I’m penning this not simply to share my possession expertise but additionally to focus on once you purchase a Porsche, it’s greater than the automotive you might be shopping for. What you might be truly shopping for is the model, historical past, heritage, life-style and engineering excellence, which is unparalleled!

Since a really younger age, I’ve been fascinated by Sports activities & Tremendous Automobiles, Porsche and Ferrari specifically. After I was rising up, I might purchase magazines to be taught extra about them and thru the years, I began liking McLaren, Ferrari, Lamborghini and Porsche automobiles whereas Japanese tuners had been at all times nearer to my coronary heart attributable to being inexpensive and simply accessible.

My first actual interplay with Porsche occurred once I visited the newly opened dealership in my metropolis within the yr 2010. I used to be so excited to go and see the attractive 987.2 Porsche Cayman S they’d on show at the moment. A salesman invited me into the dealership and let me sit inside a brand-new Cayman S, it made my yr! He additionally gave me a hardback Cayman S brochure, which was extra like a guide. I studied that brochure for months, studying all of the technical options repeatedly! I used to be actually hooked, though it took a protracted whereas earlier than I may afford one. I labored my approach by means of the new sedans part (Octavia > Corolla Altis Sports activities > Cedia Sports activities) and at last began working in the direction of realizing my aim.

WHY A CAYMAN S (987.2) ONLY?

The one hardtop Porsche with a Mid-Mounted Engine, basic Porsche form, up to date with fashionable expertise and extra predictable steadiness on the restrict than the equal 911.

Extra causes under

The primary gen had the notorious IMS Bearing and Bore Scoring Points.
Boxster S has a gentle high, approach much less chassis rigidity, lesser energy and extra added weight because of the roof mechanism.
911 would not have a mid-mounted engine and no trunk both.
The mid-mounted Flat 6 is precisely the place it ought to be, making the Cayman S deal with predictably which conjures up complete confidence.
High quality is at par with a 911 mixed with a really perfect 3.4L engine for the chassis.
This automotive, for me, nonetheless is probably the most superb automotive designed by Porsche or to be extra particular – Pinky Lai. Not one of the succeeding generations may ever come near the uncooked really feel and actual driver engagement of the 987.2 Cayman S or R.

Let me summarize what this gen had that the newer generations won’t ever have sadly:

Hydraulic Steering (Superb linked really feel and suggestions)
Lengthy Journey or Lengthy Modulation Brakes
Actual ‘Hand’ Brake
Quick Wheelbase (Nimbleness/Agility)
Correct Sports activities Automobile Dimensions
Uncooked Really feel
True & Actual-time Suggestions
Analog Buttons with Tactile Suggestions (No distractions on the street)
Analog Dials and Gauge Cluster
Higher Visibility (Low shoulder traces)
Pinky Lai Design and Killer seems to be

LIST OF REQUIREMENTS — The 5-12 months Search Begins!

I used to be very clear on what all manufacturing unit choices I undoubtedly wanted on my automotive and the situation it ought to be in. I am not the one to compromise in the case of my automobiles even when it means ready for a very long time — 5 years on this case. I’ve summarized it as underneath:

Manufacturing facility authentic paint throughout (Ideally Carrara White).
Manufacturing facility inventory — No mods in any way.
Much less pushed.
Full service historical past on the dealership.
One proprietor solely
Triple Radiator Setup
Sports activities Chrono Package deal Plus
Bose Encompass Sound System
19-inch Carrera Turbo Solid Wheels
Porsche Sports activities Exhaust System
Bi-Xenon Headlights with PDLS

CARS SHORTLISTED

(Noticed many through the years, shortlisted solely these due to the Manufacturing facility Paint situation)

A black Cayman S being bought by a vendor in Chandigarh. Left as a result of it did not have the required manufacturing unit choices.
A silver Cayman S being bought by a vendor in Bangalore. Left as a result of it had 3 unofficial homeowners and an aftermarket exhaust and lacking the Solid Wheels that was on my requirement listing.
A white Cayman S being bought by a fellow BHPian, however the deal did not undergo as I did not discover the automotive to be in good condition / well-maintained.
Now comes my automotive with far more loading/manufacturing unit choices and approach higher every part else. Higher defined underneath its personal particular head.

