The Porsche 718 Cayman (982) S 2.5, produced from 2016 to 2018, represents a significant evolution in Porsche’s mid-engine sports car lineage. Part of the 982 generation, it marked a return to the four-cylinder engine configuration for the Cayman, a move that sparked debate among enthusiasts but ultimately delivered a compelling blend of performance and efficiency. Positioned in the premium sports car segment, the 718 Cayman S aimed to provide a more accessible entry point into the Porsche sports car world while still offering the brand’s signature driving dynamics. This model specifically, the 2.5-liter S variant equipped with the Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK) dual-clutch transmission, delivers 350 horsepower and is a notable performer on both the road and the track.
Porsche 718 Cayman (982) S 2.5: A Detailed Overview
The 982 generation Cayman represented a substantial redesign over its predecessor, the 981. While retaining the core mid-engine layout and two-seat configuration, the 718 introduced a new engine family and revised styling. The “718” designation pays homage to Porsche’s historic 718 series of race cars from the late 1950s and early 1960s, known for their lightweight construction and nimble handling. The S 2.5 model, with its turbocharged four-cylinder engine, became a cornerstone of the 718 lineup, offering a balance between power, responsiveness, and fuel economy.
Engine & Performance
At the heart of the 718 Cayman S 2.5 lies a 2.5-liter turbocharged flat-four engine, designated MDD.NC. This engine produces 350 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 309.78 lb.-ft. of torque available from 1,900 to 4,500 rpm. The use of turbocharging, combined with direct fuel injection, allows for a broad torque curve and impressive responsiveness. The engine’s power-to-liter ratio is a notable 140.2 hp/l. Paired with the seven-speed PDK dual-clutch transmission, the Cayman S 2.5 achieves a 0-60 mph time of approximately 4.2 seconds (calculated by Auto-Data.net), and a 0-100 km/h time of 4.4 seconds. Top speed is electronically limited to 177.09 mph (285 km/h). The engine’s longitudinal, mid-mounted layout contributes to excellent weight distribution and balanced handling. The engine oil capacity is 5.7 liters (6.02 US qt / 5.02 UK qt).
Design & Features
The 718 Cayman S 2.5 is a two-door coupe with a sleek, aerodynamic profile. Its body is constructed primarily of aluminum and steel, contributing to a curb weight of 3,053.4 lbs (1385 kg). The design emphasizes Porsche’s signature styling cues, including prominent wheel arches, a low-slung silhouette, and distinctive headlights. The car features a relatively small trunk space of 11.8 cu. ft (334 l), typical for a mid-engine sports car. Inside, the cabin is driver-focused, with supportive seats, a well-appointed dashboard, and a range of modern technology features. Safety features include ABS (Anti-lock braking system) and ventilated disc brakes on all four wheels. The car’s dimensions are 172.4 inches (4379 mm) in length, 70.91 inches (1801 mm) in width, and 50.55 inches (1284 mm) in height. The wheelbase measures 97.44 inches (2475 mm). The drag coefficient is 0.31, contributing to aerodynamic efficiency.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Porsche |
| Model | 718 |
| Generation | 718 Cayman (982) |
| Type (Engine) | S 2.5 (350 Hp) PDK |
| Start of production | September, 2016 |
| End of production | September, 2018 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Coupe |
| Seats | 2 |
| Doors | 2 |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – urban | 9.5 l/100 km (24.8 US mpg, 29.7 UK mpg, 10.5 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – extra urban | 6 l/100 km (39.2 US mpg, 47.1 UK mpg, 16.7 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – combined | 7.3 l/100 km (32.2 US mpg, 38.7 UK mpg, 13.7 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 167 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 4.4 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 4.4 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 4.2 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 200 km/h | 15.0 sec |
| Maximum speed | 285 km/h (177.09 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 6 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 4 kg/Hp, 252.7 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 3.3 kg/Nm, 303.2 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 350 Hp @ 6500 rpm |
| Power per litre | 140.2 Hp/l |
| Torque | 420 Nm @ 1900-4500 rpm (309.78 lb.-ft. @ 1900-4500 rpm) |
| Maximum engine speed | 7500 rpm |
| Engine layout | Middle, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | MDD.NC |
| Engine displacement | 2497 cm3 (152.38 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Boxer |
| Cylinder Bore | 102 mm (4.02 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 76.4 mm (3.01 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 9.5:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Direct injection |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Engine oil capacity | 5.7 l (6.02 US qt | 5.02 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1385 kg (3053.4 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1695 kg (3736.84 lbs.) |
| Max load | 310 kg (683.43 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 334 l (11.8 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 64 l (16.91 US gal | 14.08 UK gal) |
| Length | 4379 mm (172.4 in.) |
| Width | 1801 mm (70.91 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 1994 mm (78.5 in.) |
| Height | 1284 mm (50.55 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2475 mm (97.44 in.) |
| Front track | 1515 mm (59.65 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1540 mm (60.63 in.) |
| Drag coefficient (Cd) | 0.31 |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 10.98 m (36.02 ft.) |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 7 gears, automatic transmission PDK |
| Front suspension | Independent, type McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar |
| Rear suspension | McPherson |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Tires size | 235/40 ZR 19; 265/40 ZR 19 |
| Wheel rims size | 8J x 19 ET 57; 10J x 19 ET 45 |
The Porsche 718 Cayman S 2.5 (982) represents a compelling package for driving enthusiasts. Its combination of a potent turbocharged engine, precise handling, and sophisticated technology makes it a formidable competitor in the sports car market. While the shift to a four-cylinder engine was initially met with some resistance, the 718 Cayman S ultimately proved to be a worthy successor to the beloved mid-engine Porsche tradition.
