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Porsche 718 Cayman: Trims, Generations & Buyer's Guide
Last updated August 4, 2026
The Porsche 718 Cayman is a compact, mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive two-seat sports coupe known for balanced handling, sharp steering, and strong driver involvement. It focuses as much on how rewarding it feels in corners as it does on speed.
The Cayman’s defining idea is balance: its engine sits behind the seats but ahead of the rear wheels, helping the car feel responsive and composed. The 718 name arrived for 2017 with turbocharged four-cylinder engines, while later GTS and track-focused versions brought naturally aspirated six-cylinder power back to the range. Across the lineup, the focus has remained on steering feel, a low seating position, and everyday usability that is better than many harder-edged sports cars.
Strengths
- Its mid-engine layout gives it the balanced, responsive feel that has long defined the Cayman.
- The steering and low seating position help the driver feel closely connected to the road.
- It is easier to use day to day than many sports cars with a similarly serious driving focus.
- The lineup stretches from approachable street models to the 493-hp GT4 RS track flagship in 2025.
- Later six-cylinder GTS and track models add a different kind of engine character without changing the Cayman’s core handling-first identity.
Who it's for
It best fits someone who wants a sports car mainly for the pleasure of driving, especially on winding roads, but still wants something usable beyond occasional track days. Its two-seat layout makes the most sense for a solo driver or a couple who can live without a back seat.
Porsche 718 Cayman lineup
The base Cayman is the straightforward entry point and keeps the core mid-engine, turbocharged four-cylinder formula. The Style Edition, added in recent years, is aimed at shoppers who want a more distinctive look without moving to a more serious performance model. The S is the step up for stronger street performance while retaining the turbo-four character. Since 2021, the GTS 4.0 has paired a naturally aspirated six-cylinder engine with a road-focused package for drivers who want more sound and character without going all the way to a track model. The GT4 RS sits at the extreme end as the lighter, more powerful and aerodynamically aggressive track-focused flagship.
Porsche 718 Cayman generations
From 2017 to 2025, the 718 Cayman spans 1 generation. The current 3rd Generation — 982/718 arrived for 2017.
3rd Generation — 982/718 (2017–2025)
This generation introduced the 718 Cayman name, revised styling and turbocharged four-cylinder engines in place of the previous six-cylinders. Later years brought six-cylinder performance models back, while the same mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout continued through the final 2025 U.S. model year.
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2025
The non-RS Cayman GT4 leaves the lineup. Otherwise, changes are minimal for the final U.S. model year of this gas-powered generation.
2024Trim changes
The Style Edition sits between the base car and Cayman S, while the Cayman T leaves the lineup.
2023Trim changes
The appearance-focused Style Edition joins the lineup. The rest of the range sees no broad mechanical or technology updates.
2022Trim changes
The GT4 RS joins as the new track-focused flagship, with a 493-horsepower 4.0-liter six-cylinder engine and weight-saving body parts.
2021Trim changes
The GTS 4.0 joins the U.S. lineup with a naturally aspirated six-cylinder engine. Several comfort and technology features become standard across most of the range.
2020Trim changes
The driver-focused Cayman T and track-ready Cayman GT4 join the U.S. lineup.
2019
Base, S and GTS models carry over with only minor equipment adjustments.
2018Trim changes
The Cayman GTS joins with more power and bundled performance equipment. Base and S models are largely unchanged.
2017
The 718 Cayman name debuts with new turbocharged four-cylinder engines, updated styling, revised steering and suspension, larger brakes and a redesigned dashboard.
What's new by year
See what changed in a specific model year of the Porsche 718 Cayman.
Frequently asked questions
What kind of car is the Porsche 718 Cayman?
It is a compact, two-seat sports coupe with its engine mounted behind the seats and power sent to the rear wheels. That layout helps give the 718 Cayman the balanced, responsive feel that defines it.
What is the Porsche 718 Cayman known for?
It is known for steering feel, balance, and driver involvement. Its appeal is not just acceleration; the low seating position, sharp responses, and mid-engine layout help it feel connected and composed on a winding road.
Is the 718 Cayman practical enough for everyday use?
Yes, for one or two people who can live with a low two-seat coupe. It has storage areas at both ends and is more usable than many track-focused sports cars, but it is not meant for carrying rear passengers or bulky cargo.
Who is the 718 Cayman a good fit for?
It suits someone who values handling and connection more than maximum straight-line speed. The regular trims work well for road use, while the GT models make more sense for drivers who accept a firmer, more focused car in exchange for greater track ability.
Does the 718 Cayman have all-wheel drive?
No. The 718 Cayman uses rear-wheel drive. Its engine sits near the middle of the car, which helps distribute weight evenly and gives the coupe its characteristic balance.
Is the Porsche 718 Cayman a hybrid or electric car?
No. The 2017–2025 718 Cayman covered here is gasoline-powered, with turbocharged four-cylinder or naturally aspirated six-cylinder engines depending on the trim and era.
What engines does the 718 Cayman use?
The 718 era spans several engines. Base and T cars use a 300-hp 2.0-liter turbo four, the S uses a 350-hp 2.5-liter turbo four, and later GTS 4.0, GT4, and GT4 RS models use naturally aspirated 4.0-liter six-cylinders with different outputs.
Are all 718 Caymans part of the same generation?
Yes. The 718-badged Cayman sold from 2017 through 2025 belongs to the 982 generation. The trim range expanded over time, but there was no full redesign within this run.
Porsche 718 Cayman Reviews
What owners are saying about the Porsche 718 Cayman.
4.6
Porsche 718 Cayman
(162 reviews)
“The GT4RS is one of the best drivers' cars I have ever driven. Wish it was available with a 6-speed manual.”
“Blast to drive. Reminds me of old song -. Miss drives a 944, satisfaction oozes from her pores.”
“It is a great sports car that has an outstanding performance on the road and on the race track.”
“the 2024 Cayman S is a sports car that can be used on a racetrack and on the road. It is raw, strong, performance based; yet has the timeless, classy design that you need on a daily basis”
“Have owned Porsche Caymans in the past but never with a manual 6 speed. Without question the 4.0 is best yet.”
Sources
- newsroom.porsche.com — Model Range / 718 / 718 Cayman
- newsroom.porsche.com — Model Range / 718 / 718 Cayman Gts 4 0
- newsroom.porsche.com — 2020 / Products / 718 Boxster Gts 4 0 718 Cayman Gts 4 0 19748
- newsroom.porsche.com — Model Range / 718 / 718 Cayman Style Edition
- newsroom.porsche.com — 2022 / Products / The Porsche 718 Heads Into 2023 In Style 30220
- newsroom.porsche.com — Model Range / 718 / 718 Cayman Gt4 Rs
- newsroom.porsche.com — 2021 / Products / Porsche 718 Cayman Gt4 Rs La Auto Show 26468
- newsroom.porsche.com — en US / Products / Porsche 718 Cayman 718 Cayman S 19875
- newsroom.porsche.com — en US / Products / 2020 Porsche 718 Gts 4 0 Boxster Cayman 19748
- newsroom.porsche.com — en US / Products / Porsche 718 Cayman Gt4 Rs La Auto Show 26468
- newsroom.porsche.com — Jcr:B37E5Ed9 47E4 4B68 Bdae 54Ee2664Ba6F / 45 2021 Porsche 718 Boxster and Cayman
- newsroom.porsche.com — Jcr:86A2A46D Fa29 42Ef 8480 5D50A8D9974D / PCNA18 0111 us