REALIZATION OF THE DREAM — Opening Scene: My Automobile!

Alright so let me come clear. This IS the automotive that I used to be eyeing for a very long time and was truly my benchmark to check all different automobiles with (Due to the PERFECT construct sheet). Nevertheless, the proprietor was not ready to promote it until now. However lastly, my 5-year wait got here to an finish when he lastly determined to let it go. I instantly went to finalize the cope with him. 2 – 3 days of forwards and backwards and the deal was finalized and after finishing all of the paperwork and authorized formalities, I drove this magnificence house and the sensation of proudly owning it — past phrases…

Porsche Cayman S (987.2). Each angle is a cash shot!

Let me share the Construct Sheet with you:

Triple Radiator Setup
7 Velocity PDK (Porsche’s Lightning-Quick Twin Clutch Transmission)
Sport Chrono Package deal Plus
Porsche Communication Administration (PCM 3.0) w/ Prolonged Navigation Module
Bose Encompass Sound System
Prolonged Leather-based Choice
Pure Brown Leather-based Interiors
Porsche Crest Embossed on Head Restraints
Porsche Design Steering Wheel w/ Paddle Shifters
Ground Mats in Inside Shade
Auto Dimming Rear & Wing Mirrors w/Built-in Rain Sensor
Illuminated Stainless Metal Door Sill Guards
Porsche Sports activities Exhaust System
Bi-Xenon Headlights with Dynamic Cornering Lights (PDLS)
Built-in Headlamp Washers
19-inch Turbo Wheels, Solid (The one Solid wheels within the Porsche lineup on the time)

This was by far probably the most distinctive construct sheet I had seen on a Cayman S in India. Not a single weight including ineffective function and solely logical and performance-oriented choices. I could not discover a single Cayman S with all these manufacturing unit choices. All of them had one thing or the opposite lacking, however this one was a uncommon gem!

REVIEW — About Time!

TL;DR

I’ve owned my Cayman S for about 14 months (As of penning this), I drive all of it yr spherical, primarily on the weekends although. I particularly love taking it out on my favourite native roads for the sheer enjoyable of it, both early within the morning or late night. The roads are usually empty — my playground.

The steadiness of the chassis is ideal, the steering communicates splendidly, with out overloading you with each bump on the street. The brakes have an enormous quantity of really feel too, you’ll be able to gauge precisely how a lot stopping energy is required, with no sudden preliminary chew to throw you or your passenger forwards into your seatbelt. And the suspension soaks up all of the undesirable street noise however nonetheless passes by means of the street info to provide the confidence to push on with no sweat. The moment energy you get out of the Flat 6 Boxer energy plant is each thrilling and aural pleasure.

The Lengthy Model with Specs

Screenshot taken from Excellence journal web site

POWER

Porsche Cayman S (987.2) comes with a Flat 6 Boxer Engine (With direct gasoline injection) creating 320 BHp and 370 Nm of Torque and a brand new 7-speed dual-clutch transmission dubbed Porsche Doppel-Kupplungsgetriebe — or PDK, as they name it in German. PDK replaces the ageing Tiptronic five-speed automated handbook transmission. Porsche claims {that a} PDK-equipped Cayman S will speed up from 0 to 100 Km/h in 4.9 seconds when performing a begin in Sport Plus mode with launch management, a function solely accessible with the elective Sport Chrono Package deal Plus that my automotive got here geared up with. However as I’ve checked with many web sites, the 4.9 seconds time is a conservative estimate and this automotive has finished sooner instances than claimed whereas testing in lots of opinions.

The ZF-supplied, PDK works flawlessly in computerized mode. The shifts are so {smooth} & fast that they are hardly noticeable — the one giveaway is the small show that tells you what gear the automotive at present is in. Enjoyable Reality: It strikes by means of the gears sooner than a handbook! All of the Porsches I shortlisted had solely the bottom steering wheel with sliding buttons that one pushes to upshift and pulls to downshift, which is de facto complicated and takes away from the entire driving expertise. Fortuitously, my automotive got here geared up with the Porsche Design Sports activities Steering Wheel that has devoted Paddle Shifters — the universally acknowledged, “Proper paddle up-shift, Left paddle down-shift” setup.

