The 2023 Porsche 718 Cayman offers multiple levels of performance and excitement, starting with a base model that is anything but boring and moving up to two high-performance GT4 models.
There are several rivals for the Cayman, some with a price advantage like the Toyota GR Supra, Lexus RC, and Nissan Z. Others more in line with the Cayman’s exotic style and exclusivities include the Jaguar F-Type, Audi TT, and Chevrolet Corvette.
However, unlike its rivals, the Porsche Cayman’s optional equipment roster could fill volumes, allowing for the ultimate in personalization.
2023 Porsche 718 Cayman (starting at $63,400)
The base Cayman is the first of six possible trims. It’s fitted with a 300-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter boxer engine paired with a 6-speed manual transmission. An optional PDK 7-speed automatic allows for manual shifting, providing the best of both worlds.
The Cayman can bolt to 60 mph in just 4.9 seconds (4.7 with the PDK automatic) and achieves a top speed of 170 mph.
Performance highlights include 4-piston brake calipers with ventilated and cross-drilled rotors, a performance exhaust, 18-inch alloy wheels with performance tires, and a Sport button on the optional PDK transmission delivering more aggressive gear changes and throttle mapping.
Standard safety equipment (beyond the required airbags, anti-lock brakes, rear backup camera, and traction control) includes front and rear parking sensors. The only driver assist system offered is an available blind-spot monitor with lane-change assist.
Standard equipment for the Cayman includes heated and auto-dimming side mirrors, an extendable rear wing, rain-sensing intermittent wipers, bi-xenon headlights with integrated cleaners, and Porsche Dynamic Light System (PDLS). The PDLS system adjusts the beam’s range, direction, and width depending on the driving speed or when encountering sharp curves.
Cabin amenities include 2-zone automatic climate control, cruise control, a tilt/telescoping sport steering wheel, one-touch power windows, and heated leather sport seating with manual fore/aft adjustment and power recline.
Instruments critical to driving enthusiasts include a large center-mounted tachometer, a 4.6-inch digital driver information display, and gauges that monitor coolant temp, oil pressure, and oil temperature.
Finally, we come to the Cayman’s infotainment setup, a mix of old and new. The new includes a 7-inch touchscreen with access to an AM/FM/HD Radio 8-speaker sound system, wired Apple CarPlay, SiriusXM satellite radio, and Porsche Car Connect apps. The old is a built-in CD/DVD player, an 11-GB music storage hard drive, and two SD card slots. To date, Android Auto is still not available.
Porsche offers a staggering number of Cayman upgrades, including numerous paint, interior colors, wheel options, and trim. One of the more notable offerings is the Paint-to-Sample option ($11,430), allowing owners to drape their Cayman’s in various colors, including several historic Porsche paint colors.
The Cayman’s Premium Package includes keyless entry with proximity key fob and push-button start, a blind-spot monitor, power-folding side mirrors, ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and upgraded interior lighting.
The Sport Chrono Package is a must for Porschephiles. It includes a digital/analog stopwatch with a built-in clock mounted atop the center dash and a steering-wheel-mounted Sport button with settings for Normal, Sport, Sport Plus, and Individual. Models equipped with the PDK transmission add a Sport Response mode.
Also included in the Sport Chrono Package are launch control, rev matching, active driveline mounts that change stiffness, and a PSM Sport Mode that briefly allows for added performance bursts.
Mechanical enhancements include a Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) adaptive suspension that lowers the car by 10 millimeters, an enhanced power steering system, Porsche Torque Vectoring with a mechanical locking differential, and a larger 16.9-gallon fuel tank.
Optional seat upgrades include 14-way power sport seats or 18-way adaptive sport seats, both with memory features.
Also available is a rear wiper/washer, a rear wing in high-gloss black, and several exterior styling and painted trim options.
Music lovers will want the Burmester high-end audio system with 12 speakers, an 821-watt amp, and a 300-watt subwoofer. Additional upgrades to the Cayman’s infotainment system include navigation and voice control.
Once you’ve figured out the exact build for your new Cayman, you have three delivery options: have it delivered to your dealer, pick it up at Porsche headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia (includes lunch and a 90-minute track session), or go directly to one of two factories in Germany.
