Category: Exotic Sports 
Price Range: No data available
Superb to drive; quality, no-nonsense interior; stunning performance.
Pricey options, PDK gearchange counter-intuitive, hemmed-in seating unsuitable for larger frames.
It simply doesn't get any better than this: the new Cayman S is one of the most accomplished sports cars we have ever driven.
If it ain't broke, why fix it? That must have been the mantra for the Porsche executives who started working on the second-generation Cayman. The first car was a total success and it ticked all the boxes for those looking for a highly usable, yet exotic sports car.
The Cayman looked right and its handling was imperious. The mid-engined layout that Porsche used on the Boxster was perfect for the fixed-roof Cayman: dynamically, it ruled the sports car roost.
So what to do? Not much, you'd think. This new car looks much like the first generation: the front and rear light clusters have been changed to include LEDs and if you squint you'll notice a few design tweaks to the front and rear bumpers, the air intakes and tailpipe surrounds. The new Cayman also includes bi-xenon lights.
However, there's plenty of change under the skin. Porsche introduces two brand new engines: a 2.9-litre for the standard Cayman - up by 20bhp on the current model - and a 3.4-litre unit for the S which delivers 320bhp - up by 25bhp.
Porsche engineers have been fastidious about their work in their desire to produce a lighter, more powerful and fuel-efficient car. Every part came under scrutiny: even the tappets were slimmed down by a few millimetres to reduce weight. In total, Porsche lopped 6kgs off the engine which now revs right up to a maximum of 7500rpm. The weight-saving policy was adopted throughout the car and as a result it's 10kgs lighter than the previous model.
So this lighter car is more powerful, emits less carbon dioxide and delivers better fuel economy. The suspension and steering has also been tinkered with in a bid to offer an even better driving experience and if you like you can fit Porsche's 7-speed PDK automatic dual-clutch gearbox to cut your acceleration times. Porsche has also introduced Direct Fuel Injection on the Cayman S which also helps to reduce fuel consumption.
It's still an affordable supercar though: prices for the Cayman start at £36,102 and the S will set you back £44,105 and, if the credit crunch is biting at the well-heeled, it might present an awkward dilemma for the diehard 911 buyers...