The automotive is kind of fast already within the Regular mode itself and is greater than sufficient for metropolis driving and even freeway cruising. Nevertheless, you turn on the Sport mode and a distinct manufacturing unit remap comes into play with the next rev vary to play with and immediate acceleration. The sudden surge of energy is so satisfying and thrilling on the identical time. Now change on the Sport Plus mode and you have a beast that’s wild and wishes taming by means of an authoritative management. Right here you get the entire rev vary to play with, all the best way as much as the 7500 RPM red-line. Saying that you simply get an immediate acceleration on this mode could be an understatement, no kidding! The engine has a lot low-down torque, that the automotive can pull from any gear at any pace.

So, in brief, you’ve got 3 Manufacturing facility Maps to play with, with the Regular and Sport mode utilizing all 7 gears. Nevertheless, what’s attention-grabbing is that the Sport Plus (Strictly for the monitor!) mode solely goes as much as the sixth gear as a result of the seventh gear is an overdrive gear meant for higher gasoline effectivity. Intelligent engineering, huh!

The second you press the pedal, you are greeted with that swooshing induction noise. It provides a rawness that, along side the roar of the engine, goads you into utilizing all of the accessible revs extra typically. What provides additional to the music is the Porsche Sports activities Exhaust System, including that depth and loud growl to an already excellent soundtrack!

My lately detailed Engine Bay

HANDLING

The next print advert says it multi function line.

I will start by saying that the Steering and Brake really feel is among the many best. The hydraulic steering is so exact, it is uncanny. The automotive has the flexibility to switch itself from one aspect of the street to the subsequent with ease and style. The experience and dealing with steadiness is kind of excellent, because of a re-tuned suspension. It has been revised to advertise crisper & tighter dealing with. The suspension is stiff however that’s partly attributable to the ‘N’ rated tires by Porsche. What’s that, you ask?

‘N’ ranking is a ranking given to all of the tires which were developed by tire producers along side Porsche for every of their fashions primarily based on the load on the entrance or rear axle, dealing with traits, engine structure, nook weight switch and so forth. Though it would nonetheless be referred to as Pilot Sport 2 or PZero, however the ‘N’ ranking subsequent to it distinguishes it from the common tire of the identical identify. And what’s much more attention-grabbing is that these tires do look related however even have a distinct load index and compounds getting used for manufacturing the ‘N’ rated tires. In my case, it was time to vary the tires and as OCD as I’m, I went for one of the best accessible for my automotive – Pirelli PZero ‘N2’ Rated tires designed particularly for this automotive and monitor examined by Porsche consistent with their working procedures — N2 means 2nd revision of the N ranking.

At all times keep in mind, how your automotive handles and grips is predicated on tires. That is your first contact with the bottom. By no means low-cost out on tires. That is the half that makes or breaks a automotive’s dealing with traits greater than the rest.

See that ‘N2’ marking subsequent to ‘PZERO’?

Why PZeros N2? As a result of they’re one of the best street/monitor tire for this automotive. After thorough analysis and studying by means of many web sites, boards and monitor junkies’ posts, it was a shared opinion that they are truly higher than the Pilot Sport 2 ‘N2’ by way of grip, cornering and general dealing with each on the road and on monitor. PS2 N2 was a detailed second although. The one draw back is they do not final very lengthy which is appropriate to me as a result of I bought this automotive for the sheer dealing with and ‘really feel’ of a sports activities automotive. No level in skimping on tires.

I solely use the German-made Nextzett Vinyl Rubber Further on the tires. It could be overkill for the tires however that’s the solely rubber conditioner that provides UV safety whereas providing the identical satin-smooth manufacturing unit end on the tires. It is also an OEM for a lot of German automakers together with Sonax.

