by Quick summary
The 2024 Porsche 718 Cayman continues to be the benchmark compact mid-engine sports coupe: sharp, driver-centric, and available from an entry 2.0-liter turbo four up to hardcore naturally aspirated sixes in the GT4/GT4 RS range. It mixes modern infotainment and safety tech with Porsche’s classic mechanical precision — think surgical steering, compact footprint, and a chassis that rewards commitment.
Key specifications (table)
| Item | Cayman (base) / Style Edition | Cayman S | Cayman GTS 4.0 / GT4 | Cayman GT4 RS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 2.0 L turbocharged flat-4 | 2.5 L turbo flat-4 | 4.0 L naturally aspirated flat-6 (GTS/GT4 variants) | 4.0 L naturally aspirated flat-6 (GT4 RS) |
| Power (approx.) | ~300 hp | ~350 hp | ~394–414 hp (varies by spec) | ~493 hp (GT4 RS quoted high-revving) |
| Torque | ~280 lb-ft (varies) | ~309 lb-ft | ~309–317 lb-ft | ~331 lb-ft (approx) |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual or 7/8-speed PDK | Manual or PDK | 6-speed manual standard on some 4.0 models / PDK optional | PDK (7-speed auto-shift manual on some markets) |
| Drivetrain | Rear-wheel drive | Rear-wheel drive | Rear-wheel drive | Rear-wheel drive |
| 0–60 mph | ~4.9 s (base quoted) | ~4.4 s (S quoted) | ~3.9–4.0 s (varies) | ~3.2–3.4 s (approx, GT4 RS) |
| Top speed | ~170 mph (base) | ~177 mph (S) | 180+ mph depending on variant | 190+ mph (GT4 RS depending on gearing) |
| Curb weight | ~3,000–3,200 lb (varies) | varies by trim/options | heavier on GTS/GT4 RS due to aero and hardware | GT4 RS heavier with aero & race kit |
| Starting MSRP (U.S.) | ~$69,950 (base) | ~$81,950 (S) | GTS / GT4 markup | GT4 RS: six-figure — $160k–$200k+ (market/trim dependent) |
Sources used for powertrains, model hierarchy and price ranges: Porsche model pages, specialized reviews and US dealer MSRP listings.
Full features & descriptions (table)
Below is a descriptive table that groups the Cayman’s most important attributes: performance, chassis & handling, comfort & tech, and safety.
| Category | Feature / What it means |
|---|---|
| Performance | Turbocharged engines (base and S): compact turbo flat-4 engines give punchy midrange while keeping weight low. High-rev 4.0-liter flat-6 (GTS/GT4/GT4 RS): the naturally aspirated six is the visceral top-end performer, revving hard and delivering a linear, race-bred response. |
| Transmission & Driving Feel | Manual & PDK: purists can have a manual on select trims; PDK dual-clutch offers lightning shifts and faster lap times. Porsche’s chassis tuning, steering feel and weight distribution remain the car’s defining strengths. |
| Chassis & Suspension | Mid-engine balance: excellent front/rear balance for neutral turn-in. PASM / Sport Suspension / Optional race-oriented packages: stiffens and sharpens responses for track use (available on GTS/GT4). Aerodynamic addenda (GT4 RS) increase downforce. |
| Interior & Comfort | Driver-first cockpit: bolstered sport seats, clean Porsche Communication Management (PCM) infotainment with Apple CarPlay, simple ergonomic layout. Higher trims add Alcantara, sport seats, and lighter track-oriented fittings. |
| Infotainment & Connectivity | PCM touchscreen, navigation, smartphone integration: modern features without overcomplication; optional upgrades for Bose/Surround sound, performance telemetry and track data. |
| Safety & Driver Assistance | Standard airbags, ABS, stability control; optional assistance systems: adaptive cruise, parking sensors and reversing camera. Porsche emphasizes mechanical grip and stability, but modern assists are present for road use. |
| Options & Special Editions | Style Edition, GTS, GT4, GT4 RS (specials): Porsche regularly offers style or performance packages (Manthey Kits, Weissach packages) to tune the car toward road comfort or circuit performance. Limited runs and RS variants push price and capability into supercar territory. |
Narrative — what makes the 2024 Cayman special (≈700–900 words)
Porsche’s mid-engine 718 Cayman family has always been about delivering concentrated driving pleasure in a compact, disciplined package. For 2024 that formula remains intact: the lineup starts with an efficient, punchy turbo four for everyday usability and climbs through ever more committed variants that favor revs, balance, and track aptitude.
