Don’t let the numbers fool you.
We don’t yet have any official information on the new-for-2013 Cayman. However, we’re willing to bet the Boxster, which was redesigned last year, provides a pretty good indication of what’s in store here. That would mean more powerful and more efficient flat-six engines, a longer wheelbase, and a lower curb weight. The Cayman should also have a more refined interior — a good thing, since the current car can feel surprisingly spartan for its price. Having said that, we wouldn’t hesitate to plunk down $52,850 on the outgoing car. Yes, that’s more than what Porsche charges for the Boxster, and, yes, a Chevrolet Corvette or a Nissan 370Z will offer more horsepower per dollar. But the Cayman makes up for its spec-sheet shortcomings with unparalleled balance and reflexes. It helps that the roof traps the wail of the boxer engine right behind your ears. The Cayman is not one of those cars that will allow you to pretend you’re a great driver, though — it does exactly what you tell it to, for better or for worse. That’s particularly true if you opt for the hottest variant, the Cayman R. It features a hopped-up 3.4-liter flat six, a stiffer suspension, and — in the name of weight saving — a de-contented interior.
COMPETITORS
Audi TT
Chevrolet Corvette
Nissan 370Z
Lotus Evora
new for 2013
The 2013 Cayman is expected to debut late in 2012. Its powertrains are likely to mirror those of the new Boxster.
SAFETY EQUIPMENT
Front, side, and side curtain air bags; ABS; and traction and stability control are standard. Stability control can be disabled but will still intervene if you brake hard enough to activate ABS.
MPG
CITY 19–20
HWY 26–29
(est.)
PRO
Dynamically unimpeachable
Good trunk[s] space for a sports car
That sound
CON
Can burn novice drivers
Not the best horsepower-to-dollar ratio
Base Price Range: $52,850–$67,250
SPECIFICATIONS
DRIVE: Rear-wheel
TRIM LEVELS: Cayman, R, S, S Black Edition
BODY STYLE: Coupe, 2-passenger
ENGINES: 2.9L flat-6, 265 hp, 221 lb-ft
3.4L flat-6, 320/330 hp, 273 lb-ft
TRANSMISSIONS: 6-speed manual, 7-speed automatic
PASSENGER VOLUME: N/A
CARGO SPACE: (trunk front/rear) 5.3/9.2 cu ft