Sure, I acquired these ceramic coated as properly. I am OCD, I am allowed to do this…

The brakes on this factor are one other marvel. The brakes in contrast to many of the different automobiles I’ve pushed have a protracted journey, so you’ll be able to truly modulate the extent of braking you need coming into or exiting a nook. The newer gen Porsche automobiles haven’t got this anymore. The four-wheel disc brakes that includes cross-drilled, vented rotors to higher dissipate warmth, deliver the Porsche to an entire halt with far much less drama than the common Elon Musk product launch. Braking has lengthy been a Porsche obsession. With the added Sport Chrono Package deal Plus, it’s attainable to restrict the ABS’s intervention even additional, making the system nearly really feel prefer it isn’t there in any respect.

As per Porsche, the Cayman presents close to equivalent torsional stiffness as a 911, and that the Cayman is twice as stiff because the Boxster. This has firmer springs and dampers all spherical and a thicker anti-roll bar on the entrance as in comparison with a Boxster.

The Cayman has an engine ideally positioned for street holding, cornering and agility — however the facet that exceeds expectations is that each 911 and Cayman have Porsche’s stability system (PSM) that’s as unobtrusive as one may hope, however the intervention comes a lot afterward the Cayman as a result of it doesn’t undergo the identical extremes of oversteer or understeer as an equal 911.

The Cayman S teaches you to be a greater driver and that is what makes it so rewarding to drive. Get it proper and you may really feel on high of the world. That’s what makes it such a novel automotive to drive.

RIDE QUALITY

Experience high quality is a extremely subjective matter. I typically learn folks complaining concerning the stiff experience of a sports activities automotive. What I fail to grasp is that in the event that they actually wished a snug and soft experience, why not purchase a Mercedes… or perhaps a BMW since apparently they’ve moved far-off from the “Sheer Driving Pleasure” or the “Final Driving Machine” taglines that used to explain their as soon as superb automobiles up till the E90 era and at the moment are making Luxurious German tourers with snug sufficient experience to attraction to the mass market and never purists. In any case, income dictate growth and manufacturing.

Having stated that, the ‘true’ function of a sports activities automotive is its tight dealing with, instantaneous response to inputs, uncooked suggestions, inflexible chassis and sure a stiff experience for direct communicative suggestions. That’s the USP of a sports activities automotive and this automotive delivers on all fronts with out breaking a sweat. Though the roads in my metropolis are ok even when they weren’t, I will not be the one complaining a couple of stiff setup on any automotive.

The automotive actually turns prefer it’s working on rails, mainly rotating on its axis and that too with minimal steering enter. Stays planted regardless of the pace or street situations. The rebound on the suspension has been tuned completely by Porsche. Superb is the phrase!

I want we had some good twisty canyon roads like they’ve in Japan. One may expertise what this automotive is definitely meant to supply on these brilliantly completed roads.

EXTERIOR

Image first in order that the accompanying textual content is sensible.

I am a poser, eh?

A brand new entrance fascia, headlights, taillights and wing mirrors give the coupé a barely extra aggressive look. Larger air openings on the sides and the middle of the entrance bumper look suitably imply. The headlights are modeled like these of the extra unique Porsche Carrera GT; they incorporate the Bi-Xenon Projectors, flip alerts and dynamic cornering perform right into a single gentle cluster.

On the again, the LED taillights create a curvy-shaped define that accentuates the curves of the automotive.

The aspect vent grills on each side add to the sportiness and are completely purposeful. The left aspect vent is for the consumption and the fitting aspect vent is for cooling the engine. The purple brake calipers look superb and kind a wonderful distinction towards the darkish wheels.

Traditional Porsche Curves. That is what you see in your wing mirrors…

The spoiler goes up mechanically as soon as the automotive crosses 120 Km/h. One may manually increase the spoiler on the contact of a button on the middle console, however that will look ricer cruising at metropolis speeds, so I might quite let the automotive do it when the down-force is definitely required.