At the base level, the turbocharged four-cylinder Caymans don’t feel compromised. Porsche’s packaging keeps mass close to the center and the suspension geometry and steering calibration keep responses immediate and communicative; you never feel disconnected from the pavement. The result is a car that accelerates briskly in traffic and rewards an aggressive approach on back roads — a superb daily driver that also relishes canyon runs. (Manufacturer spec pages and dealer listings cite ~300 hp for base and ~350 hp for the S).
Move up to the GTS and GT4 territory and the identity shifts from sporty coupe to near-race car. Porsche’s 4.0-liter naturally aspirated flat-six variants are a pure mechanical delight: high rpm limits, immediate throttle response, and an aural character that turbo fours simply can’t replicate. The GT4 RS in particular is a razor-edged track machine — aerodynamics, lightweighting, and chassis upgrades transform the Cayman into something that embarrasses more expensive machinery on a circuit. Reviewers and Porsche’s own technical briefs place the GT4/GT4 RS at the high end of the 718 family for raw performance and track capability.
Porsche’s interior approach continues the brand’s philosophy: driver-focused, minimal fuss but with premium materials and modern convenience. PCM infotainment keeps things usable and clean, while options let you specify high-end audio, performance telemetry, and lightweight sports seats. Where competitors may pile on gadgetry for “value,” Porsche keeps the Cayman’s mission obvious: lightweight controls, clear sightlines, and a cockpit that encourages concentration rather than distraction.
From a price perspective, the Cayman remains one of the most efficient pathways into Porsche driving dynamics. The base 718 Cayman starts in a segment-competitive price band (U.S. dealer starting figures ~$69,950), while S and GTS trims climb accordingly as performance and equipment pile on. At the very top, GT4 RS and special editions carry six-figure MSRPs — these are effectively homologation-level cars built to showcase Porsche’s motorsport DNA and are usually produced in limited numbers. Expect high option content and a market where dealer markups or pre-owned premiums can push realized prices well above factory MSRP.
Why buy a Cayman in 2024? It’s simple: if you crave analogue steering, a naturally balanced chassis, and a car that communicates with precision, the Cayman is one of the purest modern choices. It’s also versatile: pick a turbo-four Coupe for daily usability, or choose a GT4 variant and the car becomes startlingly competent on track. Porsche’s optional packages (sport suspension, aerodynamic kits, Manthey tuning) let buyers tailor the car to how they actually drive it.
Pricing & buying notes
- Base MSRP (U.S.) typically starts in the high $60k–$70k band for the standard 718 Cayman (dealer MSRP listings show ~$69,950 starting).
- Cayman S / GTS: mid $70k–low $100k territory depending on trim and options.
- GT4 / GT4 RS / special editions: six-figure territory; the GT4 RS in review/market listings commonly sits from roughly $160k on up in factory or dealer configurations, with some listings and dealer/market pricing pushing into the $200k+ range depending on options and scarcity. Expect wide variance by region and dealer.
If you’re shopping, be certain to separate factory MSRP from market premiums on limited editions — RS and special runs often trade at a premium at and after delivery.
Short final verdict
The 2024 Porsche Cayman remains one of the best driver’s cars you can buy: compact, balanced, and engineered around the joy of driving. Whether you choose the turbocharged entry car for everyday excitement or the six-cylinder GT4 RS for track excess, the Cayman family offers a ladder of experiences while retaining a singular, focused character.
