2014 Porsche Cayman Preview: L.A. Auto Show

The 2014 Porsche Cayman is the long-awaited successor to one of the most popular vehicles in the German automaker’s lineup.  The Porsche Cayman coupe comes hot on the heels of the also-new Boxster roadster, and it offers an evolutionary update of the original Cayman’s styling along with substantial performance upgrades in the engine and chassis department.  There are few compact two-doors on the market – with the exception of perhaps the Nissan 370Z and the Subaru BRZ / Scion FR-S – that capture the imagination of sports car fans quite like the Cayman.

What’s New for the 2014 Porsche Cayman:

• Completely new platform
• Two new engine options
• Better fuel efficiency
• Improved handling
• Revised styling
• Fresh interior

New 2014 Porsche Cayman: Styling and Design

The 2014 Porsche Cayman now looks like a more mature model than when it initially debuted just a few short years ago.  The Cayman is longer and lower for 2014, and the stretched-out appearance of its sheet metal gives it a sleeker, graceful look that was missing from its predecessor.  Inside, Porsche has significantly upgraded the materials used in the Cayman’s interior, continuing the trend it kicked off with the Panamera and adopting several cues and features that were initially offered on the larger sedan as well as the Porsche Cayenne SUV.

New 2014 Porsche Cayman: What’s Under the Hood

Two ‘flat’ six-cylinder engines await 2014 Porsche Cayman buyers.  The base 2.7-liter unit delivers 275 horsepower, while the 3.4-liter mill offered up by the Cayman S is good for 325 ponies.  The latter assists the coupe in reach 60-mph from a standing start in just 4.4 seconds, which is just a bit more than a half a second faster than the entry-level Cayman.  A six-speed manual transmission is included free of charge with the Cayman, while a seven-speed ‘PDK’ dual-clutch automated manual transmission is available as an option.  Porsche is claiming a 15 percent improvement in fuel economy for the coupe, due in part to a significant weight reduction associated with the new platform.

New 2014 Porsche Cayman: Features and Technology

Aside from its facelift, the revised chassis is really the most exciting aspect of the 2014 Porsche Cayman, as it should guarantee even more precocious handling from the most affordable coupe in the company’s lineup.  The vehicle can also be outfitted with the Sport Chrono package, keyless entry, and adaptive cruise control.

New 2014 Porsche Cayman: What Autobytel Thinks

With a base MSRP of $52,600, it’s getting harder and harder to conceal the fact that the 2014 Porsche Cayman is the biggest bargain in the Porsche showroom from a performance perspective.  While it might not have the prestige of the 911 coupe, it has always had the handling and the go, and now with an even lighter chassis and an exterior design that could legitimately be described as ‘lovely,’ the Cayman is a more formidable 911 foe than ever before.