[Porsche 718 News]

Arthur St. Antoine from Automobile Magazine thought the previous-generation Porsche Cayman was near-perfect and Porsche would be hard pressed to improve on such a great thing. Prepared to be disappointed, he was delightfully surprised after driving around a base 718 Cayman for a week.

Sure, he missed the old exhaust note but the new sound is just as satisfying to hear. Like other 718 test drivers before him, Arthur was a fan of the boxer sixes but the 2.0-liter turbo flat-fours managed to win him over. Perhaps it was the impressive 300 horses at 6,500 rpm and 280 pound-feet at 1,950 rpm, or maybe it was the near-instant throttle response.

The six-speed manual gearbox didn’t let him down either and it’s his transmission of choice even though the 7-speed PDK dual-clutch automatic is a fine option. That’s in part due top the gearbox’s quick response, nimble lever feel, excellent pedal placemen, and ease of finding your desired gear.

Let’s not forget the streamlined interior with its meaty looking steering wheel, large analog gauges, and cushy Sport seats.

“Yes, the new 718 is—dare I say it—even better than the near-perfect old Cayman. It’s just that much quicker, that much more agile, that much better-looking and more refined.” It’s not perfect yet, but “nearer-perfect” is still a step forward.

 

[Viffermike]

There's one error in the article: The base Sound Package Plus on the 718 Cayman actually comes with eight speakers, not six. The base Sound Package Plus on the 718 Boxster comes with just six speakers (the rears are eliminated because of the soft top).

 

[4802]

There's one error in the article: The base Sound Package Plus on the 718 Cayman actually comes with eight speakers, not six. The base Sound Package Plus on the 718 Boxster comes with just six speakers (the rears are eliminated because of the soft top).

That's true, but you'd have thought they'd have found some sort of work around to essentially keep them the same. With the Cayman & its eight loudspeakers you get a total output of 150 watts & the in the Boxster with its six units a total output of 110 watts. However I believe with the Bose upgrade both cars get 10 loudspeakers & a total output of 505 watts & with the Burmester upgrade both cars get 12 loudspeakers & 821 watts. I haven't really looked at this in any great depth because basically I haven't needed to, but I know that you have due to the fact you intend on doing a custom sound installation. Just as a matter of curiosity can you confirm whether or not the information as I believe it, is in fact correct?

 

[charlotte]

It's going to get even better when the GT comes out and it was recently spotted and they say it'll be coming with a manual gearbox: https://www.autoevolution.com/news/porsche-718-cayman-gt4-spied-with-manual-gearbox-detuned-911-gt3-engine-rumored-121492.html

 

[ZuffenHouseRules]

It's going to get even better when the GT comes out and it was recently spotted and they say it'll be coming with a manual gearbox: https://www.autoevolution.com/news/porsche-718-cayman-gt4-spied-with-manual-gearbox-detuned-911-gt3-engine-rumored-121492.html

I don't know, Charlotte. This is one of several posts I've come across here expressing enthusiastic anticipation of a n/a flat-6 powered 718 GT4. Which puzzles me.....

I get that the 981 Cayman GT4 was a truly great car, and a 718 GT4 based on the 4.0 n/a f6 in the 911 GT3 would be a natural evolution of that package. But I for one would find that disappointing....here's why.

In Formula 1 (and other racing series I'm sure) they speak of a particular version of a car as the package -- meaning the combination of platform (chassis, steering, brakes, aero, suspension, tires) and engine. To me, the 718 package is as much defined by the new turbo f4 engines as it is the evolution of the 981 platform. I love the way the whole package works together, but especially how the torquey and efficient turbo power gives this car a unique character and identity unlike the 981 or the 987 I drove for 12 years. It's not just a face-lift next-gen Boxster with enhanced handling and speed -- it's a different package.

So as good as a 718 GT4 with 911 GT3 engine might be, it would revert back to the old package of mid-engine Cayman platform with 911 engine. Not a new 718 at all...

But a 718 GT4 with +50hp variant of the current S turbo f4/VTG -- good lord that would be awesome. If Porsche would even allow a non-911 to be faster than the GT3, which I doubt. But whatever power and Nurburgring time Porsche allows a turbo GT4, it would do so much more to raise the image and appreciation of the full 718 package than giving the haters just what they want -- a relatively large displacement n/a f6 back in the mid-engine platform.

 

[dpcompt]

Gt4

I don't know, Charlotte. This is one of several posts I've come across here expressing enthusiastic anticipation of a n/a flat-6 powered 718 GT4. Which puzzles me.....

