Porsche 718 Cayman T Likely on the Way for 2019
When Porsche submitted a VIN decoder guide to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for its 2019 model year vehicles, AutoGuide noticed a new addition — the 718 Cayman T — back in July. Details were spartan, with most specifications listed as TBD. However, the guides did specify a 2.0-liter powerplant and some weight savings over the standard model.
New details have emerged since then, suggesting the engine may be bigger and more powerful than initially assumed.
According to AutoExpress, the Porsche Cayman T will wedge itself between the ($79,800) GTS and the ($67,700) S models using a tuned version of the 2.5-litre flat-four that develops roughly 360 bhp. Based on that output, it slides right in between them — and without much wiggle room, since there’s only a 15-horsepower difference separating the two.
From AutoExpress:
Weight saving features such as thinner glass, fabric door pulls and sports seats will feature, along with more extreme measures such as the removal of the audio system. These moves should trim around [44 pounds] from the car’s [curb weight].
A collection of Porsche’s most popular add-ons will also be fitted as standard, such as a sports exhaust, the sport chrono package (lowering the ride height by 10mm) and 20-inch alloy wheels.
It sounds like a blast to drive, but perhaps a little less enjoyable to commute in than a vehicle that retained its radio. Consider this Porsche’s last hurrah for the fourth-gen (928) 718 Cayman, much like the Speedster will be for the current 911. Porsche is rumored to be readying an official announcement for the not-too-distant future.
[Image: Porsche]
A staunch consumer advocate tracking industry trends and regulation. Before joining TTAC, Matt spent a decade working for marketing and research firms based in NYC. Clients included several of the world’s largest automakers, global tire brands, and aftermarket part suppliers. Dissatisfied with the corporate world and resentful of having to wear suits everyday, he pivoted to writing about cars. Since then, that man has become an ardent supporter of the right-to-repair movement, been interviewed on the auto industry by national radio broadcasts, driven more rental cars than anyone ever should, participated in amateur rallying events, and received the requisite minimum training as sanctioned by the SCCA. Handy with a wrench, Matt grew up surrounded by Detroit auto workers and managed to get a pizza delivery job before he was legally eligible. He later found himself driving box trucks through Manhattan, guaranteeing future sympathy for actual truckers. He continues to conduct research pertaining to the automotive sector as an independent contractor and has since moved back to his native Michigan, closer to where the cars are born. A contrarian, Matt claims to prefer understeer — stating that front and all-wheel drive vehicles cater best to his driving style.
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Every time I see the right Porsche I think...."The most perfect car I can ever conceive of is right there...why am I even bothering with anything else? Just get one..." And then I remind myself that a mid-engine Corvette is coming.....
My 987 Cayman S was probably the most perfect car I'll ever own. I never understood why people love the sound of the flat 6 so much though. I never cared for the sound of any boxer engines. I haven't driven a 718 yet. I'm concerned about steering feel. The 4 though doesn't bother me.
The 911 T has an upgraded base engine. I expect the same for the Cayman T. So, the 2 liter it'll be.
Wonder if upcoming respective platform replacements will actually reflect the prices this time, or if Porsche will still need conscious Cayman crippleware(s) like four-popper motors and no lsd to keep 911 on top.