With the $1,450 destination fee, the 2023 Porsche 718 Cayman costs $64,850. On a 60-month loan at 3% financing and zero down, the monthly payment comes to about $1,165. See 2023 Porsche 718 Cayman models for sale
2023 Porsche 718 Cayman includes:
- Wired Apple CarPlay – Allows full integration of your iPhone’s music, messages, maps, and apps with the Cayman’s infotainment system.
- Heated leather sport seats – Provide excellent lateral support while keeping occupants warm on cold winter days.
- 6-speed manual – In a world where manual transmissions are disappearing fast, it’s nice to know Porsche still carries a torch for them.
2023 Porsche 718 Cayman T (starting at $72,500)
The Cayman T is a purist sports car with fewer optional upgrades but more standard features to drive enjoyment.
Building off the base Cayman, the Cayman T utilizes the same 4-cylinder 2.0-liter boxer engine and 6-speed manual but adds a better suspension, more visual upgrades, and a few more standard features.
The PASM Sport Suspension lowers the Cayman T by 20 millimeters. It’s joined by a handsome set of 20-inch Carrera S alloy wheels, Porsche Torque Vectoring, active driveline mounts, and the Sport Chrono Package.
The Cayman T’s seats gain Sport-Tex inserts, while the driver enjoys a GTS Sport steering wheel.
The Cayman T offers fewer choices in paint, upholstery, and wheels but does offer a Full Bucket Seat upgrade with carbon-fiber-reinforced frames (deletes the heated seats).
With the $1,450 destination fee, the 2023 Porsche 718 Cayman T costs $73,950. On a 60-month loan at 3% financing and zero down, the monthly payment comes to about $1,329. See 2023 Porsche 718 Cayman T models for sale
2023 Porsche 718 Cayman T includes:
- PASM Sport Suspension – This upgraded suspension includes adaptive shock absorbers, a 20-millimeter lower ride height, and larger anti-roll bars for improved cornering.
- Full Bucket Seats – Inspired by race car seat design, these full buckets are the ultimate in seat comfort and grip. But be warned, they cannot accommodate a child safety seat.
- Sport Chrono Package – Another excellent performance enhancement upgrade includes a nifty digital/analog stopwatch for tracking your best 0-60 time.
2023 Porsche 718 Cayman S (starting at $75,400)
The Cayman S builds off the base Cayman, adding a 350-hp turbocharged 2.5-liter 4-cylinder boxer engine for an impressive boost in acceleration. The Cayman S can dash to 60 mph in just 4.4 seconds (4.2 with the PDK and 4.0 flat with PDK and the Sport Chrono Package).
Everything else, from the standard features to the optional equipment, is nearly identical. However, the Cayman S does get 19-inch Cayman S alloy wheels and an available PASM Sport Suspension with a 20-millimeter drop.
With the $1,450 destination fee, the 2023 Porsche 718 Cayman S costs $76,850. On a 60-month loan at 3% financing and zero down, the monthly payment comes to about $1,381. See 2023 Porsche 718 Cayman S models for sale
2023 Porsche Cayman GTS 4.0 (starting at $90,300)
For many, the GTS 4.0 is the first of three Cayman models that can legitimately challenge the legendary 911 for performance bragging rights.
Powering the GTS 4.0 is a 4.0-liter 6-cylinder boxer engine good for 394 hp and 309 lb-ft of torque (with the manual transmission). A 6-speed manual is standard, with the 7-speed PDK optional.
The GTS 4.0 can rocket to 60 mph in 4.3 seconds with the manual transmission. With the PDK automatic, that drops to 3.8 seconds. A top speed of 182 mph is possible with the manual and 179 mph with the automatic.
Given its price and performance intentions, it should come as no surprise the GTS includes as standard the best Cayman features, including the 20-millimeter lower PASM Sport Suspension, Porsche Torque Vectoring, the Sport Chrono Package, active transmission mounts, a Sport Exhaust, 20-inch Satin Black wheels, and larger brakes with 6-piston front brake calipers.
Stylistically, the GTS gains a GTS-specific SportDesign front and rear fascia in Satin Black and gloss-black exhaust tips.
The GTS adds more aggressive Sport Seats Plus heated seats, a GT Sport steering wheel, and Sport pedals and footrest.
In addition to the Cayman S options, the GTS offers Full Bucket Seats with carbon-fiber frames, a less aggressive PASM suspension with a 10-millimeter drop, adaptive cruise control, and ventilated seats.
