2017 718 Cayman: A Video Review Round-Up
2017 718 Cayman: Reutrn to a Proud Tradition
Porsche recently re-branded their Boxster and Cayman as the 718 for the 2017 model year. The executives and marketers at Stuttgart decided to shift the designation in order to align the vehicles more closely with their predecessors and historical lineage.
In preparation for the 718’s official unveiling at the 2016 Bejing Auto Show in April, Porsche produced a documentary-style trailer in honor of the occasion:
While much of the video simply addresses the cars’ specs and alterations, the opening sequence provides some interesting historical information regarding the 718 and the impetus for the re-branding. For instance, the video notes that the 718 “enjoyed great success at legendary races during the 50s and 60s,” such as LeMans, Sebring, and the Targa Florio, among other interesting tidbits.
At approximately the 2:00 mark, a profile shot of an old 718 appears on the screen. This glimpse of the original model clearly demonstrates the unmistakable design lineage, especially in the front half. At the 2:38 through 2:44 marks, shots of both the older convertible and coupe versions appear, further exhibiting the visual similarities between yesterday and today.
2017 718 Cayman: Video Round-Up
Now that Porsche has made both the 2017 718 Boxster and Cayman available for purchase, reviews have begun to pop up online. Take, for example, this video of the Cayman S on First Drive:
The video begins with historical information, then proceeds into an overview of the vehicle. All the while, we’re treated to some gorgeous track shots set against a cloud-filled skyscape. Graeme Fletcher, the host of the program, notes that: “This new 718 Cayman is quite a car. It’s faster, it handles better, and it laid [the] racetrack to waste. It really is a very good, entry-level sports car.”
While the First Drive segment offered some wonderful video of the 718 ripping through a track and provided a comprehensive list of specs and updates, it was light on opinions and analysis. Carfection, though, remedies that issue:
After commenting on how the new 4-cylinder, turbo-charged engine increases the power output of the new Cayman, the host praises the sharper lines of the newest iteration’s body, as well as its performance, ride, and technological flourishes. In the end, he says: “It’s hard to top this thing; it’s truly an outstanding car.”
Of course, the video does articulate one complaint: the vehicle’s sound. At the 3:50 mark, there is a back-to-back comparison of the 2016 Cayman GT4’s flat-6 with the 2017 718 Cayman S’s turbo-charged engine. You can decide for yourself whether or not the sound difference is marked, as well as how much that means to you.
Auto Express also reviews the 2017 718 Cayman S. For this video, though, Porsche provided the reviewer with a Lava Orange version (which is, hands down, my favorite color scheme for a sports car). Additionally, there are some cool, mini-drifts to open up the program:
Host Steve Sutcliffe levels a similar analysis as Carfection. “The new Cayman,” he says, “is a hugely improved car compared to the old Cayman, in just about every direction. They’ve tickled everything.” (As you might have guessed, “tickled” is a British colloquialism for slight alteration or improvement.) Indeed, at the end of the video he says that it’s “just an awesome sports car.”
Although the new, 4-cylinder, turbo-charged engine delivers more power, torque, acceleration, and fuel-efficiency, Sutcliffe also bemoans the sound of the exhaust with the move away from a flat-6.
If the level of “aural delight” an engine produces is a make-or-break issue for you, fear not. Porsche engineer August Achleitnerannounced that Cayman GT4 and Boxster Spyder versions each will be released with naturally-aspirated, flat-6 engine that, assuredly, will possess the same rumble as last year’s models.
Prestige Imports: Denver’s Home of the 2017 718 Cayman
If you’d like to test drive a new 2017 718 Cayman or Boxster, stop by Prestige Imports at 9201 West Colfax Avenue. We’re located between Wadsworth and Kipling in Lakewood. Likewise, you can call us at 888.737.1724 to schedule and appointment with one of our Porsche Brand Ambassadors.
The article 2017 718 Cayman: A Video Review Round-Up originally appeared in the Prestige Imports Learning Center.