I get that the 981 Cayman GT4 was a truly great car, and a 718 GT4 based on the 4.0 n/a f6 in the 911 GT3 would be a natural evolution of that package. But I for one would find that disappointing....here's why.

In Formula 1 (and other racing series I'm sure) they speak of a particular version of a car as the package -- meaning the combination of platform (chassis, steering, brakes, aero, suspension, tires) and engine. To me, the 718 package is as much defined by the new turbo f4 engines as it is the evolution of the 981 platform. I love the way the whole package works together, but especially how the torquey and efficient turbo power gives this car a unique character and identity unlike the 981 or the 987 I drove for 12 years. It's not just a face-lift next-gen Boxster with enhanced handling and speed -- it's a different package.

So as good as a 718 GT4 with 911 GT3 engine might be, it would revert back to the old package of mid-engine Cayman platform with 911 engine. Not a new 718 at all...

But a 718 GT4 with +50hp variant of the current S turbo f4/VTG -- good lord that would be awesome. If Porsche would even allow a non-911 to be faster than the GT3, which I doubt. But whatever power and Nurburgring time Porsche allows a turbo GT4, it would do so much more to raise the image and appreciation of the full 718 package than giving the haters just what they want -- a relatively large displacement n/a f6 back in the mid-engine platform.

I just saw your post again regarding the N/A 6. You hit the nail on the head. Even Randy Pobst said the turbo 4 is faster than the old GT4 6. Just pump up the boost and add some cooling for water and oil, and the old NA stuff looks like saving the wooden wagon wheel. While all the haters hate the turbo 4, they seem to forget that Porsche's history with turbos( very successfully) goes back to the '70's. Even Mr. Metzger loves turbos.

 

[porkey]

I don't know, Charlotte. This is one of several posts I've come across here expressing enthusiastic anticipation of a n/a flat-6 powered 718 GT4. Which puzzles me.....

I get that the 981 Cayman GT4 was a truly great car, and a 718 GT4 based on the 4.0 n/a f6 in the 911 GT3 would be a natural evolution of that package. But I for one would find that disappointing....here's why.

In Formula 1 (and other racing series I'm sure) they speak of a particular version of a car as the package -- meaning the combination of platform (chassis, steering, brakes, aero, suspension, tires) and engine. To me, the 718 package is as much defined by the new turbo f4 engines as it is the evolution of the 981 platform. I love the way the whole package works together, but especially how the torquey and efficient turbo power gives this car a unique character and identity unlike the 981 or the 987 I drove for 12 years. It's not just a face-lift next-gen Boxster with enhanced handling and speed -- it's a different package.

So as good as a 718 GT4 with 911 GT3 engine might be, it would revert back to the old package of mid-engine Cayman platform with 911 engine. Not a new 718 at all...

But a 718 GT4 with +50hp variant of the current S turbo f4/VTG -- good lord that would be awesome. If Porsche would even allow a non-911 to be faster than the GT3, which I doubt. But whatever power and Nurburgring time Porsche allows a turbo GT4, it would do so much more to raise the image and appreciation of the full 718 package than giving the haters just what they want -- a relatively large displacement n/a f6 back in the mid-engine platform.

I just saw your post again regarding the N/A 6. You hit the nail on the head. Even Randy Pobst said the turbo 4 is faster than the old GT4 6. Just pump up the boost and add some cooling for water and oil, and the old NA stuff looks like saving the wooden wagon wheel. While all the haters hate the turbo 4, they seem to forget that Porsche's history with turbos( very successfully) goes back to the '70's. Even Mr. Metzger loves turbos.

...well that's kind of like the pot calling the kettle black. You refer to all the "haters" of the turbo 4 yet you equate the "old NA stuff" as "saving the wooden wagon wheel". Not too much love in that statement. I think the turbo 4 is a phenomenal achievement. I do not hate it but I do appreciate what the "old" NA flat six offers in terms of performance and yes, history. Just as the flat 4 has history so does the flat 6 and I applaud Porsche for continuing to offer it in their GT line up. I get the whole 718 continuity/package argument but whether you like it or not, the GT4 is considered a GT car. As GT division boss, Andreas Preuninger has been quoted numerous times (one example, article by Matt Bubbers, Globe and Mail, May 02, 2018) as saying "at Motorsport, we think we can achieve throttle response and immediacy a little bit better with an atmospheric high-revving engine than any kind of turbo". And yes, turbos have been part of the Porsche line since the 70s, as you stated, but these were mostly as the higher performance versions of a particular model. Turbos back then were considered special, in my opinion, but now everything is going turbo for all the known/previously discussed reasons. I find it refreshing that Porsche continues to offer the tried and true flat 6, for at least the near future. Yes, it is as special now, just as the turbos of the past once were. Regarding the performance of the upcoming GT4, only Porsche truly knows. If the rumors are true, the "old" NA 3.8 will be stroked to 4.0 (definite 4.0 regardless) with a speculated 420HP. Nothing to be ashamed about, regardless of what could have been pumped out of the turbo 4, should they have chosen to do so. The 2019 GT4 will be a phenomenal performer. Whether you accept it as part of the 718 line, we'll have to wait and see. But isn't that similar to the "hate" from fans of the previous generation, etc., you described and the reason I believe this forum was originally established. I continue to remain excited regarding the 2nd generation GT4 and look forward to taking possession of mine, hopefully sometime in 2019.

