The Porsche Cayman. Often dubbed the “entry-level Porsche,” or the “starter Porsche.” Positioned slightly below the iconic 911 Carrera in both power and price, it’s easy to pigeonhole the 2014 Porsche Cayman Coupe as the junior member of the Porsche family. However, to dismiss it as merely a stepping stone would be a grave error. After spending a week thoroughly immersed in the experience of the 2014 Cayman Coupe S, navigating city streets, cruising highways, and carving through mountain roads, it became abundantly clear: this “Baby Porsche” is a serious contender in its own right, and a phenomenal sports car for driving enthusiasts. It not only met but exceeded every preconceived expectation.
| STATS | Starting Retail Price | As Tested Price | HP / Lb-Ft |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 Porsche Cayman S | $63,800 | $88,625 | 325 / 272 |
| EPA Rating MPG | As Tested MPG | ||
| Rating: BUY IT! | 20 / 28 | n/a |
Performance and Specs of the 2014 Porsche Cayman Coupe
Under the hood, the 2014 Cayman Coupe S boasts a potent 3.4L flat-6 engine, delivering a robust 325 horsepower and 272 lb/ft of torque. My test model, thankfully, was equipped with the coveted optional Sport Chrono package and a 6-speed manual transmission. While a 7-speed PDK dual-clutch transmission is also available, the manual option truly elevates the driving engagement. The Cayman S achieves 0-60 mph in a brisk 4.7 seconds with the manual, just a hair behind the PDK’s 4.6 seconds (or an even quicker 4.4 seconds with Launch Control). Top speed with the manual gearbox reaches an impressive 175 mph, slightly edging out the PDK’s 174 mph.
While the numbers might suggest a marginal performance difference, the manual transmission in the 2014 Porsche Cayman Coupe is the enthusiast’s choice. The PDK is undoubtedly a stellar dual-clutch gearbox, but the sheer joy of manually rowing through the gears is unmatched for driving purists. The clutch pedal offers a satisfying weight, and the gear lever is strategically positioned close to the steering wheel, facilitating rapid and precise shifts. The pedal placement is also ideally configured for effortless heel-toe downshifts, even for those with smaller feet.
The Driving Experience: Electromechanical Steering and Driving Modes
Let’s address the elephant in the room: the steering. For the 2014 model year, Porsche transitioned from the beloved hydraulic power steering to an electromechanical system in the Cayman Coupe. This change initially sparked concern among Porsche aficionados, but any apprehension quickly dissipated once behind the wheel. The new electromechanical steering in the 2014 Porsche Cayman Coupe is simply exceptional. It’s characterized by its quickness, precision, and substantial weight, delivering an almost flawless steering feel. While there might be a subtle reduction in absolute road feel compared to the hydraulic predecessor, it’s negligible and in no way detracts from the sheer driving pleasure the Cayman S provides.
The 2014 Cayman Coupe offers a spectrum of driving modes to suit various conditions and driving styles. “Normal” mode is perfectly calibrated for everyday driving, providing ample acceleration while maintaining a more forgiving ride quality for navigating city streets. Engaging “Sport” mode, now a standard feature, sharpens the throttle response and relaxes the traction control, while the steering feel remains consistent. For an even firmer ride, a separate button tightens the chassis, stiffening the suspension noticeably. However, this setting might be too firm for daily commuting. “Sport Plus” mode takes everything to the extreme, unleashing the full potential of the Cayman Coupe, but it’s truly best reserved for the controlled environment of a racetrack, as public roads simply can’t do it justice – not to mention the presence of other drivers.
The “Sport” button also conveniently deactivates the automatic start/stop system, a component of the fuel management system designed to enhance efficiency. This system contributes to the Cayman S achieving respectable EPA ratings of 20 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. In practice, the system operates seamlessly: approaching a stop, shifting to neutral, and releasing the clutch smoothly shuts off the engine. When the light changes, pressing the clutch and engaging gear restarts the engine swiftly, ensuring you’re still quick off the line.
Interior Comfort and Features of the 2014 Cayman Coupe
Inside the cabin, the seats of the 2014 Porsche Cayman Coupe strike a perfect balance, offering sufficient comfort for extended road trips while providing excellent lateral support for spirited driving. The wheelbase of the 2014 model is slightly extended compared to its predecessor, resulting in a subtly more spacious cabin. At 5’9”, I found ample headroom and still had considerable seat adjustment range remaining. Remarkably, a taller and larger friend (6’4” and 250 pounds) also found himself comfortably accommodated behind the wheel. Staying true to Porsche tradition, the tachometer takes center stage in the instrument cluster, flanked by the speedometer on the left and a configurable gauge on the right, displaying navigation, temperature, audio information, and more. The steering wheel feels substantial in hand, wrapped in supple leather, although a flat-bottom design would be a welcome ergonomic enhancement.
