The other day.My wife was writing a review article on the 718 Cayman, the bare model (base grade).I would like to report on the following from my perspective.

718 Cayman with full of options

We have previously written test drives of two base grade 718 Caymans, both of which had minimal options.

However, theIn addition to the 20-inch wheels, the new model is equipped with the "three sacred treasures": Sport Chrono Package, PASM, and Sport Exhaust.This will be a very rare individual, with a complete set of

Base grade Caymans are not readily available with a full range of options, and in particular, those with driving options are extremely rare.

The overwhelming majority of these cars have the Sport Chrono Package, but upon closer inspection, they do not have PASM, or they have the Sport Exhaust, but not the Sport Chrono Package.

exterior

Let's start with the exterior.The Jet Black metallic body is very beautiful.Depending on the light, it may look a little bluish, which is very beautiful. Also, since it is a metallic painted blackAnother advantage is that polished scratches are less noticeable than on solid black.

interior

The interior is simply black with standard sport seats, standard dashboard, andParticularly expensive for the exterior and running.It is clear that this is the case.

Engine Characteristics

Now, when you start the engine and drive off, you don't really feel the lack of torque of the MT version that is often mentioned because it is PDK, butWhen you want to accelerate from 3rd or 4th gear at very low rpm, there are times when you may experience a slight hesitation.There are.

There is a slight time lag between the downshift and the engine revving up and supercharging increasing.

But I've said this several times in the past.The base model of the 718 Cayman is definitely more comfortable to drive around town, etc., with the car in Sport mode to begin with.Normal mode is a very eco-friendly control, so it does not fit well with the characteristics of this engine.

In the sport mode, the engine maintains a slightly higher rpm, and since the supercharging is always increased to some extent, the engine responds instantly whenever you step on it. This makes it possible to move around town like a buzzard.

20-inch wheels and PASM

However, thePASM rides very well, despite the 20" optional wheels.It is.

Here is something that I have been feeling recently when I drive various Porsches. That's because, in the case of PorscheIn many cases, larger-diameter optional wheels feel more comfortable to ride on.That's what I mean.

Of course, I don't think this is the case in all cases, but the probability is high.

This case was also before the presence or absence of PASM.This 20-inch model feels much more comfortable to ride than the 18-inch models I have ridden in the past.It is. Perhaps Porsche is tuning the suspension to fit the optional wheels for that model of car.

Since the car is made to be best balanced with heavy, large-diameter wheels, lighter wheels would result in a slightly springy ride at low speeds.

The difference between the 18" and 20" Caymans is especially noticeable, as the 20" rides better, even though they are 2" apart. Of course, we have to deduct the amount of PASM, but I think it is still good enough to make up for the difference.

Returning to the topic of PASM itself, it is stillThere is far less of a lingering shuddering sensation at large inputs in the low speed range.Once at high speeds, there is not much difference between PASM and no PASM, but those who want a comfortable ride at town speeds should definitely add it.

at leastPASM + 20" is the best combination.I think.

Sport Chrono Package

Since this is an individual with the Sport Chrono package, you can change to Sport or Sport Plus mode at the touch of the steering wheel, and it also comes with a Sport Response button that allows you to experience maximum boost for 20 seconds. Also, something that isn't often mentioned.With the Sport Chrono package, the engine mount is not a normal one, but an electronically controlled engine mount called PADM (Porsche Active Drivetrain Mount).The first is to become a

As a side note, the PADM is sometimes frowned upon in 981s, etc., as it is a common failure point, and since parts are expensive, it is said that some units are replaced with regular engine mounts when they fail, so be careful when purchasing a used car.

This PADM is very effective. In the Sport mode of a vehicle without the Sport Chrono Package, the gears drop and the gas pedal response only becomes sharper, but in a vehicle with the Sport Chrono Package, in addition to that, theThe entire chassis feels tighter and more muscular.

So, even if the PASM is not set to sport mode and the legs are not hardened, the driver will feel more stable and grounded when cornering and will move as if he or she has lost a little body fat.

This time the individual was alsoJust by setting the car to sport mode, the driver can get enough ground contact and stability, and cornering is very pleasant.I have raved about the cornering of the 718 many times in past articles, so I won't say too much, but the rear stability gives it a solid feel that the 981 does not have.

Sport exhaust and exhaust note

The engine is a 2018 model, which means no GPF.It is never "quiet".It is something that can be enjoyed at a volume that is normally typical of a sports car. The sound quality is bass-heavy, with a beat similar to that of a V8 from an unequal-length exhaust, which will appeal to those who like it.

With the sport exhaust turned on, the volume seems to have increased slightly, butNot a big difference like the previous generation Cayman.

The bubbling sound when the gas pedal is off is subdued and lightly "bobbing! The bubbling sound when the accelerator is turned off is subdued, and it is like a light "bob!

Attractiveness of the 718 Cayman base grade

The 981 GTS has a faster acceleration feel than the 981 GTS because of its turbocharged engine. Especially when accelerating in 2nd or 3rd gear, it is very fresh to see the car accelerate with thick torque from low rpm. When the rpms are kept above the mid range and the accelerator pedal is depressed, the speed of the car increases with the pleasant sound of the flat 4.

However.The main attraction of this 718 base grade is that it is not so powerful that you can't step out of itThe first is.

Once the engine is cranked to mid to high RPMs, a world without turbo lag awaits, and the exhaust sound, which had a strong beat at low RPMs, is just the right amount of grain.It's turbocharged, so it has plenty of torque and power.The power is not so strong that it pulls your face off the gas pedal. That said, it's not so powerful that it pulls a face, so you can step firmly on the accelerator.

This is the moment when the solid chassis, the power of the engine, and the tuning of the exhaust note come together.

I personally think this area is the base attraction of the 718 Cayman.

Especially on a circuit, I thought I could always keep the car in tune.He wanted a prime 718 Cayman for the track.

If you want to drive in normal mode around town, the S, with its larger displacement, might be a better choice.If you are looking for overwhelming acceleration, power, and high-revving extension, the GTS series would be better. Also, if your goal is to drive fast on the circuit, the GT4I think.

However, I thought the base grade was just right for people like me who simply want to enjoy driving on the circuit.

The base grade of the 718 Cayman is relatively affordable, and there are no major problems with it. Also, in the used car market, driving options are not so highly valued, so it is possible to buy a car with a lot of options.

ifIf I were to buy a 718 Cayman, I would choose the one with Porsche's three divine weapons (Sport Chrono Package, PASM, and Sport Exhaust).Id. At the very least, the Sport Chrono Package and PASM are a must.

Porsche options do not lie. I felt it strongly again this time on this test drive.