Talk about the lack of test drive reports on generations such as the 987, 997, 986, 996, etc.YoutubeI have just had the opportunity to cover a late model 987 Cayman, and I would like to report on it.

Late model 987, Cayman base model

This time, we will test drive a late model Cayman 987.becomes.

In the later model, the engine was changed from 2.7L to 2.9L and the power was increased to 265ps. It should be noted that in the later 987 models, the S engine is a direct injection engine, but the engine in this base model remains port injection, making it the last port injection engine.

This is a "bare bones" model with almost no options other than the optional 18" wheels. Therefore, this is a good model to confirm the quality of the Cayman.

About PDK's workmanship

As with other Porsches of this era, the startup is not as spectacular.

From this later model, the Tiptronic was replaced by PDK for the AT.I had heard many negative rumors about this PDK, such as that it was jerky at low speeds and that it did not downshift well, but at least for this particular unit, it was perfectly fine.

The car starts off so smoothly that at first I thought it was a Tiptronic, and the car launches itself with good use of the half-second clutch. For example, comparing the 991.1 and 991.2, the 991.2 has a more direct feel at launch, meaning that the half-crank time is shorter, and the 992 has a smoother feel.

The 987's PDK feels very moist, yet not at all slippery like a regular AT.

The shifting shock was almost imperceptible, and I would even venture to say that it felt like an evolved version of Tiptronic.

The owner did not seem to have such a negative impression of PDK, only that it sometimes jolts a little when going back and forth between first and second gear in town. But he said it doesn't bother him that much.

As for shifting gears, it is also faster than I had imagined.To compare, the shifting speed is about as fast as a pre-971 Panamera, and it is not nearly as stressful. This would be much worse than a DCT in a modern supercar.

The downshifts give the impression that the revs are matched in a semi-clarified manner, rather than blipping as in Porsches from the 981 onward. This is a sign of the times, but that does not mean that the downshifts are uncomfortable, and the car changes gears very smoothly.

The owner sometimes dares to blip the accelerator pedal manually by himself by lightly agitating the accelerator pedal.And that kind of usage is one of the ways to enjoy PDK in this era.

Cayman Handling

This unit has a normal suspension without PASM, but the ride is very comfortable. 718 without PASM, for example, may seem a little twitchy depending on the combination with wheels, but this 987's legs are not like that.

However.Compared to the 981 and later, the sound from the suspension is louder, much like the feeling of a 911 from the air-cooled era.There is a thump, thump sound coming from the rear when the car goes over a bump. However, as with air-cooled Porsches, the impact is hardly noticeable in comparison to the sound.

As one might expect, there are some aspects of the NVH process that feel dated, but in a good way, this gives the car an analog feel. As a driver of an air-cooled Porsche 964, I could see it as a Cayman that retains the good old Porsche flavor.

Entering a curve, the Cayman turns with a moderate roll, but the car is firm and turns with a firm grip on the road. However, it is not as nimble as the 718, especially the Cayman T. It even has a good sense of massiveness, and the car turns with a strong sense of security and security.

Cayman (987) and 718 Cayman T

It also has a strong analog feel, and the car's behavior changes from moment to moment depending on how the load is applied and when the steering wheel is turned. It is very pleasing to steer early and early, and to go through curves in a straight line while controlling the accelerator pedal appropriately. Porsche has always been known as a car that turns with the accelerator, and I believe that this generation still retains a strong sense of control from that era.

besidesThe moderate underpowered 265ps is just right for enjoying the winding roads of Japan.The feeling of power to step out of the car and the pure, unadorned engine and exhaust sounds are very pleasing.

So there is a strong sense of control. I think that's what makes it interesting, and I don't think I ever get tired of it.

Between modern cars and classics

This time, after driving the 987 Cayman, I can say that it is truly a Cayman that retains the qualities of a classic Porsche.

Speed is justice, and for those who think it's fun, a modern 718 or similar would be a good choice,I would like to see this car driven only by mature drivers who can appreciate the "depth" of the ride.It's a really well-balanced Cayman, and I think if you go touring with it, you'll want to keep going.

It's the Cayman that has that kind of partner feel.

The 987 is available now at an affordable used price, so please try to find a high quality fully stocked unit like this.
I think it is one of the best and longest-lasting Porsches in terms of cost performance.