The Porsche 718 Cayman (982) S 2.5, produced from January 2019 to June 2020, represents a significant evolution in Porsche’s mid-engine sports car lineage. As the successor to the 981 Cayman, the 982 generation marked a shift towards turbocharged four-cylinder engines, aiming to balance performance with improved fuel efficiency. The “S 2.5” designation indicates the higher-performance variant within the 718 range, equipped with a 2.5-liter turbocharged flat-four engine producing 350 horsepower. Positioned in the premium sports car segment, the 718 Cayman S competes with models like the Audi TT RS, BMW M2, and Chevrolet Corvette.
Porsche 718 Cayman (982) S 2.5: An Overview
The 718 Cayman S 2.5 is a two-seat, two-door coupe characterized by its mid-engine layout and rear-wheel drive configuration. This design contributes to exceptional handling balance and a focused driving experience. The introduction of the 718 series was met with some debate among Porsche enthusiasts due to the departure from the naturally aspirated six-cylinder engines of previous generations. However, the turbocharged four-cylinder engines offered comparable, and in some cases, superior performance, alongside advancements in technology and efficiency. The PDK (Porsche Doppelkupplung) 7-speed dual-clutch transmission is a key component of the vehicle’s performance capabilities, providing rapid and seamless gear changes.
Engine & Performance
At the heart of the 718 Cayman S 2.5 lies a 2.5-liter horizontally opposed (boxer) four-cylinder engine, designated MDD.NC. This engine utilizes direct fuel injection and a single turbocharger with an intercooler to generate 350 horsepower at 6500 rpm and 420 Nm (309.78 lb.-ft.) of torque between 2100 and 4500 rpm. The power-to-liter ratio is an impressive 140.2 hp/l. The engine’s mid-engine, longitudinal layout optimizes weight distribution, enhancing agility and responsiveness. Coupled with the PDK transmission, the Cayman S 2.5 achieves a 0-60 mph (0-96.6 km/h) acceleration time of approximately 4.0 seconds, and a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) time of 4.2-4.4 seconds. The vehicle boasts a maximum speed of 285 km/h (177.09 mph). The engine also incorporates a particulate filter to meet stringent Euro 6d-TEMP-EVAP-ISC emission standards.
Design & Features
The 718 Cayman S 2.5 features a sleek, aerodynamic coupe body style. Its design emphasizes a low center of gravity and efficient airflow. The vehicle’s dimensions include a length of 4379 mm (172.4 in), a width of 1801 mm (70.91 in), and a height of 1295 mm (50.98 in). The wheelbase measures 2475 mm (97.44 in). The Cayman’s design incorporates elements of Porsche’s classic styling cues, such as the prominent headlights and sculpted body lines. Inside, the cabin is driver-focused, with a modern dashboard layout and high-quality materials. Standard features include a touchscreen infotainment system, sport seats, and a comprehensive suite of safety systems, including ABS (Anti-lock Braking System). The trunk offers a maximum capacity of 150 liters (5.3 cu. ft.), providing limited but adequate storage space for a sports car. The car’s curb weight is 1385 kg (3053.4 lbs), contributing to its agile handling characteristics.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Porsche |
| Model | 718 |
| Generation | 718 Cayman (982) |
| Type (Engine) | S 2.5 (350 Hp) PDK |
| Start of production | January, 2019 |
| End of production | June, 2020 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Coupe |
| Seats | 2 |
| Doors | 2 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 11.8 l/100 km (19.9 US mpg, 23.9 UK mpg, 8.5 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 6.5 l/100 km (36.2 US mpg, 43.5 UK mpg, 15.4 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 8.5 l/100 km (27.7 US mpg, 33.2 UK mpg, 11.8 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 193 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 4.2-4.4 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 4.2-4.4 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 4 sec |
| Maximum speed | 285 km/h (177.09 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 6d-TEMP-EVAP-ISC |
| 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 @ 2100-4500 rpm (309.78 lb.-ft. @ 2100-4500 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Middle, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | MDD.NC |
| Engine displacement | 2497 cm3 (152.38 cu. in.) |
| Engine configuration | Boxer |
| Cylinder Bore | 102 mm (4.02 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 76.4 mm (3.01 in.) |
| 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 – maximum | 150 l (5.3 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 | 1295 mm (50.98 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2475 mm (97.44 in.) |
| Front track | 1515 mm (59.65 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1539 mm (60.59 in.) |
| Drag coefficient (Cd) | 0.31 |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 7 gears, automatic transmission PDK |
| Front suspension | Independent type McPherson |
| Rear suspension | McPherson |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Tires size | 235/40 ZR19 92Y; 265/40 ZR19 98Y |
| Wheel rims size | 19 |
The Porsche 718 Cayman S 2.5 (982) represents a compelling blend of performance, technology, and driving dynamics. While the shift to turbocharged engines sparked debate, the 982 generation cemented the Cayman’s position as a formidable contender in the sports car market, offering a refined and engaging driving experience.
