"The BEST Car Porsche Builds Right Now," Isn't The 911?

Now I know it may seem like I am gunning after the Porsche 911 after last night's top story and tonight's, but you DO have to remember I named it my favorite car of 2012.

Debuting at the 2012 Los Angeles Auto Show was the all-new Porsche Cayman. Though it wasn't much of a debut given how much of the vehicle had been seen pre-launch, plus everyone and their mother knew it would take after the Boxster, it made enough of a splash. That's because it looks so much more fluid than the first-gen Cayman, which was a bit peculiar at best.

Though I have to admit I was a sucker for the Cayman R. Weird looking or not, that car rocked, in every single way.

Well, the first reviews are coming in and they're pretty positive. So positive, in fact, AutoWeek has noted that the all-new Cayman is the BEST Porsche being built right now.

That said, we want to know: Is that just HYPE or could the Cayman be the BEST Porsche being built now?

Do I want one?

...

The really striking aspect is just how undemanding it is. The Cayman manages to achieve lofty standards of handling prowess with a ride that is surprisingly supple and more cosseting than that of its predecessor. The active suspension system can be credited with some of the progress here. It is a clear improvement on the old arrangement. The longer wheelbase no doubt helps, too.

With more power, compelling looks, sharper handling, improved comfort, a sumptuous interior and added practicality, the new coupe is a clear improvement on its predecessor in every discernible area. Dare we say, it's the best car Porsche builds right now, and at $20,500 less than the 911 Carrera, a terrific value.

Full Official LA Auto Show Photo Gallery

The 2012 Los Angeles Auto Show's photo galleries are sponsored by Fiat













































































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pcar4evr - 2/16/2013 8:04:59 AM

+2 Boost

Haven't driven one, but folks that have say the Cayman feels more in the spirit of older 911's than the 991. Hate to dispute 00R, but the 991 feels to me like a sport sedan wrapped in a 911 style body. I also think that the Boxster is a better and more beautiful roadster than the 991 cab.

Agent00R - 2/16/2013 10:11:44 AM

+1 Boost

We live for the dispute(s).

I won't go as far as to say the 991 feels like a sport sedan. I love it and to me it feels like a sports car.

However, I will agree that the Boxster is a much better looking drop-top over the 991s.

skytop - 2/16/2013 9:05:29 AM

+3 Boost

It is a fact that the Boxster and the Cayman are the best car that Porsche builds.
Even Porsche cannot alter the laws of physics. Having a lump of an engine hanging out behind the rear axle is simply obsolete design and more importantly, counter productive to handling.

Porsche refuses to give the Boxster or Cayman enough power to blow off the obsolete, archaic, overly expensive 911. Very unfortunate.

Agent00R - 2/16/2013 10:14:02 AM

+1 Boost

Yes, the mid-engine setup really is spectacular. The last-gen Cayman R and Boxster Spyder I drove were unreal. You can drive those vehicles at 10/10ths ALL THE TIME!

And yes the motor over the back is counter productive, but it sort of is what makes the 991 fun, particularly on the track.

pcar4evr - 2/16/2013 10:33:19 AM

+1 Boost

Part of the reason why I love the R8 V10 is that it is a powerful mid engine car that I can still buy with a manual transmission. But, like all Audi cars, it is too heavy. My ideal car would be a Boxster/Cayman at <3000 lbs, quality interior, beautiful exterior, 6 speed manual and 400 hp. I'd gladly pay $100K for that car. Porsche could even sell me their ridiculous $625 leather trimmed floor mats!

freeagent - 2/16/2013 10:52:44 AM

+1 Boost

I agree w pcar4evr. All the Cayman needs is a bit more power and it would then be the undisputed champ. Once I am able to test drive a new Caymen, I am likely to trade in my 996 for the 982. With the Burmeister and sport exhaust.

Agent00R - 2/16/2013 11:58:06 AM

+1 Boost

Ah, the Burmeister.

Ah, the sport exhaust.

The only two things you NEED in a Porsche.

mini22 - 2/16/2013 3:21:53 PM

+1 Boost

It will be interesting to see how sales go for the Cayman as opposed to the base 911 Carrera. The 911 Carrera offers what I see as one advantage over a Cayman S. That is 2 rear jump seats. So if you have the means nad have 2 little kids of about 5yrs old or less you buy the 911 for that reason and that reason only. Performance in a straight line is virtually the same, the interior quality of the Cayman is the same as the 911 and the Cayman has better handling and is probably more agile in a corner and seems to have better feeling electric steering than the 911.If you have to have a 911 you would be better off with an S.Otherwise why pay the extra 20 or 30 grand. It simply does not make any financial sense

mini22 - 2/16/2013 3:28:31 PM

+1 Boost

It seems to me that since Porsche has created this performance ladder with their cars based on how much you pay for them they should do the following:
1)The 911 Carrera S should be the base 911.
2)A new S model with 430 HP should now be the new S model. It should have suspension settings 1/2 way between the old Carrera S and the GT3.
3) The GT3 is going to have 450HP and be lighter weight than the S it will be able to stay a performance rung ahead of a Carrera S.
This now creates the proper gap in price and performance between the Boxster/Cayman and 911 models.

Agent00R - 2/16/2013 5:58:30 PM

+1 Boost

No, but you see then there wouldn't be room for the 911 GTS that will inevitably show up...

You know what would be cool?

A Cayman GT3.

SSP350 - 2/18/2013 4:51:58 PM

+1 Boost

I agree that the Cayman needs a little bit more horsepower. I owned a 2009 model and that thing was a blast to drive.