2018 Porsche 718 Cayman: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The big change for the 2018 Porsche 718 Cayman is the arrival of the GTS trim, with 365 horsepower and a bundle of performance hardware. The regular Cayman and Cayman S otherwise carry over with no major changes.
About the 2018 Porsche 718 Cayman
982 generation (third-generation Cayman family), second model year after the 2017 718 reboot; GTS joins the range this year.
Porsche positions the 718 Cayman as a compact mid-engine sports coupe built around balance, precision, and driver involvement rather than outright size or luxury. In Porsche’s own launch language, it is a car made “for the sport of it” and “poised for precision.” Its main draw versus rivals is the mid-engine layout, sharp steering, strong manual gearbox, and everyday usefulness from having cargo space in both the front and rear.
The 2018 lineup ranges from the straightforward 300-hp base Cayman to the stronger 350-hp Cayman S and the new, more focused 365-hp GTS. The GTS stands out with adaptive suspension, torque vectoring, a mechanical rear differential lock, a sport exhaust, and dark exterior details, while the base and S retain a six-speed manual transmission and touchscreen infotainment.
What changed, by category
2018 Porsche 718 Cayman specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter |
| Transmission | Manual, 6-Spd | Manual, 6-Spd | Manual, 6-Spd |
| Drivetrain | RWD | RWD | RWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 21 mpg | 19 mpg | 22 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 28 mpg | 25 mpg | 29 mpg |
| Horsepower | 350 hp | 365 hp | 300 hp |
| Torque | 309 lb-ft | 317 lb-ft | 280 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 9.7 cu-ft | 9.7 cu-ft | 9.7 cu-ft |
| Seats | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Doors | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | |||
| Alarm System | |||
| Automatic Headlights | |||
| 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
What changed for the 2018 Porsche 718 Cayman?
The main change is the addition of the 718 Cayman GTS. It has a 365-hp turbocharged 2.5-liter engine and standard performance equipment that includes Sport Chrono, adaptive suspension, torque vectoring with a mechanical rear differential lock, and a sport exhaust.
Is the 2018 Porsche 718 Cayman a redesign?
No. The 2018 model is the second year of the 982-generation 718 Cayman introduced for 2017, so the GTS trim is the headline addition rather than a full redesign.
Was the Porsche 718 Cayman GTS new for 2018?
Yes. The GTS joined the 718 Cayman lineup for 2018 as a more focused model above the Cayman S, with 365 horsepower and bundled chassis and performance equipment.
How does the 2018 718 Cayman GTS differ from the Cayman S?
The GTS has 365 horsepower, compared with 350 horsepower in the Cayman S, and comes with Sport Chrono, lowered adaptive suspension, torque vectoring, a mechanical rear differential lock, and a sport exhaust. It also has darker exterior trim and GTS-specific interior details.
Did the regular 2018 718 Cayman and Cayman S receive major changes?
No. The regular Cayman and Cayman S were largely unchanged for 2018; the new GTS trim accounts for the year’s significant update.
2018 Porsche 718 Cayman Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2018 Porsche 718 Cayman.
Sources
- newsroom.porsche.com — en US / Products / Porsche 718 Gts 19876
- newsroom.porsche.com — en US / Products / Porsche 718 Cayman 718 Cayman S 19875
- newsroom.porsche.com — Jcr:2E05Fcd8 E8Ce 4B60 8611 9Ce844A8242E / PCNA18 1003 us
- newsroom.porsche.com — Jcr:Fbd80B62 5236 4Ff6 9F1B E54Ee42F6F7C / PCNA18 0996 us