Tested: Porsche Cayman GTS

Di Alessandro Marrone

The great thing about taking part at the preview of the first edition of Verona Legend Cars has been the opportunity to take advantage of a number of visitors still small. And although our Team has attended, as official media partner for the entire duration of the fair, which has increased its numbers with the weekend, on Friday I stopped at the stand of Porsche Italy for a very special test drive. Cars available for the test were four: a Panamera, a Macan, a Cayenne and a Cayman, the latter was a GTS. Unfortunately, the beautiful and asphalt-eater GT4 was inside on display and it was impossible to drive, so, I obviously opted for its little sister. What for others could be a short “driving experience” has become, thanks to the time available to us, a real test, a little ‘fast maybe, but still a way to learn more about the best Cayman ever. Until now.

Red with black wheels, she is waiting for me and without even losing a second for admiring her sexy lines, I get on board and turn the key (on the left, but by now you all know that). The roar of the engine makes it clear that this Porsche is not joking. I leave the outdoor area of the Fair in “Normal” mode and the PDK proves immediately to be responsive without even make you realize that at the end of the long driveway you are already in fifth gear. Entered the motorway and enabling “Sport +”, leads the needle of the tachometer to the limiter and makes the sport exhaust even more aggressive. The Cayman GTS is essentially a Cayman S: its 3.4cc that delivers 340-hp on the rear wheels only is enough for well over 90% of all of us and on track, the magic allowed by a perfect weights balance and an incredible chassis, would give confirmation. On road, you capture glances, sitting comfortably in a cabin where you still have it all: sat navigator, comfortable sports seats, infotainment and a general layout suitable for any situation. When you open your window downshifting, you make the 6 cylinders screaming behind you. Maximum torque of 380Nm arrives between 4750 and 5800 rpm. At that time, after being already pushed to the seat, the acceleration is emphasized by this continuous progression, just before up shifting and keeping undeterred to chew speed.

The Cayman GTS is a sharper and even more communicative Cayman S. The frightening nonchalance with which she can go from being a nice pet kitten to scratch like a wild cat is unique. And then look how beautiful she is now. Yes, I like it and think it is the best Cayman ever made … until the GT4.

PORSCHE CAYMAN GTS (2014-)

Layout – mid-rear engined, rear wheel drive

Engine – 6 cylinder 3.436cc

Transmission – 7-speed automatic gearbox

Power – 340 hp @ 7400 rpm

380 Nm @ 4750-5800 rpm

Weight – 1375 kg

Acceleration – 4,8 sec.

Top Speed – 283 kph

Price – from €76.000