2016 Porsche 917 Cayman (982C) Photos, engines & full specs

The third generation of the Cayman was unveiled in 2016 and had the 718 moniker added to its nameplate to honor the glorious days of the winnings at the Targa Florio race.

There were a few significant victories in Porsche’s motorsports history book, and those from 1959 and 1960 in the Targa Florio race were some of them. The car 917 racer that won there was a lightweight, four-cylinder roadster. Later, in 1996, when the German sports car manufacturer introduced the Boxster, it used that model as a stepping ground into the model that saved the brand in the mid-90s. Then, it added a fixed roof to the vehicle and renamed it the Cayman, a vehicle that didn’t start too well due to the world financial crisis but ended up being adored by many. It wasn’t as fast as the 911, but it was more balanced, a characteristic that remained even with the third generation launched in 2016. Furthermore, the new model relied on the same chassis as its predecessor, albeit with some significant modifications. It had the front suspension carried over from the 911 Carrera while the rear suspension was re-tuned.

At the front, the 2016 Porsche 718 Cayman sported a new pair of headlights with four LED blocks for the daytime running lights and bi-xenon lamps for the high and low beams, with an option for full LEDs. Furthermore, the automaker added a second set of lamps integrated into the side scoops on the lower apron for the parking lights and the turn signals. Between them, the automaker added a trapezoidal-shaped air intake for improved cooling.

With its low-slung profile, the Cayman impressed customers with its low drag coefficient of just 0.27, which helped it smoothly cut through the air. The car’s overall length has been increased by a mere 5 millimeters (0.2 inches) due to the slightly longer front bumper. To better feed the engine compartment with air, the automaker installed redesigned side sills that helped it achieve that and divert the airflow into the vertical air intakes behind the doors. At the back, the big tailgate that sported a broad rear window was sloped down, contributing to the excellent aerodynamic coefficient. Behind it, Porsche added a wing that could be deployed or retracted depending on the speed. Drivers could also deploy it manually. This was flanked by new LED taillights sporting four red LED blocks for the floating-like braking lights, placed between the turn signals and the parking lights. Underneath the rear bumper, the 718 Cayman sported a trapezoidal-shaped mid-mounted exhaust.

Porsche already knew that its customers expected an excellently crafted interior, so it focused on that. It provided them with a 911-like level of quality in terms of materials, fit, and finish. The dashboard sported redesigned rounded vents with a flat lower area encircled by silver trims. Fronting the driver was a three-dial instrument panel with individual clusters where the tachometer took center stage and was flanked by a round 4.6-inch color display on the right and the speedometer on the left. The center stack housed the seven-inch touchscreen for the standard infotainment system, with an option for navigation, and underneath it was a set of buttons that controlled it. Since the 718 Cayman was designed as a daily driver sports car, it had to have comfortable seats. As a result, Porsche installed a set of high-bolstered ones wrapped in artificial leather.

However, most customers complained about the engine. While it was more potent than the one from the previous generation, it was a flat-four instead of a flat-six. But Porsche promised them that they’ll soon love it. Thanks to the variable turbine geometry (VTG), the two-liter powerplant delivered its maximum torque from around 1,900 rpm, which was great news. Furthermore, it had better fuel efficiency than the Cayman’s second generation. But, just like the 781C, the 782C (factory code for the 718 Cayman) was provided with a six-speed manual as standard, while a seven-speed automatic (dual-clutch) PDK gearbox was on the options list.