2008 Porsche Cayman in Houston, TX - $26,990

Fast and controlled are two things you always associate with Porsche. Sleek, smooth, and sophisticated are terms that also work well. Built for driving enthusiasts, the 2014 Porsche Cayman sets a new standard for performance with a longer wheelbase, new chassis and reduced weight. On the heels of the new 911 Carrera and Boxster, this completely redeveloped two-seater is now the third Porsche sports car to use new lightweight body construction technology recently developed by Porsche.

The new Cayman is up to 60 pounds lighter, depending on specific model and equipment, and when equipped with the Porsche Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK), the Cayman has a U.S. EPA highway fuel economy value of 32 mpg, despite an increase in power and torque.

Styling cues have been sharpened and are marked by precise lines and sculpted edges that complement the lowered and lengthened profile. The base of the windshield has been pulled forward while the roofline now extends further rearward.

The new beltline, rising sharply from the headlamps and continuing through the rear fenders, incorporates the side-view mirrors and epitomizes the more aggressive demeanor of the Cayman. Tapered recesses in both doors channel air into the intakes, a visual indication of the car's mid-engine orientation and a functional necessity for maximum engine breathing.

The new Cayman enjoys greater visual differentiation from the Boxster as well as its predecessor. The front of the new Cayman includes prominent air intakes right and left and a round cluster of daytime running lights integrated in the trailing upper edge of each intake. Another distinctive styling element is the large aluminum hatch that extends nearly to the bumper; it meets with a prominent ridge that wraps horizontally into each taillight and integrates a center-mounted LED brake light which spans the entire width of the rear window. Mounted directly to the rear lid is the rear spoiler, a thin blade that is both higher and deploys at a steeper angle than in the Boxster.

Available in Cayman and Cayman S models, base power is generated by a 2.7L flat six-cylinder powerplant – improved for 2014. The Cayman S is equipped with 3.4L flat six-cylinder prime mover, also upgraded for 2014. Both engines communicate torque to the street through a six-speed manual gearbox. The optional Porsche Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK) uses two automated clutches and seven gears for automatic shifts with no interruption in power, enabling faster acceleration and better fuel economy.

The body of the 2014 Cayman is entirely new and is based on the body-in-white design of the Boxster. Innovative lightweight body design with mixed aluminum-steel construction has reduced body-in-white weight by approximately 100 pounds. At the same time, static torsional rigidity is increased by 40 percent. This lighter weight and reduced chassis flex are the foundation for the improvements in the dynamic performance of the Cayman.

Inside the passenger cabin, the interior of the new Cayman follows the new Porsche sports car interior design ethos, adding substance and value. The center console rises to meet the dash and incorporates a high-set gearshift lever in the motorsports tradition, contributing to an involving, cockpit-like interior. Controls are arranged in logical groups on the center console for quick and intuitive command of individual functions and settings.

Improved ergonomics in the Cayman are afforded by the ascending center console and the driver's seat position, which ensures a short distance between the steering wheel and the gearshift lever. A new gear indicator resides in the tachometer and an upshift recommendation indicator helps the driver maximize fuel efficiency.

A new high-resolution 4.6-inch VGA multifunction screen is located in the rightmost instrument bezel. Along with the most important trip computer functions, it includes a map display for the optional PCM with navigation module. The standard CDR audio system features a seven-inch touch screen that is centrally located higher on the dash and offers clear and convenient access to multiple functions. The instrument panel features three round instruments as in previous generations, retaining a familiar cockpit feel. It includes a centrally positioned tachometer and an ignition switch to the left of the steering wheel.

Dimensions & specifications

Wheelbase: 97.4; overall length: 172.4; width: 70.9; height: 50.9, (51.0) Cayman S

All vehicle measurements are in inches

Engine: 2.7L flat six-cylinder – 275 hp at 7,400 rpm and 213 lbs-ft of torque at 4,500 rpm; 3.4L flat six-cylinder – 325 hp at 7,400 rpm and 272 lbs-ft of torque at 4,500 rpm

Transmission: six-speed manual, seven-speed PDK automatic

EPA Fuel Economy: 2.7L six-cylinder – 21 city/30 hwy (manual), 22 city/32 hwy. (PDK); 3.4L six-cylinder – 20 city/28 hwy. (manual), 21 city/30 hwy. (PDK)

Cargo capacity: 5.3 cu. ft. (front); 9.7 cu. ft. (rear)

Safety features

Dual front airbags, front seat mounted side-impact airbags, dual head curtain side-impact airbags, dual front knee airbags, four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock, brake assist, automatic brake differential, hill-holding function, engine drag torque control, anti-slip regulation, enhanced Porsche Stability Management system, side-impact protection beams, tire pressure monitoring system, Bi-Xenon high intensity discharge headlamps with Porsche Dynamic Light System, rain-sensing windshield wipers, HomeLink programmable garage door opener, and Bluetooth hands free phone system.

Optional safety equipment includes: Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake (PCCB), Porsche Torque Vectoring (PTV), Park Assist front/rear, Adaptive Cruise Control including Porsche Active Safe (PAS), fire extinguisher, and Porsche Entry & Drive system.

Warranty

Basic: 4-year/50,000 mile

Corrosion: 10year/unlimited

Roadside Assistance: 4-year/50,000 mile 24-hour

Pricing

The base Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2014 Porsche Cayman starts at $52,600 for the base model and $63,800 for the Cayman S. Destination charges add $995.