Discover the chrome exhaust ideas? That is the Porsche Sports activities Exhaust System and that is the way you inform it other than an everyday exhaust. The stance from the rear and rear quarter panel is de facto aggressive; as if it is able to pounce on its prey and tear it aside — on this case, tarmac. With the mirror gloss Carrara White paint and Aerokit, the Cayman S seems to be sensational from each angle, I just like the refined daytime working LEDS within the entrance bumper and the silhouette of the sloping roof disappearing within the bulbous curves.

The gloss ranges on this automotive are INSANE!

Lengthy story brief: Primarily based on the borderline sexual form of this automotive, it might be secure to say that that is what Kim Kardashian would appear like if she had been a automotive… Lol.

INTERIOR

Drum roll, please…

The leather-clad cabin of the Cayman S is a superb place to spend time in, the contact factors are comprised of high-quality supplies, similar to within the 911. I simply love the combo of Tan Brown Pure Leather-based inside in a Carrara White automotive. Personally, I simply can’t stand the everyday Black or Beige often optioned by some consumers.

The rubber seals throughout the automotive had been nourished utilizing Würth Gummi-Match as that’s the solely EPDM seal conditioner with none silicones, lasts a very long time and retains the weatherstripping gentle and supple like new.

The intensive use of leather-based rather than Vinyl/plastics uplifts the cabin high quality and it nonetheless smells like new inside. That intoxicating scent of leather-based when sitting inside this automotive — Priceless!

The controls are completely positioned so that you can attain with out stretching. The shows are clear and simple to learn at a look. I additionally love the Porsche Design Steering Wheel, discover the slick paddle shifters?

I can’t truthfully fault something, even the 2 fold out cup holders are a feat of engineering, their silky {smooth} motion is sort of stress relieving (not likely — however you get the concept!).

What you see right here is the attractive leather-clad PDK shifter that shifts so easily that it is satisfying in its personal proper. To the left of the shifter, you’ll be able to see the Sport, Sport Plus and Sport Exhaust Buttons (That is the one which opens the valves to provide out that true deep growl of the engine). The principle display is the multi-info show which performs a number of roles of the Bose Encompass Sound System, Navigation System, Multi data show, timing your laps utilizing the Porsche Sport Chrono Clock and so forth.

I like the stitching on the leather-based dashboard all because of the Prolonged Leather-based choice that this automotive got here geared up with. Even the door playing cards are completed in leather-based. Simply provides to the premium really feel of the luxurious supplies throughout.

Porsche Crests embossed on the headrests are a nice sight each time you get within the automotive. You may need seen that these seats are lined in full pure leather-based and never the bottom choice with partial leather-based and partial alcantara. That is once more due to the Prolonged Leather-based Choice which presents full leather-based seats with sporty perforated leather-based down the center of the seats for breath-ability.

Porsche Sport Chrono Clock is part of the Sport Chrono Package deal Plus and is used to time your laps. Use the stalk on the decrease left behind the steering wheel to Begin/Cease the timing and document your greatest lap instances.

From left to proper: Lifeless pedal, Brake Pedal, Accelerator Pedal & Fuse Field. All spick and span!

PRACTICALITY

The Cayman S can simply be used as a day by day driver however I drive this principally as a weekend automotive. I’ve not finished any monitor days in it and do not intend to both because of the toll it takes on the engine, transmission, brake parts and suspension to not point out the paint. It’s way more sensible than many individuals are led to imagine.

A properly cleaned and detailed Frunk

Underneath the hood, there’s a very deep trunk that we Porsche homeowners name the ‘Frunk’, the roof has attachments for a roof rack/field and the rear encompasses a trunk as properly because the engine is within the center, proper behind the seats.

A properly cleaned and detailed Trunk

The very fact of the matter is that it is a very sensible sports activities automotive that can be utilized day-after-day, really feel at house on a race monitor and provides a rewarding driving expertise past what quick saloons/coupes can provide. It’s this entire package deal that makes the Cayman S a particular proposition.

