2021 Porsche 718 Cayman: What's New, Specs & Features

Last updated August 4, 2026

The biggest change for the 2021 Porsche 718 Cayman is the arrival of the GTS 4.0, which brings a naturally aspirated 4.0-liter flat-six to the U.S. lineup. It is not a redesign, but several trims also gain more standard comfort, tech, and lighting equipment.

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About the 2021 Porsche 718 Cayman

982 generation 718 Cayman (2017-2024 gas-powered era), fifth model year; not a redesign year, but an expansion year with the new U.S.-market GTS 4.0 and broader standard equipment.

Porsche positions the 718 Cayman as a compact mid-engine sports coupe that blends serious driver appeal with real everyday usefulness. Its core draw is balance: sharp steering, a planted chassis, strong brakes, and the practicality of a hard roof with front and rear cargo space. Compared with front-engine rivals, the Cayman’s big differentiator is its mid-engine layout and the sense of precision that comes with it; compared with a 911, it offers a smaller, more focused feel.

The base Cayman is the straightforward everyday sports coupe, while the T emphasizes handling upgrades and the S adds stronger turbocharged performance. The GTS 4.0 combines its six-cylinder engine with a sport exhaust and lowered suspension, while the GT4 is the track-focused model with a fixed rear wing and an even lower GT-developed suspension.

What changed, by category

Powertrain

The GTS 4.0 joins the U.S. lineup with a naturally aspirated 4.0-liter flat-six. A 7-speed PDK dual-clutch automatic also joins the GTS 4.0 and GT4 alongside the 6-speed manual.

Tech

Base, T, S, and GTS 4.0 models gain standard dual-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, and Apple CarPlay. A power driver’s seat becomes standard on the base, T, and S.

Safety

Base, T, S, and GTS 4.0 models gain standard bi-xenon headlights with Porsche’s dynamic lighting system, plus auto-dimming mirrors and a rain sensor.

Styling

Race-Tex replaces Alcantara for the interior trim, and Python Green joins the paint range for GT models.

2021 Porsche 718 Cayman specs and features by trim

Feature	2021 Porsche 718 CaymanS0 in stock	2021 Porsche 718 CaymanT0 in stock	2021 Porsche 718 CaymanGT40 in stock	2021 Porsche 718 CaymanBase0 in stock	2021 Porsche 718 CaymanGTS 4.01 in stock
Engine	4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.5 Liter	4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter	6-Cyl, 4.0 Liter	4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter	6-Cyl, 4.0 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	19 mpg	20 mpg	17 mpg	20 mpg	17 mpg
MPG Highway	24 mpg	26 mpg	23 mpg	26 mpg	24 mpg
Horsepower	350 hp	300 hp	414 hp	300 hp	394 hp
Torque	309 lb-ft	280 lb-ft	309 lb-ft	280 lb-ft	309 lb-ft
Trunk/Cargo	9.7 cu-ft	9.7 cu-ft	9.5 cu-ft	9.7 cu-ft	9.7 cu-ft
Seats	2	2	2	2	2
Doors	2	2	2	2	2
Safety & Security
Adaptive Cruise Control
Alarm System
Automatic High Beams
Blindspot Sensors
Rear View Camera
Stability Control
Exterior Features
Alloy Wheels
Auto-Dimming Exterior Mirrors
LED Headlights
Memory Exterior Mirrors
Rear Spoiler
Entertainment & Electronics
Navigation System
Premium Audio
Satellite Radio
Smartphone Interface
Comfort & Convenience
Dual-Zone Climate Control
Heated Front Seats
Heated Steering Wheel
Leather Seats
Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel
Memory Driver's Seat
Memory Front Seats
Memory Steering Wheel
Ventilated Front Seats
Wood Interior Trim

How the 2022 Porsche 718 Cayman compares

The big change for the 2022 Porsche 718 Cayman is the arrival of the GT4 RS, a new 493-hp flagship built for serious track driving. The rest of the Cayman range carries over with no major changes.

See the full 2022 changes

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2021 Porsche 718 Cayman a redesign?

No. The 2021 Porsche 718 Cayman continues the existing 982 generation without major body or platform changes. Its updates center on the new GTS 4.0, more standard equipment, and an added transmission for the six-cylinder models.

What is the biggest change to the 2021 Porsche 718 Cayman?

The biggest change is the new U.S.-market Cayman GTS 4.0. It uses a naturally aspirated 4.0-liter flat-six and sits between the turbocharged four-cylinder models and the more track-focused GT4.

Did the 2021 Cayman GT4 and GTS 4.0 get an automatic transmission?

Yes. For 2021, the Cayman GTS 4.0 and GT4 add Porsche’s 7-speed PDK dual-clutch automatic alongside the 6-speed manual.

What equipment became standard on the 2021 Porsche 718 Cayman?

For 2021, the base, T, S, and GTS 4.0 have standard dual-zone climate control, heated front seats, Apple CarPlay, auto-dimming mirrors with a rain sensor, and bi-xenon headlights with dynamic lighting. The base, T, and S also make the power driver’s seat standard.

How is the 2021 Porsche 718 Cayman different from the 2020 model?

The 2021 lineup adds the six-cylinder GTS 4.0, expands standard comfort and tech equipment on several trims, and brings the 7-speed PDK automatic to the GTS 4.0 and GT4. The underlying generation and body remain unchanged.

2021 Porsche 718 Cayman Reviews

What owners are saying about the 2021 Porsche 718 Cayman.

4.6

2021 Porsche 718 Cayman

(13 reviews)

5 stars (8)

4 stars (5)

3 stars (0)

2 stars (0)

1 star (0)

“Go for the 4.0L with a manual transmission. The engine sings behind you and from my perspective the primary reason you buy this car.”

TMTodd M.
2021 Porsche 718 Cayman GTS

“This car is by far the best car you can buy for under $200k that is easy and fun to drive while making a statement.”

JJoe
2021 Porsche 718 Cayman GTS

No rating

“Unbelievable machine that performs, handles, will hold its value, and is incredibly fun to drive!”

KWKurt W.
2021 Porsche 718 Cayman GTS