The Porsche Cayman is a mid-engined, rear wheel drive 2-seat sports car produced by Porsche AG of Germany. First launched in the 2006 model year, the Cayman is a coupé derived from Porsche's second generation Boxster convertible. Like the Boxster, most Caymans were assembled in Finland for Porsche by Valmet Automotive and the others in Stuttgart, Germany.
The Cayman has been available as both a Manual and an automatic (initially a tiptronic and then later a dual clutch). The original Cayman was massively criticised by the trio for being nothing more than a Convertible Boxster with Jeremy Clarkson famously calling it the "Cockster". However the second generation earned high praise for being balanced and having a lot more power than before. The Cayman is now considered one of the best sports cars on sale right now.
Appearances[]
- In Series 7, Episode 2, Jeremy tests the first generation Cayman S, which he nicknames the Cockster, around the Top Gear Test Track. Despite praising the car's handling, sat-nav and practicality, he loathes the car's price, gearbox, brakes options list, styling, lack of emotion, lacking the looks and drive of either a 911 or a Boxster and the fact their director owns one. At the hands of the Stig it sets a lap time of 1:26.8.
- In Series 17, Episode 1, a first generation Cayman R and a Lotus Evora S lose to Jeremy in a BMW 1M in a drag race at the Top Gear Test Track.
- In Top Gear: At The Movies, Richard compares the first generation Cayman R to the BMW 1M in a Movie Getaway Car Chase. Despite being lighter and more sharp than the 1M, Richard criticises the Cayman R for being less well equipped and being more tricky than the 1M. Ultimately this results in him spinning and the Cayman R being hit 79 times compared to the 1M's 57.
- In Top Gear: The Perfect Road Trip, Jeremy chooses a second generation Cayman S against Richard in a Pagani Huayra around the Monza Circuit. Despite criticising the styling and seating position, he praises the Cayman S for being a significant improvement on it's predecessor, praising it's handling, gearbox, engine, ease and comfort. Later when challenging Richard to a lap race around Monza and using the Stig, Jeremy proves that the Cayman S is quicker than the Huayra.
- In Series 22, Episode 5, Richard compares a second generation Cayman GTS to a Chevrolet Corvette C7 Stingray at the Top Gear Test Track. Despite praising the Cayman GTS for it's pitch perfect engineering, epic handling and precise steering he ultimately prefers the Corvette. At the hands of the Stig, the Cayman GTS sets a lap of 1:21.6.
- In Series 24, Episode 7, Harris reviews the new 718 Cayman S around the Top Gear Test Track. Despite criticising the sound, lack of emotion and character he praises the car's, speed and handling. At the hands of the Stig, the 718 Cayman S sets a lap of 1:21.6.
- In Series 28, Episode 4, Flintoff championed the 718 Cayman GT4 against Harris in a Renault Megane RS Trophy R and McGuinness in a used Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder. It manages to win a Social Media challenge but comes second in both a Handling Test and Drag Race.
- In Series 29, Episode 2, McGuinness purchases a first generation Cayman S as his Performance Write Off, comparing it to Harris in a Ford Focus RS and Flintoff in a Maserati Quattroporte.
- In Series 33, Episode 2, Harris selects the 718 Cayman GT4 RS as the most thrilling supercar against Flintoff in a Ferrari 296 GTB and McGuinness in a Pagani Huayra BC Roadster. Despite being underestimated, all three presenters admitted that the Porsche was the best overall choice.