If the Burmester audio upgrade is too expensive, GTS buyers can opt for a more economical 505-watt, 10-speaker Bose Surround Sound system.
With the $1,450 destination fee, the 2023 Porsche Cayman GTS 4.0 costs $91,750. On a 60-month loan at 3% financing and zero down, the monthly payment comes to about $1,649. See 2023 Porsche Cayman GTS 4.0 models for sale
2023 Porsche 718 Cayman GTS 4.0 includes:
- 4.0-liter boxer engine – With six horizontally opposed cylinders, the 4.0-liter boxer engine gives the Cayman the low-end torque and acceleration expected of a Porsche sports car.
- Porsche Torque Vectoring – By using brake force on the inner rear wheel, this system tricks the rear differential lock into routing more power to the outside rear wheel, providing improved traction when exiting tight corners.
- Available PASM 10-millimeter suspension – A less aggressive PASM suspension provides a more comfortable ride while returning impressive cornering.
2023 Porsche Cayman GT4 (starting at $106,500)
The GT4 is the Cayman on steroids, with a 414-hp 4.0-liter boxer engine, 20-inch Cayman GT4 style wheels, and a fixed rear wing. The GT4 touts a 0-60 mph time of just 4.2 seconds and a top speed of 189 mph.
Building off the GTS 4.0 standard equipment, the GT4 adds a fixed rear spoiler, larger side and front air intakes, and closed underbody paneling with NACA (National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics) ducts for the exhaust system.
The GT4’s PASM suspension features a 30-millimeter drop, while Dynamic Gearbox Mounts vary stiffness around the gearbox depending on driving conditions.
In a nod to circuit driving on a professional track, the chassis allows individual adjustment of the alignment, camber, and anti-roll bars.
The GT4 features the same front axle design found on the Porsche 911 GT3 RS. A lift system can also raise the front end to avoid scraping when traversing speed bumps or angled driveway entrances.
An Auto-Blip button matches gear revs when downshifting.
The GT4 comes standard with 2-way Sport Seats Plus, upholstered in black leather with black Race-Tex inserts.
For either design or weight-saving reasons, the GT4 deletes the Cayman’s 2-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, and auto-dimming side mirrors with rain sensors, making each a stand-alone option.
Notable options for the GT4 include ceramic-composite rotors, the Chrono Package with just the digital/analog stopwatch, steering responsive headlights, and the Bose Surround Sound upgrade. Oddly, Porsche does not offer the superior Burmester audio system in the GT4.
With the $1,450 destination fee, the 2023 Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 costs $107,950. On a 60-month loan at 3% financing and zero down, the monthly payment comes to about $1,940. See 2023 Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 models for sale
2023 Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 includes:
- 30-millimeter lowered suspension – The most aggressive PASM suspension lowers the Cayman GT4 30 millimeters for maximum cornering with minimal roll.
- Available ceramic composite rotors – These long-lasting discs improve stopping power and significantly reduce brake dust residue on the wheels.
- Available Paint to Sample – For a mere $12,830, GT4 buyers can choose from a massive paint palette, including several historical Porsche colors.
2023 Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS (starting at $149,100)
The GT4 RS takes all that we love about the GT4 and tweaks it to the limit, offering 493 hp, a 196-mph top speed, and a 3.2-second 0-60 mph time.
The GT4 RS comes standard with the 7-speed PDK automatic transmission, launch control, and PDK Sport button for shorter, more dynamic shifts. The suspension comes with secondary front and rear helper springs that keep the main springs under tension.
Additional performance features over the GT4 include an adjustable race track chassis with RS-specific springs and shock damping, dimpled brake rotors, three-level adjustable rear fixed rear wing, a four-level front diffuser, plus a carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic hood and fenders.
Standard equipment includes dual-zone automatic climate control, Full Bucket Seats with power height adjustment, a unique GT4 RS interior in Black and Arctic Gray, an RS-specific steering wheel, navigation, and red brake calipers.
Unique to the GT4 RS is the Weissach Package ($13,250), which adds titanium tailpipes and exposed carbon-fiber hood, air intakes, exterior mirrors, and rear wing.
With the $1,450 destination fee, the 2023 Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS costs $150,550. On a 60-month loan at 3% financing and zero down, the monthly payment comes to about $2,705. See 2023 Porsche Cayman GT4 RS models for sale
