2011 Porsche Cayman Review

About this Vehicle

Trim: 2011 Porsche Cayman Base

MSRP: $51,400 Engine: 2.9L H6 Transmission: Automatic

Drivetrain: Fuel Type: Gas Curb Weight: 2,932 lbs.

Review

The Porsche Cayman has always been viewed and admired for its sport, speed and luxury. Over the years, since its inception the vehicle has made dramatic changes, and the 2011 model is no exception. Its elegant lines and a sleek performance make it one of the most desirable luxury sport vehicles on the market. The starting MSRP price for the 2011 Cayman is $51,400. It has a 2.9 liter, six cylinder, 265 horsepower engine that redlines at 7200 revolutions per minute. The 2011 Cayman is available with a manual transmission or as a Porsche Doppelkupplung known as PDK, which is a manual-automatic transmission. The PDK vehicle is more expensive. It has a starting price listed at $54,820.

Performance

As a Porsche, the 2011 Cayman maintains its reputation in excellence as a luxury sport's vehicle. The Cayman has a maximum driving speed of 165 miles per hour and can go from zero to sixty in 5.5 seconds. It is a smooth ride that is always giving the illusion of speed. Even when traveling at high speeds, the car does not feel unstable or strained. It remains constant, smooth, and exquisite. This type of handling is not unique to the 2011 Cayman model; it merely carries on the tradition of quality Porsche engineering.

Options

There are a few minor updates to the 2011 Porsche Cayman. These are features, which were previously unavailable, or optional. They are now included on standard models. The 2011 Cayman is equipped with all the advantages of a luxury vehicle. One such feature is heated exterior mirrors for added convenience in cold winter climate conditions, as well as a heated steering wheel and seats for extra comfort. The glass on the car is also tinted green—a design intended to minimize heat accumulation inside in the sun. The seats double as both a comfortable, luxury seat for long trips or a stylish sport seat and are upholstered in leather.

Safety Features

However, the 2011 Porsche Cayman is incredibly safe, as well. There is remote key locking and a key transponder engine immobilizer. This is a new technology that is designed as a theft deterrent. The key, called a fob, transmits an extremely specific signal that the startup mechanism can detect. The engine cannot start unless the key is present in the vehicle. There is also parking assistance technology included. The 2011 Cayman is equipped with front and side curtain airbags for protection in the event of a collision, as well as side impact damage prevention built into the framework of the vehicle. There is also an optional alarm system.

Competitors

Even though the Porsche has an incredibly distinguished silhouette, accompanied by an even more illustrious reputation, it does have several competitors. These vehicles are often considered alongside the Porsche Cayman. The first is the Mercedes Benz SLK. It is another serious luxury sport car, however, unlike the Cayman the appearance is more of luxury than of sport. Another contender is the BMW M3. It has a more compact appearance, from the exterior. However, the design, actually, makes better use of space on the interior, giving it a roomier feel. Finally, the Chevrolet Corvette is often considered alongside the Cayman. It is certainly a much more affordable option while still offering a sense of sport and style.

Summary

Despite these comparisons, the 2011 Porsche Cayman speaks for itself. It is still a distinctly unique vehicle in design, appearance and performance. The 2011 model is no exception to Porsche's long-standing rapport with luxury and sport.