Driven….by Precision
The Cayman GTS is arguably the sweetest handling sports two-seater on the market.
Just for one moment, close your eyes and think of the associations your imagination makes with each of the following brands: ‘Ferrari’, ‘Lamborghini’, ‘McLaren’, and finally ‘Porsche’. Even if our imaginative associations are different, the one thing we are likely to agree on is that these are all clearly very distinct brands. Whilst asking the question in this way is, I guess, a little unfair to you (I can give my view, but you cannot share yours), let me briefly take advantage of the privilege. I associate Ferrari with emotion, Lamborghini with exotica, McLaren with racing pedigree, and Porsche with, well …. precision.
Precision
Having spent the best part of a week behind the wheel of the latest Porsche Cayman GTS pictured here, the word ‘precision’ just can’t seem to leave my mind. The Cayman GTS is quite the sweetest handling Porsche, and a totally addictive driving tool at that.
Buy this one if you love driving. It has everything going for it; First, it is small enough to be punted around Britain’s finest A and B roads with gusto. Second, it has sufficient power and torque to respond in abundance at the slightest opportunity to overtake. On a long motorway haul it simply gobbles up the miles and will take the opportunity of a snap overtake in an instant. On each occasion you will be grinning from ear to ear. To top it all, having a boot to the front and one to the rear combines its everyday usability with the prospect of sharing the pleasure with your nearest and dearest on as many romantic weekends as your lifestyle affords. That clever combination amounts to one of the best and most user-friendly sports two seaters on the market.
GTS handles with supreme surefootedness
The Spec
It is achieved courtesy of a mid-mounted Flat-Six 3995cc engine, generating a heady 394 brake horsepower at a peak of 7000rpm. The overtaking prowess comes from a power to weight ratio of 285bhp/ton combined with 310lb ft of torque. At 1405kg we wouldn’t say the GTS is a lightweight car, but it weighs less than a typical class competitor, such as the Audi R8 V10 which is circa 200kg heavier. 0-62mph in 4.5 seconds and a top speed of 182mph is the result. That should be enough.
Cayman GTS can easily double up as track car.
The Result
Yet the magic of it all comes from behind the wheel. The engine is located mid rear, hence gravity and thus weight is greatest at the centre of the car contributing to more direct steering and making the GTS flatter and grippier on the bends. Steering feel is exceptional (Porsche are very good at steering feel) and the feel, accuracy and fluidity of the gearbox is second to none. Even the feel of the interior switchgear adds to the ‘precision engineering’ theme running through this car. The total combination makes for a very easy and enjoyable car to drive, regardless of ability, you can just get out there and enjoy. At a starter price of £73,300 at time of writing, it is ‘appropriate’ value for the pleasure and engineering know-how you are getting for what we can only conclude will be money well spent.