 

[Optical TDI]

I don't know, Charlotte. This is one of several posts I've come across here expressing enthusiastic anticipation of a n/a flat-6 powered 718 GT4. Which puzzles me.....

I get that the 981 Cayman GT4 was a truly great car, and a 718 GT4 based on the 4.0 n/a f6 in the 911 GT3 would be a natural evolution of that package. But I for one would find that disappointing....here's why.

In Formula 1 (and other racing series I'm sure) they speak of a particular version of a car as the package -- meaning the combination of platform (chassis, steering, brakes, aero, suspension, tires) and engine. To me, the 718 package is as much defined by the new turbo f4 engines as it is the evolution of the 981 platform. I love the way the whole package works together, but especially how the torquey and efficient turbo power gives this car a unique character and identity unlike the 981 or the 987 I drove for 12 years. It's not just a face-lift next-gen Boxster with enhanced handling and speed -- it's a different package.

So as good as a 718 GT4 with 911 GT3 engine might be, it would revert back to the old package of mid-engine Cayman platform with 911 engine. Not a new 718 at all...

But a 718 GT4 with +50hp variant of the current S turbo f4/VTG -- good lord that would be awesome. If Porsche would even allow a non-911 to be faster than the GT3, which I doubt. But whatever power and Nurburgring time Porsche allows a turbo GT4, it would do so much more to raise the image and appreciation of the full 718 package than giving the haters just what they want -- a relatively large displacement n/a f6 back in the mid-engine platform.

I just saw your post again regarding the N/A 6. You hit the nail on the head. Even Randy Pobst said the turbo 4 is faster than the old GT4 6. Just pump up the boost and add some cooling for water and oil, and the old NA stuff looks like saving the wooden wagon wheel. While all the haters hate the turbo 4, they seem to forget that Porsche's history with turbos( very successfully) goes back to the '70's. Even Mr. Metzger loves turbos.

Sounds like a similar discussion when the air cooled 911 cars went away.

 

[dpcompt]

Hate

...well that's kind of like the pot calling the kettle black. You refer to all the "haters" of the turbo 4 yet you equate the "old NA stuff" as "saving the wooden wagon wheel". Not too much love in that statement. I think the turbo 4 is a phenomenal achievement. I do not hate it but I do appreciate what the "old" NA flat six offers in terms of performance and yes, history. Just as the flat 4 has history so does the flat 6 and I applaud Porsche for continuing to offer it in their GT line up. I get the whole 718 continuity/package argument but whether you like it or not, the GT4 is considered a GT car. As GT division boss, Andreas Preuninger has been quoted numerous times (one example, article by Matt Bubbers, Globe and Mail, May 02, 2018) as saying "at Motorsport, we think we can achieve throttle response and immediacy a little bit better with an atmospheric high-revving engine than any kind of turbo". And yes, turbos have been part of the Porsche line since the 70s, as you stated, but these were mostly as the higher performance versions of a particular model. Turbos back then were considered special, in my opinion, but now everything is going turbo for all the known/previously discussed reasons. I find it refreshing that Porsche continues to offer the tried and true flat 6, for at least the near future. Yes, it is as special now, just as the turbos of the past once were. Regarding the performance of the upcoming GT4, only Porsche truly knows. If the rumors are true, the "old" NA 3.8 will be stroked to 4.0 (definite 4.0 regardless) with a speculated 420HP. Nothing to be ashamed about, regardless of what could have been pumped out of the turbo 4, should they have chosen to do so. The 2019 GT4 will be a phenomenal performer. Whether you accept it as part of the 718 line, we'll have to wait and see. But isn't that similar to the "hate" from fans of the previous generation, etc., you described and the reason I believe this forum was originally established. I continue to remain excited regarding the 2nd generation GT4 and look forward to taking possession of mine, hopefully sometime in 2019.