The infotainment system, while functional, isn’t the most intuitive on the market, but it effectively handles its intended tasks. This particular test car was equipped with an optional Burmester audio system boasting 12 speakers and 800 watts of power. While undoubtedly impressive, its hefty $6,730 price tag seems excessive. Personally, I found myself preferring the natural symphony of the flat-six engine to even the most high-fidelity audio playback.
Handling and Agility: Conquering Mountain Roads in the Cayman Coupe
The true brilliance of the 2014 Porsche Cayman Coupe shines when tackling challenging roads. I had the opportunity to drive the Cayman on a winding mountain road in both wet and dry conditions on the same day. Given the damp pavement, a layer of wet leaves, and the fact that the Pirelli P-Zero summer tires on the 19-inch wheels had likely endured considerable enthusiastic driving by previous journalists, I opted to keep traction control engaged for the initial runs through the Appalachian mountains. The car momentarily stepped out of line once, but the electronic stability system intervened swiftly and seamlessly. By afternoon, the roads had dried considerably, and it was time to push the limits. With traction control deactivated, the Cayman Coupe exhibits a remarkable characteristic: it consistently feels poised right on the edge of grip, yet remains remarkably reluctant to actually lose traction. When the limit is eventually reached, a subtle steering correction is all it takes to bring it back in line. The car possesses an almost telepathic quality, anticipating driver inputs a fraction of a second before they occur, yet subtly gives the driver the sense of being fully in control.
Design and Aesthetics: The Visually Striking 2014 Cayman Coupe
Visually, the new generation Cayman Coupe for 2014 presents a more mature and muscular stance, while paradoxically weighing approximately 66 pounds less than its predecessor. The enlarged air intakes, crucial for cooling the mid-mounted engine, contribute to its aggressive front fascia. However, the 2014 Cayman Coupe is arguably most captivating when viewed from the rear. While subjective, the rear design is undeniably striking, featuring a spoiler seamlessly integrated into the taillights, blending athleticism with refined aesthetics.
Options and Pricing: Is the 2014 Porsche Cayman Coupe Worth the Investment?
The 2014 Cayman Coupe S starts at a base price of $63,800, but the test model came equipped with a selection of optional extras, some more essential than others. Porsche Torque Vectoring (PTV) at $1,320, which applies braking to the inside rear wheel during cornering, enhances agility. However, it necessitates the Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) option for an additional $1,790 and the sport suspension for $1,235. The Sport Chrono package, adding $1,850, is almost indispensable for track enthusiasts, providing the crucial Sport Plus button. Disappointingly, the test car lacked the Sport Exhaust System, a $2,825 option, but for those who appreciate the visceral growl of a flat-six engine, it’s a worthwhile consideration.
Of course, the customization possibilities for the 2014 Porsche Cayman Coupe are extensive, and it’s easy to push the price into 911 territory with numerous options. Whether these additions are justified ultimately depends on individual budgets and preferences.
Competition and Market Positioning of the 2014 Cayman Coupe
In the realm of two-door, two-seat, hard-top sports cars, the 2014 Porsche Cayman Coupe occupies a rather unique space with limited direct rivals. The Jaguar XK could be considered a potential competitor in terms of rear-wheel drive configuration, but it carries a higher price tag and, despite possessing more power, exhibits a slower 0-60 mph time. The Jaguar F-Type comes closer in spirit, but its convertible nature positions it more as a competitor to the Porsche Boxster, as does the BMW Z4. The Audi TTS, with its all-wheel-drive system, could be loosely considered in the same category, but for those prioritizing rear-wheel-drive dynamics, it’s not a direct cross-shop. In essence, the 2014 Porsche Cayman Coupe carves out its own niche.
Conclusion: The Verdict on the 2014 Porsche Cayman Coupe
On the TFLcar scale of:
- Buy it!
- Lease it!
- Rent it!
- … or Forget it!
The 2014 Porsche Cayman Coupe unequivocally earns a resounding BUY IT! It’s a driver-focused machine that seamlessly transitions between a comfortable daily driver, an exhilarating corner carver, and a capable track car, all while upholding the high standards of luxury and build quality synonymous with the Porsche brand. For those seeking a truly exceptional sports car experience, the 2014 Porsche Cayman Coupe remains a top contender and an incredibly compelling alternative, even when considering its more illustrious sibling, the 911.
