2008 Porsche Cayman

NEW FOR 2008:

- Optional folding leather sports bucket seats

- Recommended oil change interval extended to 20,000 km or one year; recommended spark plug replacement extended to 60,000 km or four years

- Exterior colours: Macadamia Metallic added; Atlas Grey Metallic replaces Lapis Blue Metallic, Malachite Green Metallic replaces Lagoon Green Metallic, and Ruby Red Metallic replaces Carmona Red Metallic

- Interior colours: Carrera Red added; Palm Green deleted; panel air vents are now Matte Black soft-touch, replacing Volcano Grey

For 2008, the Cayman and Cayman S receive only minor changes, including new optional sports folding seats that are essentially a race seat with a folding backrest. The new seats have carbon fibre-reinforced construction and are seven to nine kg lighter than standard seats, but still contain integrated thorax air bags.

Based on the chassis and suspension of the Boxster, the Cayman models are slightly larger and have fixed roofs, which add extra rigidity. The Cayman shares its 2.7-litre six-cylinder engine with the Boxster, while the Cayman S uses the 3.4-litre six-cylinder from the Boxster S. The Cayman starts with a five-speed manual that can be optioned to a six-speed manual or to a five-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission with manual mode; the Cayman S uses the six-speed manual or Tiptronic.

Features on the Cayman include 17-inch alloy wheels, automatic climate control, heated seats, head and thorax airbags, anti-theft system with interior sensor, keyless entry, tire pressure monitoring system, three-spoke leather-wrapped steering wheel, on-board computer, power windows, CD stereo, garage door opener, cruise control, locking glove box and storage compartment, heated mirrors, roof rack system installation preparation, automatically-deployed rear spoiler and fog lamps.

The Cayman S adds 18-inch alloy wheels, red-painted calipers, and aluminum-coloured instrument dials.

Available options include bi-Xenon headlamps, rear wiper, park assist system, fire extinguisher, navigation system and sport exhaust.

Mirroring the Boxster range but with full-weather protection, the Cayman is beautifully styled and is deliciously quick, with the incredible handling inherent to the Porsche brand. A wide range of options and custom interior styling allows buyers to personalize the car specifically, but it doesn't take many ticks in boxes to drive the price very high.