SPOT.
Photo of a Porsche Cayman

Porsche Cayman

718 Cayman GT4 RS: a GT3-derived flat-six, 493 hp and a 9,000 rpm redline.1

Researched October 29, 2026 from 44 sources

Also called

  • Boxster coupeShorthand for the Cayman's shared Boxster underpinnings and fixed roof; Porsche insisted it was a separate model.23

At a glance

0250500
242–493 hpPower
0510
3.4–6.1 s0–100 km/h
0175350
260–315 km/hTop speed
0250500
273–450 N·mTorque
07501,500
1,310–1,451 kgWeight

The coral arc spans the family, from its mildest version to its wildest.16914

Engine
2.7–4.0 L flat-six; 718 adds 2.0/2.5 L turbo flat-fours19
Layout
Mid-engine, rear-wheel drive4
Gearbox
5/6-speed manuals; 5-speed Tiptronic replaced by 7-speed PDK in 20096
Built at
Valmet, Finland; Karmann/Osnabrück and Zuffenhausen, Germany49

The story

The Cayman S arrived in 2005 to fill the gap between Boxster S and 911 Carrera. Its fixed roof stiffened the shared Boxster mid-engine platform; Cayman is an alternate spelling of caiman, an alligator relative.45

2005: 987 Cayman S debuts20052009: 987.2: new engines, PDK replaces Tiptronic20092012: 981 unveiled on an all-new platform20122015: First GT4: Carrera S heart, GT3 chassis20152016: 982 becomes 718; turbo fours arrive20162020: GTS 4.0 brings six cylinders back20202021: GT4 RS: 9,000 rpm and PDK only20212023: Manthey GT4 RS laps in 7:03.12120232025: Cayman production ends2025 Porsche Boxster (986): 1996–2004986Porsche Cayman (987): 2005–2012987Porsche Cayman (981): 2013–2016981Porsche 718 Cayman (982): 2016–2025982 1995200020052010201520202025
GenerationsBefore and afterMilestones468928
Show the numbers
YearWhat happened
1996–2004Porsche Boxster (986)
2005–2012Porsche Cayman (987)
2013–2016Porsche Cayman (981)
2016–2025Porsche 718 Cayman (982)
2005987 Cayman S debuts
2009987.2: new engines, PDK replaces Tiptronic
2012981 unveiled on an all-new platform
2015First GT4: Carrera S heart, GT3 chassis
2016982 becomes 718; turbo fours arrive
2020GTS 4.0 brings six cylinders back
2021GT4 RS: 9,000 rpm and PDK only
2023Manthey GT4 RS laps in 7:03.121
2025Cayman production ends
  1. 2005

    987 Cayman S debuts

    A 3.4 L flat-six and six-speed manual put the new Cayman S between Boxster S and 911 Carrera in price and performance.45

  2. 2009

    987.2: new engines, PDK replaces Tiptronic

    The base grows to 2.9 L; the 3.4 L S gains direct injection. The new flat-six drops the intermediate shaft, and seven-speed PDK replaces Tiptronic.67

  3. 2012

    981 unveiled on an all-new platform

    The second Cayman generation gets a new platform. Its 2.7 L base and 3.4 L S reach showrooms in spring 2013 as 2014 models.8910

  4. 2015

    First GT4: Carrera S heart, GT3 chassis

    The first Cayman GT sports car combines a 3.8 L Carrera S-derived flat-six with GT3 chassis parts and a manual. Porsche claims 7:40 at the Nürburgring.11

  5. 2016

    982 becomes 718; turbo fours arrive

    The 718 gets 2.0 L base and 2.5 L S turbo flat-fours, with VTG on the S. More torque comes with a disputed soundtrack.14

  6. 2020

    GTS 4.0 brings six cylinders back

    The GTS 4.0 brings a 394 hp naturally aspirated six. PDK becomes optional on it and the GT4, trimming both 0–100 km/h times by half a second.11213

  7. 2021

    GT4 RS: 9,000 rpm and PDK only

    The GT4 RS gets a GT3-derived flat-six and seven-speed PDK only. Its Nürburgring laps are 7:09.300 over 20.832 km and 7:04.511 over 20.6 km.14

  8. 2023

    Manthey GT4 RS laps in 7:03.121

    The Manthey Kit's aero and chassis changes take the GT4 RS to a 7:03.121 Nürburgring lap, over six seconds quicker than the standard car.15

  9. 2025

    Cayman production ends

    Production ends in October 2025, closing the Cayman and 718 Cayman run that began in 2005.4

Every generation

  • Porsche Boxster
    9861996–2004
  • Porsche Cayman
    9872005–2012
  • Porsche Cayman
    9812013–2016
  • Porsche 718 Cayman
    9822016–2025

Power over the years

From 295 hp to 493 hp in 16 years.