I have never said that I hate any Porsche engine. I have owned 2 912s, 2 911 Carreras and a Carrera 2. In addition, I have owned a 914❤ 2.0, and 3 different 944s. And I enjoyed them all. I just have not appreciated the hate towards the 718. It's very prevalent on the Planet 9 site and on the Cayman Registry site. I haven't been knocking the performance of the NA six. It is what it is. They sound good because they need high revs to produce performance. Is that statement a knock?

 

[porkey]

...well that's kind of like the pot calling the kettle black. You refer to all the "haters" of the turbo 4 yet you equate the "old NA stuff" as "saving the wooden wagon wheel". Not too much love in that statement. I think the turbo 4 is a phenomenal achievement. I do not hate it but I do appreciate what the "old" NA flat six offers in terms of performance and yes, history. Just as the flat 4 has history so does the flat 6 and I applaud Porsche for continuing to offer it in their GT line up. I get the whole 718 continuity/package argument but whether you like it or not, the GT4 is considered a GT car. As GT division boss, Andreas Preuninger has been quoted numerous times (one example, article by Matt Bubbers, Globe and Mail, May 02, 2018) as saying "at Motorsport, we think we can achieve throttle response and immediacy a little bit better with an atmospheric high-revving engine than any kind of turbo". And yes, turbos have been part of the Porsche line since the 70s, as you stated, but these were mostly as the higher performance versions of a particular model. Turbos back then were considered special, in my opinion, but now everything is going turbo for all the known/previously discussed reasons. I find it refreshing that Porsche continues to offer the tried and true flat 6, for at least the near future. Yes, it is as special now, just as the turbos of the past once were. Regarding the performance of the upcoming GT4, only Porsche truly knows. If the rumors are true, the "old" NA 3.8 will be stroked to 4.0 (definite 4.0 regardless) with a speculated 420HP. Nothing to be ashamed about, regardless of what could have been pumped out of the turbo 4, should they have chosen to do so. The 2019 GT4 will be a phenomenal performer. Whether you accept it as part of the 718 line, we'll have to wait and see. But isn't that similar to the "hate" from fans of the previous generation, etc., you described and the reason I believe this forum was originally established. I continue to remain excited regarding the 2nd generation GT4 and look forward to taking possession of mine, hopefully sometime in 2019.

I have never said that I hate any Porsche engine. I have owned 2 912s, 2 911 Carreras and a Carrera 2. In addition, I have owned a 914❤ 2.0, and 3 different 944s. And I enjoyed them all. I just have not appreciated the hate towards the 718. It's very prevalent on the Planet 9 site and on the Cayman Registry site. I haven't been knocking the performance of the NA six. It is what it is. They sound good because they need high revs to produce performance. Is that statement a knock?

...never said you did ( ie., hate), directly. It was inferred toward the end, if you (or anyone) could not accept the non turbo GT4, then yes, it would be "similar " to your previously described, (not felt), "hate", as expressed by others, towards the turbo 4 ( read 718) but glad to hear you have none! So, was it a knock?...not at all!?

 

[Tailwagger]

Despite the fact these are still road cars, in the context of a GT4, the 6 makes more sense to me. Personally, I'd be more interested in a turbo engine (4 or 6), as I buy these cars for street, not track. But the target for the GT4 is clearly Track Toy with a pair of capital Ts. Were I still in that market, I'd far prefer an NA engine making power high, rather than a turbo generating torque low. Just more fun which after all is what going to the Glen, Mosport or VIR is all about. That said, a sub 2800# 550hp turbo 4 Cayman with enough lag that you have to count to three would certainly be entertaining. Probably kill too many customers though... likely me.

Regardless, it will be interesting to see how Porsche manages the GTS vs GT4 performance envelope. Be a bit embarrassing, if slightly tuned CS/GTSs wind up blowing by new GT4s on back straights all across the country.

 

[swessels55]

Wait a second. The Cayman has 2 speakers that are on the rear deck, astride the engine, but the Boxster has them placed behind the seats facing forward. At least they were that way on the 981. Is the 982 different?

 

[Viffermike]

Wait a second. The Cayman has 2 speakers that are on the rear deck, astride the engine, but the Boxster has them placed behind the seats facing forward. At least they were that way on the 981. Is the 982 different?

The base audio in the 718 Boxster eliminates those speakers. Bose and Burmester upgrades retain them, IIRC.