2017 Porsche 718 Cayman turbo models debut

After bringing out the 718 Boxster, Porsche has pulled the covers off their new model, the 2017 718 Cayman, at the 2016 Beijing Auto Show. The new Cayman will be priced lower than the Boxster, making it the first Cayman to be less expensive than the Boxster convertible.

The new Cayman has a revised front bumper with larger intakes. The cooling ducts on the flank of the Cayman which were used to feed the engine with air have been redesigned to enhance the air flow to the engine. The front also receives new indicator lights and slightly tweaked headlights. At the rear, the new tail lights are connected by a horizontal strip with a Porsche badge on it. The updated diffuser and the new tail pipes gel well with the design of the altered rear bumper.

Inside, the little Porsche receives a 918-inspired steering wheel mounted on the revised dash. The updated Porsche communication feature supports Apple CarPlay. The optional Sports Chrono Package adds a rotary dial on the wheel to toggle between the Normal, Sport, Sport Plus and individual driving modes.

The engine range have gone through a thorough makeover, with the 6-cylinder ones being replaced by two all-new motors. A 2.0-litre flat-4 unit replaces the old 2.7-litre flat-6 motor and it produces 296 hp of power and 380 Nm of torque. The same engine, in 2.5-litre guise, replaces the 3.4-litre flat-6 in the 718 Cayman S and it is good enough to churn out 345 hp and 420 Nm. As a result, the Cayman will go from 0 to 100 kph in 4.7 seconds while the Cayman S takes just 4.2 seconds. The gearboxes on offer are a 6-speed manual and a 7-speed PDK dual clutch automatic.

Expect the new models to go on sale in the UAE, Saudi Arabia and other GCC countries by summer this year.