0200400600 2005201020152020 hp 2006 · 295 hp · Cayman S 3.4 L2007 · 242 hp · Cayman 2.7 L2009 · 261 hp · Cayman 2.9 L2009 · 315 hp · Cayman S 3.4 L2014 · 275 hp · Cayman 2.7 L2014 · 325 hp · Cayman S 3.4 L2015 · 385 hp · Cayman GT4 3.8 L2016 · 296 hp · 718 Cayman2016 · 345 hp · 718 Cayman S 2.5 L2019 · 414 hp · 718 Cayman GT4 4.0 L2020 · 394 hp · 718 Cayman GTS 4.02022 · 493 hp · 718 Cayman GT4 RS 493 hp 718 Cayman GT4 RS 295 hp Cayman S 3.4 L
1361011121416
Show the numbers
YearHorsepowerModel
2006295Cayman S 3.4 L
2007242Cayman 2.7 L
2009261Cayman 2.9 L
2009315Cayman S 3.4 L
2014275Cayman 2.7 L
2014325Cayman S 3.4 L
2015385Cayman GT4 3.8 L
2016296718 Cayman
2016345718 Cayman S 2.5 L
2019414718 Cayman GT4 4.0 L
2020394718 Cayman GTS 4.0
2022493718 Cayman GT4 RS

Versions

10 versions worth knowing, with their power.

  • Standard

    Cayman / Cayman S (987)

    2006–2012

  • 718 Cayman T

    Performance

    718 Cayman T

    2020–2025

    296 hp
  • Cayman R

    Performance

    Cayman R

    2011–2012

    330 hp
  • Cayman GT4 (981)

    Performance

    Cayman GT4 (981)

    2015–2016

    385 hp
  • 718 Cayman GT4

    Performance

    718 Cayman GT4

    2019–2025

    414 hp
  • 718 Cayman GT4 RS

    Performance

    718 Cayman GT4 RS

    2022–2025

    493 hp
  • 718 Cayman Style Edition

    Special

    718 Cayman Style Edition

    296 hp
  • Cayman S Porsche Design Edition 1

    Limited

    Cayman S Porsche Design Edition 1

    2007–2008

    295 hp

    777 built

  • Cayman S Sport

    Limited

    Cayman S Sport

    2009

    299 hp

    700 built

  • Cayman S Black Edition

    Limited

    Cayman S Black Edition

    2012

    330 hp

    500 built

How to spot one

Look for

  • 2-seat fastback coupe with a fixed roof and rear hatch.47
  • Early cars have a rounded roof and a narrow hatch nestled between high rear fenders.2
  • 981 and 718 models have large air intakes in the flanks.1
  • 718 models carry a black trim bar between the taillights.1
  • GT4 RS air scoops replace the small rear side windows.14

Year by year

  1. 2009–2012 (987.2)

    LED daytime running lights sit in the front intakes, with redesigned headlights and taillights.7

  2. 2014 model year (981)

    Squarer bodywork and a broad bank of switches down the center console mark the new generation.926

  3. 2015 (981 Black Edition)

    The later Cayman Black Edition pairs black paint with 20-inch Carrera Classic wheels.425

  4. 2017 model year (718)

    A gloss-black strip links redesigned taillights; slim front lamps sit above enlarged cooling intakes.427

  5. 2017 model year (718)

    New upper dash and vents, 918 Spyder-style steering wheel, and PCM screen without a bezel update the cabin.1427

  6. 2021

    Python Green becomes available for the GT4; Race-Tex replaces Alcantara inside the 718 family.13

Don’t confuse it with

  • Porsche Boxster

    Boxster has a fabric convertible roof; Cayman has a fixed roof and a rear hatch.47

  • Photo of a Porsche Cayman
    Cayman
    Photo of a Porsche 911
    Porsche 911

