask one thing? Turbo-lag isn't being below the boost threshold, turbo-lag is the time it takes for the turbo to come on boost when you're within range, so in this case above 2000rpm.
Don't need my exhaust to announce my arrival to every car and non car enthusiast in the street or on the motorway. Just want a better car.. 718 Cayman S is it.
A Porsche Cayman needs a flat 6. Stop all this downsizing and turbo charging!
We can all thank the environment retards..
lol
+ekim andersom fuck you
+Diesel does things that's exactly right. You just have to tell me which girl you want and I'll be it
Boxer engine = way more balance = 4 cly = way lighter = better driver car
beautiful color.
You sir are "the almost reviewer". In fact, as much as I enjoy Chris Harris reviews and tire shreking videos, I have to say you're my go to guy when it comes to reviews. If only you didn't pronounce Porsche "Porshia"... Keep up the good work, awesome content and humble down to earth personality. Thumbs up.
I love the way it looks. Especially that tail. The sound however sounds a bit after market-y for me.
All of the road going Porsches until the 911 (912, 356ABC) were boxer flat 4 cylinder engines. I think it's okay now especially with the emissions, efficiency, weight, and power band advantages. While I love 6's even with a peakier power band are great but I have no problem with a Turbo 6. And this thing hits peak torque at 1900RPM. That's awesome. And I thin it knocks 17s off the Nurburgring time vs. the previous Cayman S. TheSmokingTire likes the sound especially when wound out.
This guy would rather have the noise than the performance. He actually said that.