Last updated August 4, 2026
The base Cayman is the entry point, built around balance, steering feel, and everyday usability. The Black Edition and S Black Edition are style-and-equipment specials: the first builds on the base car, while the second adds the stronger S formula. The Cayman S is the regular power and hardware step-up. The GTS and R form the sharper performance branch: GTS is the aggressive street-focused package, while R favors lower weight and direct response. The manual-only GT4 sits at the top as the track-focused Cayman with functional aerodynamics and a deeply revised chassis.
The Base Model trim level—the base Cayman—is the simplest expression of the car, centered on balance and precision rather than luxury or track hardware.
Best for: Drivers who want the core Cayman experience with everyday usability and the least specialization.
Highlights
The Special Editions trim level—Black Edition and S Black Edition—pairs a black-themed presentation with a fuller bundle of comfort, lighting, and navigation equipment.
Best for: Shoppers who want distinctive styling and commonly desired features bundled into a limited-edition Cayman.
Highlights
Adds black-themed styling plus bundled navigation, upgraded lighting, parking help, and heated seats; the S Black Edition also brings the stronger 3.4-liter engine.
1 in stock
The Mid-Level trim level—the Cayman S—is the regular-line power and hardware upgrade, with more urgency than the base car but broad street usability.
Best for: Drivers who want a stronger, more serious Cayman without the specialized character of the GTS, R, or GT4.
Highlights
Establishes the regular Cayman S performance formula with a 3.4-liter 325-hp engine, larger front brakes, and dual exhaust outlets rather than an equipment-led special-edition theme.
7 in stock
The Performance trim level—GTS and R—covers the sharper driver-focused Caymans: GTS is a complete street-performance package, while R is the lighter, response-first special.
Best for: Enthusiasts who want a lower, more focused Cayman while retaining a road-car character.
Highlights
Adds more power and a lower, more focused chassis; GTS emphasizes a bundled street-performance setup, while R reduces weight and sharpens response.
2 in stock
The High Performance trim level—the GT4—is the road-legal track Cayman, built around grip, functional aerodynamics, and direct driver control.
Best for: Drivers seeking serious circuit capability and a manual-only, harder-edged Cayman.
Highlights
Adds a 3.8-liter 385-hp engine, a manual-only setup, a GT3-derived chassis, larger brakes, and functional aerodynamics.
0 in stock| Feature | Mid-Level | Base Model | Performance | High Performance | Special Editions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Includes | base17 in stock | GTS, R2 in stock | GT40 in stock | Black Edition, S Black Edition1 in stock | |
| Core identity | Regular S performance step | Pure, everyday Cayman | Sharper GTS and lightweight R | Track-focused GT4 | Black-themed equipment specials |
| Engine | 3.4-liter flat-six | 2.7-liter flat-six | 3.4-liter flat-six | 3.8-liter flat-six | 2.7-liter Black; 3.4-liter S Black |
| Horsepower | 325 hp | 275 hp | 330 hp R; 340 hp GTS | 385 hp | 275 hp Black; 330 hp S Black |
| Suspension focus | Street-focused S hardware | Balance-focused street setup | Lowered 10 mm GTS; 20 mm R | GT3-derived, lowered 30 mm | Equipment-led, base or S formula |
| Defining equipment | Larger front brakes, dual exhaust | Cruise control, Bluetooth, touchscreen | GTS sport exhaust; R locking differential and weight reduction | Fixed wing, functional aero, large brakes | Navigation, bi-xenon lights, parking sensors, heated seats |
The base Cayman is the least specialized version. In the 981 generation it uses a 2.7-liter flat-six, while the updated 987 base car uses a 2.9-liter engine. Both keep the core mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout.
The S mainly adds a stronger 3.4-liter flat-six and more serious hardware. On 981 models, it has 325 horsepower, larger front brakes with red calipers, bi-xenon headlights, and dual exhaust outlets.
In the 981 era, the GTS raises output to 340 horsepower and adds a sport exhaust, a 10 mm lower adaptive suspension, Sport Chrono with dynamic transmission mounts, sport seats with Alcantara, and GTS styling.
The late-981 GTS is the sharper street-focused model, with 340 horsepower and adaptive suspension. The GT4 is a deeper track-oriented rework with 385 horsepower, a manual gearbox, GT3-derived chassis parts, and functional aerodynamics.
The Cayman R is the focused model from the late 987 era. It builds on the Cayman S with 330 horsepower, less weight, a 20 mm lower sport suspension, a locking rear differential, lightweight seats, and aluminum doors.
The R is a lighter, sharper 987-generation Cayman S with 330 horsepower. The later 981 GT4 goes further with a 385-horsepower 3.8-liter engine, GT3-derived lowered chassis, fixed rear wing, added downforce, and a manual-only setup.
The 981 Black Edition is a style-and-equipment version of the regular 2.7-liter Cayman, not a track model. It bundles navigation, upgraded bi-xenon lighting, front and rear parking sensors, heated seats, dual-zone climate control, and upgraded audio.
No. The 981 Black Edition is based on the regular 2.7-liter Cayman and emphasizes comfort and technology. The earlier S Black Edition uses a 330-horsepower 3.4-liter engine and adds items such as 19-inch wheels, Bose audio, navigation, and black leather trim.
Pick the base Cayman if you value the simplest, least specialized version and do not need the stronger engine. Pick the S if you want a clear power increase and larger front brakes while keeping the Cayman’s broad street usability.
The GTS suits someone who wants a sharper street car that can also handle track outings. The GT4 suits a driver who puts circuit ability and direct control first, since it has a harder-edged chassis, functional aerodynamics, larger brakes, and a manual gearbox.
Yes. The late-981 GT4 uses a six-speed manual transmission. Its manual-only setup is part of its track-focused character and separates it from regular Caymans that were also sold with the seven-speed PDK automatic.
No. In the 981 era, the regular Cayman S has 325 horsepower and the GTS has 340. The earlier Cayman R and S Black Edition each have 330 horsepower, so the S name does not point to one output across every version.
Several performance versions do, but the setup differs by era. The late-987 Cayman R is lowered 20 mm, the 981 GTS has a 10 mm lower adaptive suspension, and the 981 GT4 uses a GT3-derived chassis lowered 30 mm.