    Porsche 911

    Original Cayman: narrow rear hatch and no rear seats; the period 911 has a rear seating area.234

  • Photo of a Porsche Cayman
    Cayman
    Photo of a 718 Cayman GT4 Clubsport
    718 Cayman GT4 Clubsport

    718 Cayman GT4 Clubsport

    Clubsport uses slick tires and a welded-in cage; road GT4s can also have an optional Clubsport Package with a cage.120

Against its rivals

  • BMW Z4 M Coupe

    Cayman vs BMW Z4 M Coupe

    Quarter-mile time lower is better

    Cayman13.3 s
    BMW Z4 M Coupe13.4 s
    3
  • Lotus Evora Sport 410

    Cayman vs Lotus Evora Sport 410

    0–100 km/h lower is better

    Cayman4.4 s
    Lotus Evora Sport 4104.2 s
    8

Prices

Value today $28.5K–$140.0K3435

Price when newAuction saleValue today
$0$50K$100K$150K$200K 20052010201520202025 Value today: $28,500–$140,000 2006 · $59,695 · US base, S2006 · $68,650 · US as-tested, S2014 · $52,600 · US base, 2.72014 · $63,800 · US base, S2018 · $79,800 · US base 718 GTS; +$1,050 fee 2006 · $59,695 · US Cayman S base price, 2006 model year 2025 · $17,500 · 2007 Cayman 5-speed, 123k miles, BaT2025 · $25,850 · 2014 Cayman PDK, 94k miles, BaT2026 · $80,500 · 2012 Cayman R 6-speed, 43k miles, modified, BaT2026 · $28,500 · 2006 Cayman S 6-speed, 59k miles, BaT2026 · $39,500 · 2006 Cayman S 6-speed, 40k miles, BaT2026 · $44,000 · 2018 718 Cayman, 56k miles, BaT2026 · $68,000 · 2012 Cayman R PDK, 65k miles, BaT2026 · $116,000 · 2016 Cayman GT4, 19k miles, BaT2026 · $118,000 · 2024 718 Cayman GTS 4.0 6-speed, 11k miles, BaT2026 · $180,200 · 2023 718 Cayman GT4 RS Weissach, 10k miles, BaT $180.2K BaT, 2026
23101834363738394041424344
Show the numbers
YearPriceAmountDetail
2006Launch price$59,695US Cayman S base price, 2006 model year
2006Price when new$59,695US base, S
2006Price when new$68,650US as-tested, S
2014Price when new$52,600US base, 2.7
2014Price when new$63,800US base, S
2018Price when new$79,800US base 718 GTS; +$1,050 fee
2025Auction sale$17,5002007 Cayman 5-speed, 123k miles, BaT
2025Auction sale$25,8502014 Cayman PDK, 94k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$80,5002012 Cayman R 6-speed, 43k miles, modified, BaT
2026Auction sale$28,5002006 Cayman S 6-speed, 59k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$39,5002006 Cayman S 6-speed, 40k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$44,0002018 718 Cayman, 56k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$68,0002012 Cayman R PDK, 65k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$116,0002016 Cayman GT4, 19k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$118,0002024 718 Cayman GTS 4.0 6-speed, 11k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$180,2002023 718 Cayman GT4 RS Weissach, 10k miles, BaT
2026Value today$28,500–$140,000

The rest of the story is in the app

The full file tells why each version matters, the legend behind the car and what to check before buying one.

  • Versions

    • Why each of the 10 versions matters

  • Legend

    • 13 stories from its legend
    • “First GT Cayman, claimed 7:40 lap”
    • “Two GT4 RS laps, two circuit lengths”

  • Generations

    • The story of each of the 4 generations

  • Market

    • 6 things to check before buying one
    • Where prices are heading, and why
Read the full file in SPOT

SPOT is free on iPhone. Full car files come with SPOT Plus.

Sources

Every fact on this page links to the source it rests on.

