So Good It Hurts | Porsche Cayman 2.7 PDK

The new Porsche Cayman is seriously good. In fact, it's definitely the best drive I've had this year so far. So why am I still missing the previous one?

Photos: Joel Tam

The new Cayman is fine looking car. Porsche got it spot on with the new Boxster, and now the Cayman. Just look at it. The profile from any angle is pure aggression and style. Slapped with 19" wheels, this 'base-model' Cayman looks nicely balanced too.

Some things to note first before we go on - the new car has shrunk in engine capacity, from 2.9-litres to 2.7-litres, however, power output is actually up slightly to 275 bhp. Torque figures are now at 290 Nm.

On the road, there is almost no difference in feel when it comes to comparing the power of the two generations. In fact, the new car despite being down by 200 cc, feels lighter on its feet. We'll get to the drive later.

Sit yourself inside the Cayman, and you'll find that this is one sports car that is easy to get comfortable in. It may be low slung, but the seats are comfortable and visibility all round is excellent. Materials used in the cabin are of high quality - what else would you expect from the Germans. That being said, the Boxster S we have in our company stable is starting to show signs or wear, even the plastic areas we hardly come into contact with are beginning to scratch off. No chance of a long term test with this Cayman though, so we wouldn't know how it's interior will stand the test of time.

The sitting position is great too, and the new steering wheel is nicely sized. I did wish it had the sports steering wheel with the paddle-shifters though. This one is a bit confusing - if you're used to pulling left to downshift and pulling right to upshift (like the sport wheel does), the buttons on this wheel might throw you off a bit, as they don't do that. Instead, you push either one down to downshift, and pull the ones behind to upshift. I find it odd how one company has two methods to do the same thing. Anyway, the PDK is still an awesome gearbox. Phenomenally quick and robust with every gear change, it's one of the nice things about the Cayman. Although I really wouldn't mind trying a manual 'box too.

Which brings me to the bit about sports cars and technology. Sure, the automotive world has benefitted in a huge way because of technology. Cars are faster, more efficient and more effective now because of advancement in technology. But how far is too far? The electrically assisted steering in the new Cayman is once such example. Other journalists who have had the opportunity to drive the Cayman earlier have claimed that it offers the best of both worlds. Analogue meets electric - and they both hit it off. I beg to differ. It still feels fake and simulated. I reckon its because nothing can replace real feedback. Duh!

BUT! In case you start thinking I hate the steering, I don't. It's truly one of the best electrically assisted steering experiences out there. Because credit to Porsche, it's a company still run by people who love to drive and are hell-bent on producing great sports cars. The system actually produces little tugs and vibrations (albeit computer generated) to feed you information on what's going on beneath the tyres. It's not perfect, but it works.

Floor the accelerator, and the Cayman will aggressively propel itself toward the horizon. It sounds great, as all 6-cylinders fire up and work their way to reach 100 km/h in 5.6 seconds. Keep your foot down long enough, and supposing the AYE or PIE is clear enough, you might even see the top speed of 264 km/h on the speedometer. You'll likely also see the end of your driving license too.

The beauty of the Cayman is really in the way it handles. This is where it scores a 100%. It feels so agile and completely at one with you as you carve corner after corner. Even a simple negotiating of turns at low speeds can be a joy. Yes, you could feel the same way in a Mazda MX-5, but the extra power and the teutonic build quality the Porsche offers, all add to a sense of confidence well worth the extra money.

The brakes are great too. At whatever speeds you're piloting the Cayman in, the stoppers are up to the task. Although after a bit of hard driving, I did notice some fade towards the end of the run. The 19" wheels are nice, but don't actually look as large as they sound. It's funny how cars have come to a stage where 19" wheels are the bare minimum size. I reckon the 20" wheels found on the Cayman S will look even better!

The Cayman is quite practical for a sports car too. With loading space at the front as well as the back, thanks to its mid-engine configuration. Behind the two seats are some extra storage compartments, although I'm not sure what could possible go in there, it just looks deep with a small opening. Rolled up wrapping paper perhaps?

Ultimately though, a Cayman is made for the drive, and on that note, it passes with flying colours. Few cars can offer such sublime handling coupled with modern technology so successfully. I really would not have complained if they had kept the analogue steering though. It's a good thing I still have our company Boxster for that.