Porsche Cayman

 

When word began to percolate that Porsche would release a closed-roof version of the Boxster, I mentally shrugged. The Boxster is a sweet-handling thoroughbred, likely the best traditional open-topped sports car made, but generally just putting a roof on a roadster doesn't equate to increased thrills.

It turns out Porsche wasn't content with just putting a roof on the Boxster. The Cayman dials up the excitement on several fronts--more power, scalpel-like handling, and elegant new looks.

Just look at it--it's lovely. Traditional Porsche lines dictate a clean front with two round-ish headlights, with a bustling, thick derriere. The Cayman is the best execution of that theme yet, with a curvaceous, aggressive look culminating in a breathtakingly voluptuous rear.

Porsche also took advantage of the Boxster's dynamically correct mid-engined layout and the stiffness of a closed-roof setup to make the Cayman a feast for the driving senses. More power and near-race-car handling make the Cayman a more exciting at-the-limit performer than the more relaxed Boxster.

The Cayman is so fundamentally right that if developed to anything close to its limits, it would be able to run with or beyond its big brother, the legendary 911, for much less money. Porsche, in its infinite wisdom, has detuned the Cayman to ensure this doesn't happen, but frankly even at the same price I'd opt for a full-caffeine Cayman over a decaf 911 any day.

The Porsche USA site is pretty obviously a great place for Cayman reference and is the source of these breathtaking photos.