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2017 Porsche 718 Cayman: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2017 Porsche 718 Cayman is a full redesign, with the Cayman renamed and recast as the third-generation 718 Cayman. The headline change is the switch from naturally aspirated flat-six engines to new turbocharged flat-four engines.
About the 2017 Porsche 718 Cayman
982 generation, first year for the 718 Cayman coupe and the first Cayman year with turbocharged four-cylinder power.
Porsche positions the 718 Cayman as a compact mid-engine sports coupe that brings racing roots to everyday roads. Its core appeal is balance, precise steering, strong braking, and a direct driver-to-car feel rather than luxury-first features. Compared with rivals, the 718 Cayman stands out by combining serious sports-car responses with daily usability, including front and rear cargo areas and a cabin that is easy to live with.
The 2017 718 Cayman is a compact, mid-engine sports coupe focused on balance, steering feel, and everyday usability. The base model has a 300-hp 2.0-liter turbo engine, while the sharper S uses a 350-hp 2.5-liter turbo engine, larger front brakes, and 19-inch wheels. Both have a six-speed manual transmission, a 7-inch touchscreen, parking sensors, and a rearview camera.
What changed, by category
Powertrain
New turbocharged 2.0-liter and 2.5-liter flat-four engines replace the previous naturally aspirated flat-six engines. Both deliver more torque than their predecessors.
Styling
The coupe gets a redesigned front end, revised side air intakes, and a wider-looking rear with black trim connecting the taillights. The dashboard is redesigned as well.
Safety
Multi-collision braking becomes standard. U.S. models also have front and rear parking sensors and a rearview camera.
Tech
A 7-inch Porsche Communication Management touchscreen and Sound Package Plus audio become standard.
Structural
Porsche retunes the chassis, quickens the steering, and fits larger brakes across the lineup.
2017 Porsche 718 Cayman specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter |
| Transmission | Manual, 6-Spd | Manual, 6-Spd |
| Drivetrain | RWD | RWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 20 mpg | 21 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 26 mpg | 28 mpg |
| Horsepower | 350 hp | 300 hp |
| Torque | 309 lb-ft | 280 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 9.7 cu-ft | 9.7 cu-ft |
| Seats | 2 | 2 |
| Doors | 2 | 2 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ||
| Alarm System | ||
| Automatic High Beams | ||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||
| Rear View Camera | ||
| Alloy Wheels | ||
| Rear Spoiler | ||
| Bluetooth | ||
| Premium Audio | ||
| Satellite Radio | ||
| Smartphone Interface | ||
| USB Ports | ||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | ||
| Heated Front Seats | ||
| Heated Steering Wheel | ||
| Leather Seats | ||
| Ventilated Front Seats | ||
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2017 Porsche 718 Cayman a new generation?
Yes. The 2017 model begins the third-generation 718 Cayman coupe, bringing a new name, turbocharged four-cylinder engines, redesigned styling, revised chassis tuning, and an updated dashboard.
What is the biggest difference between the 2017 718 Cayman and the 2016 Cayman?
The biggest difference is the engine change. The 2017 model replaces the previous naturally aspirated flat-six engines with turbocharged flat-four engines: a 2.0-liter unit in the base car and a 2.5-liter unit in the S.
Does the 2017 Porsche 718 Cayman have a flat-six engine?
No. Every 2017 718 Cayman uses a turbocharged flat-four engine. The base model has a 300-hp 2.0-liter engine, while the S has a 350-hp 2.5-liter engine.
How are the 2017 718 Cayman base and S models different?
The S is the more powerful and more heavily equipped version. It has a 350-hp 2.5-liter turbo engine, larger front brakes, and 19-inch wheels; the base car uses a 300-hp 2.0-liter turbo engine.
What safety and technology updates came with the 2017 718 Cayman?
The 2017 redesign adds standard multi-collision braking, larger brakes, a 7-inch touchscreen, and Sound Package Plus audio. U.S. models also have front and rear parking sensors and a rearview camera.
2017 Porsche 718 Cayman Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2017 Porsche 718 Cayman.
5.0
2017 Porsche 718 Cayman
(3 reviews)
Sources
- newsroom.porsche.com — en US / Products / Porsche 718 Cayman 718 Cayman S 19875
- newsroom.porsche.com — Jcr:86A2A46D Fa29 42Ef 8480 5D50A8D9974D / PCNA18 0111 us
- newsroom.porsche.com — Jcr:2E05Fcd8 E8Ce 4B60 8611 9Ce844A8242E / PCNA18 1003 us
- newsroom.porsche.com — en US / Products / Porsche 718 Gts 19876
- newsroom.porsche.com — Model Range / 718 / 718 Cayman
- newsroom.porsche.com — Model Range / 718 / 718 Cayman S