2021 Porsche 718 Cayman

Pros: Impressive build quality, invigorating acceleration, agile handling; broad range of options for personalization

Cons: All those options really drive up the sticker price; low-slung cockpit

CG Says: The 2021 Porsche 718 Cayman gains new standard equipment. Dual-zone automatic climate controls, heated seats, automatic dimming mirrors, and rain-sensing wipers are now standard. The Cayman’s 6-cylinder engine is now available with an automatic transmission.  The Cayman is Porsche’s “entry-level” two-seat sports car and is the hardtop-coupe variant of Porsche’s 2-seat, mid-engine Boxster convertible (reviewed separately). Cayman had an extensive revamp for 2017. The base engine for the 718 Cayman is a 300-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder, while the S is powered by a 2.5-liter version with 350 hp. A 4.0-liter flat six puts out 394 hp in the GTS 4.0 and 414 hp in the GT4. All engines offer a choice of 6-speed manual or 7-speed automated-manual transmissions. We classify the Cayman as a Premium Sporty/Performance Car. Available features include keyless access and starting, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot alert. Though its mid-engine layout compromises passenger and cargo space somewhat, Cayman is surprisingly practical, and its road manners and mechanical sophistication will delight the most discriminating driver. While most rival sports cars offer superior power and a much better features-per-dollar ratio, they typically don’t match Porsche’s brand cachet and high trade-in values. Be careful when selecting options, though, as checking just a few boxes can send prices quickly skyward.