2016 Porsche Cayman: What's New, Specs & Features

Last updated August 4, 2026

The 2016 Porsche Cayman was a trim-expansion year rather than a redesign. The headline change was the new Black Edition, which gave the base Cayman an all-black look and a bundle of popular comfort and technology features.

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About the 2016 Porsche Cayman

981 generation (2014-2016), final model year before the 2017 718 Cayman redesign for the base and S.

Porsche positions the Cayman as a compact mid-engine sports coupe built around balance, steering feel, and precise responses rather than sheer size or excess power. Its core appeal is that it delivers a very pure Porsche driving experience in a smaller, more approachable package than a 911, while still being usable day to day thanks to its two luggage compartments and comfortable cabin. In this 2016 form, the naturally aspirated flat-six engines are a big part of that identity.

The lineup ranged from the straightforward 2.7-liter base Cayman to the more powerful S and the sharper GTS, which had 340 hp, a sport exhaust, and a lowered adaptive suspension. The Black Edition emphasized comfort and convenience, while the new 385-hp GT4 was the track-focused standout with a manual transmission, lower chassis, larger brakes, and a fixed rear wing.

What changed, by category

Powertrain

The new GT4 brought a 385-hp 3.8-liter naturally aspirated flat-six and a six-speed manual transmission. The rest of the range kept its existing engines and transmissions.

Styling

The Black Edition added an all-black appearance, while the GT4 received a fixed rear wing and a functional front aerodynamic package. Alloy wheels also changed from optional to standard on the Cayman S.

Tech

The Black Edition bundled touchscreen navigation, upgraded bi-xenon headlights, and front and rear parking sensors. On the GTS, satellite radio and USB ports changed from standard to optional.

Structural

The GT4 added a more track-focused chassis derived from the 911 GT3 and sat 30 mm lower than the standard Cayman.

2016 Porsche Cayman specs and features by trim

Feature	2016 Porsche CaymanS0 in stock	2016 Porsche CaymanGT40 in stock	2016 Porsche CaymanGTS2 in stock	2016 Porsche CaymanBase0 in stock	2016 Porsche CaymanBlack Edition1 in stock
Engine	6-Cyl, 3.4 Liter	6-Cyl, 3.8 Liter	6-Cyl, 3.4 Liter	6-Cyl, 2.7 Liter	6-Cyl, 2.7 Liter
Transmission	Manual, 6-Spd	Manual, 6-Spd	Manual, 6-Spd	Manual, 6-Spd	Manual, 6-Spd
Drivetrain	RWD	RWD	RWD	RWD	RWD
Fuel Type	Gas	Gas	Gas	Gas	Gas
MPG City	21 mpg	18 mpg	21 mpg	22 mpg	20 mpg
MPG Highway	30 mpg	23 mpg	30 mpg	31 mpg	29 mpg
Horsepower	325 hp	385 hp	340 hp	275 hp	275 hp
Torque	273 lb-ft	310 lb-ft	280 lb-ft	214 lb-ft	214 lb-ft
Trunk/Cargo	9.7 cu-ft	9.7 cu-ft	9.7 cu-ft	9.7 cu-ft	9.7 cu-ft
Seats	2	2	2	2
Doors	2	2	2	2	2
Safety & Security
4-Wheel Disc Brakes
Adaptive Cruise Control
Alarm System
Anti-Lock Brakes
Automatic High Beams
Automatic Leveling Headlights
Cruise Control
Park Assist
Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers
Rear View Camera
Stability Control
Exterior Features
Alloy Wheels
Auto-Dimming Exterior Mirrors
HID Headlights
Heated Mirrors
LED Daytime Running Lights
Memory Exterior Mirrors
Power Folding Exterior Mirrors
Power Liftgate/Trunk Release
Power Mirrors
Privacy Glass
Rear Spoiler
Entertainment & Electronics
AM/FM Radio
Premium Audio
Satellite Radio
Subwoofer
Touch Screen Monitor
USB Ports
Comfort & Convenience
Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror
Dual Power Front Seats
Dual-Zone Climate Control
Heated Front Seats
Heated Steering Wheel
Integrated Garage Door Opener
Leather Interior Trim
Leather Seats
Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel
Memory Driver's Seat
Memory Front Seats
Power Locks
Power Steering
Power Windows
Ventilated Front Seats
Wood Interior Trim

Frequently asked questions

Was the 2016 Porsche Cayman redesigned?

No. The 2016 Cayman remained part of the 981 generation and received new trims rather than a full redesign. The substantially changed 718 Cayman followed for 2017.

What is special about the 2016 Cayman Black Edition?

The 2016 Cayman Black Edition combines the base model’s 275-hp 2.7-liter flat-six with an all-black look and extra equipment. Its package includes navigation, upgraded bi-xenon headlights, parking sensors, heated seats, dual-zone climate control, and an upgraded audio system.

Did the Cayman GT4 join the lineup for 2016?

Yes. The GT4 joined as the track-focused Cayman, using a 385-hp 3.8-liter flat-six, a six-speed manual transmission, a lower GT3-derived chassis, larger brakes, and a fixed rear wing.

What changed on the 2016 Cayman GTS and S?

The changes were small. Satellite radio and USB ports shifted from standard to optional on the GTS, while alloy wheels changed from optional to standard on the S.

Is the 2016 Cayman meaningfully different from the 2015 model?

Only certain versions are meaningfully different. The Black Edition and GT4 are the main reasons to focus on 2016; the base Cayman, S, and GTS otherwise largely follow the 2015 formula, aside from a few equipment changes.

2016 Porsche Cayman Reviews

What owners are saying about the 2016 Porsche Cayman.

4.7

2016 Porsche Cayman

(40 reviews)

5 stars (30)

4 stars (8)

3 stars (1)

2 stars (1)

1 star (0)

No rating

“Consider that this is a sports car and that lots of features need to be added after the fact. You can have stripped down car and not meet your needs very easily”

MOMarisa O.
2016 Porsche Cayman Cayman/Cayman S

“Unequivocally pleased; even better than expected, even after thorough research &experience”

KSKenneth S.
2016 Porsche Cayman Cayman/Cayman S

No rating

“I would highly recommend an autocross vehicle for those who are driven to exceed the boundaries on a road course with an agile car like the Porsche Cayman. The handling and ability to accelerate in an efficient and extremely quick manner is also key for the adventurous type who wants to feel the same feeling of those that do it professionally.”

BHBrandy H.
2016 Porsche Cayman Cayman/Cayman S