See all 44 sources
  1. Porsche 718 Boxster and Cayman (982) - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  2. First Drive: 2006 Porsche Cayman S caranddriver.com
  3. Tested: 2006 BMW Z4 M Coupe vs. 2006 Porsche Cayman S caranddriver.com
  4. Porsche Boxster and Cayman - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  5. Model Cayman S (type 987) | Porsche Australia porsche.com
  6. Porsche Boxster and Cayman (987) - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  7. Porsche 987 Boxster and Cayman Buying Guide - Chelsea Carrera chelseacarrera.com
  8. Used Porsche Cayman GT4 (981, 2015 – 2016) review: a flat-six hero from £55k | evo evo.co.uk
  9. Porsche Boxster and Cayman (981) - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  10. Porsche at the 2013 North American International Auto Show prnewswire.com
  11. The new Porsche Cayman GT4 - Porsche Newsroom newsroom.porsche.com
  12. The new 718 GTS 4.0: Six cylinders, naturally aspirated, manual gearbox - Porsche Newsroom USA newsroom.porsche.com
  13. Porsche dual-clutch transmission now also for flagship 718 models - Porsche Newsroom newsroom.porsche.com
  14. The new Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS - Porsche Newsroom newsroom.porsche.com
  15. Manthey Kit Announced for Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS - Porsche Newsroom USA newsroom.porsche.com
  16. Used Porsche 718 Cayman (Mk3, 2016-2025) review: one of the UK’s best sports cars | Auto Express autoexpress.co.uk
  17. Porsche introduces Boxster GTS and Cayman GTS models prnewswire.com
  18. 2012 Porsche Cayman R 6-Speed for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $80,500 on May 1, 2026 (Lot #240,555) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  19. The rebel - Porsche Newsroom newsroom.porsche.com
  20. 2022 Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 | Munich | RM Sotheby's rmsothebys.com
  21. The new Porsche 718 Style Edition models - Porsche Newsroom newsroom.porsche.com
  22. Porsche Design To Show Special-Edition Cayman In Frankfurt jalopnik.com
  23. Porsche Cayman For Sale - BaT Auctions bringatrailer.com
  24. Cayman S Black Edition: Limited to 500 | Excellence | The Magazine About Porsche excellence-mag.com
  25. All in black: Cayman Black Edition - Porsche Newsroom newsroom.porsche.com
  26. 2014 Porsche Cayman 2.7 First Test - Motor Trend motortrend.com
  27. The new Porsche 718 Cayman - Porsche Newsroom newsroom.porsche.com
  28. The Ultimate Buying Guide for Porsche 981 Cayman Boxster 9werks.co.uk
  29. Porsche 718 Cayman review - does fewer cylinders mean less fun? | evo evo.co.uk
  30. Pinky Lai - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  31. Porsche and the four cylinder flat engine - Porsche Newsroom newsroom.porsche.com
  32. Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS Clubsport thrills racing customers worldwide - Porsche Newsroom newsroom.porsche.com
  33. Master Porsche Racing Icons in Forza Motorsport forza.net
  34. 2006 Porsche Cayman S 6-Speed for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $28,500 on October 9, 2026 (Lot #267,597) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  35. 2016 Porsche Cayman GT4 | Dare to Dream Collection | RM Sotheby's rmsothebys.com
  36. Sharper design, greater performance – the 2018 Porsche 718 GTS Models - Porsche Newsroom USA newsroom.porsche.com
  37. Original-Owner 2007 Porsche Cayman 5-Speed for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $17,500 on May 6, 2025 (Lot #190,507) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  38. 2023 Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS Weissach for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $180,200 on October 13, 2026 (Lot #268,285) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  39. 2014 Porsche Cayman for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $25,850 on March 25, 2025 (Lot #185,065) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  40. 40k-Mile 2006 Porsche Cayman S 6-Speed for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $39,500 on October 28, 2026 (Lot #271,007) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  41. 2018 Porsche 718 Cayman for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $44,000 on August 13, 2026 (Lot #257,605) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  42. No Reserve: 2012 Porsche Cayman R for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $68,000 on April 27, 2026 (Lot #239,665) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  43. 19k-Mile 2016 Porsche Cayman GT4 for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $116,000 on October 17, 2026 (Lot #269,040) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  44. 2024 Porsche 718 Cayman GTS 4.0 6-Speed for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $118,000 on July 30, 2026 (Lot #255,125) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  • en.wikipedia.org
  • caranddriver.com
  • porsche.com
  • chelseacarrera.com
  • evo.co.uk
  • prnewswire.com
  • newsroom.porsche.com
  • autoexpress.co.uk
  • bringatrailer.com
  • rmsothebys.com
  • jalopnik.com
  • excellence-mag.com
  • motortrend.com
  • 9werks.co.uk

Photo credits

Other car files