SERVICE & MAINTENANCE

Though the automotive was already in pristine situation with an up-to-date service document and at all times garaged, I am too OCD in the case of my automobiles and needed to reset the automotive to a manufacturing unit state like I do with all my automobiles. Each single manufacturing unit fluid, tires, filters and so forth. had been changed with Model New Manufacturing facility Beneficial replacements for that peace of thoughts and my OCD satisfaction. Here is a listing of the providers carried out on the automotive until date:

Engine Oil
Brake Fluid
Energy Steering Fluid
PDK Gear Fluid
PDK Clutch Fluid
Coolant
Air Filter
Cabin Pollen Filter
Battery
Tires
Stone Guards
Automobile Detailing with CQuartz Ceramic Coating

The automotive is at all times washed with a touchless foam cannon and strain washer and dried with an air blower to forestall any exhausting water spots in nooks and crannies. No touching = No scratches, easy as that. I will in all probability put up a separate thread on my washing, detailing and day-to-day inside cleansing methods sometime.

It’s at all times parked inside a temperature-controlled storage with a devoted Battery Tender on always. Apparently, this automotive has by no means been pushed in moist climate or rain. At all times pushed in dry climate and on dry Chandigarh roads solely. The under-body stickers and metals nonetheless appear like new!

You higher knock when coming into my room!

Battery Tender doing its job.

As OCD as I’m, my obsessiveness extends to the best particulars in the case of my automobiles. I simply can’t compromise on something. Therefore, my key needed to be protected as properly.

Silicone key case with Porsche Heritage Assortment Keyring

Since each the keys had been completely mint, I made a decision to guard Key 1 (The first key) with a silicone case that I ordered from overseas. So as to add to the of entirety, I additionally ordered a real Porsche Heritage Assortment Keyring because it was the one keyring with perforated leather-based and in addition matched my leather-based interiors. The concept behind this was that key ought to match the outside shade whereas the leather-based keyring ought to match the interiors similar to the automotive was ordered. BTW The keyring is a chunk of artwork!

I went a step additional and wrapped the chrome a part of the important thing with PPF that I acquired laser lower from a vinyl store in my metropolis in order that the keyring would not scratch the identical. Yeah I do know I am loopy, however I will not be capable of sleep at night time if I see that lovely chrome scratched up.

Safely saved with my different valuables

After I’m not driving, the hot button is safely stored in my drawer together with my different valuables like watches, sun shades, and so forth. I ensured it will get a separate jewelry tray since I plan to maintain each the keys and the brand new keyring in mint situation.

Motometer Tire Stress Gauge. One of the best a person can get!

I additionally went forward and ordered a Porsche Traditional Tire Stress Gauge which is definitely made by Motometer in Germany. They are a very previous German firm & have been manufacturing tire strain gauges for years. I did my analysis for weeks earlier than lastly shopping for a Motometer gauge since these had been probably the most correct together with Flaig gauges. Digital gauges are principally inaccurate even the costly ones and analog ones aren’t that correct both so I wished to purchase one thing Made in Japan or Germany solely and you actually cannot go improper with previous German manufacturers which were doing this all their life. It isn’t precisely low-cost however I’ve already spent large cash on tires, I might quite not low-cost out on a tire strain gauge that has an enormous position to play in sustaining correct strain within the tires.

FINAL THOUGHTS

In the long run, this Cayman S is a keeper for positive seeing as how the costs of this explicit era have been skyrocketing, some even promoting increased than their authentic MSRPs. I’ve but to return throughout one other Cayman S which is so extremely specced as this one, so I worth it being with me and really feel honored to be its custodian. It at all times will get compliments and reward from fellow fans. Additionally, I’ve seen that the newer 718 has gone in a distinct course, the styling is much less basic, and the engine is a smallish four-cylinder turbo; Not what an actual Porsche ought to be! That ought to be certain that the sooner Cayman S automobiles till 987.2 gen at all times have an enthusiastic viewers, even whether it is simply me!

Within the subsequent posts, I am prepared to elaborate on every manufacturing unit choice and different options distinctive to this automotive. If anybody would love me to do this or be thinking about understanding something particular that I may need overlooked, please do let me know. Shall be blissful to share no matter I can.

Take a look at BHPian comments for extra insights and knowledge.