Best Car Reviews - 2015 Porsche Cayman S

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Introduction

The 2015 Porsche Cayman S is a compact, rear-wheel-drive two-seat sports coupe built for drivers who value balance, precision and a naturally aspirated flat-six soundtrack. Positioned above the standard Cayman and below the GTS and GT4, it combines a mid-engine layout with a six-speed manual transmission and premium-car fit and finish. Its standout quality is not simply straight-line pace, but the unusually composed and communicative way it handles a demanding road or track.

Design and Exterior Features

This 981-generation Cayman S has a low, cab-rearward coupe profile, pronounced rear haunches and short overhangs that visually emphasize its mid-engine proportions. It measures about 172.4 inches long and 70.9 inches wide, making it compact enough for narrow roads while still looking substantial. Compared with the previous-generation Cayman, the 981 adopted a more modern, wider-looking stance, cleaner body surfacing and a lightweight steel-and-aluminum body structure. The S model is distinguished by larger wheels, larger brakes and red brake calipers.

Low, aerodynamic fastback coupe body with an automatically extending rear spoiler.
Standard 19-inch alloy wheels with staggered performance tires.
Bi-xenon headlights and LED daytime running lights.
Red-painted brake calipers and larger front brake discs than the standard Cayman.
Two useful luggage compartments, one at each end of the car.

Interior and Comfort

The Cayman S cabin is driver-focused, with a high center console, deeply hooded instruments and controls placed close to hand. Materials are generally excellent, including standard leather seating surfaces, solid switchgear and carefully finished trim. The driving position is low and purposeful, while the seats offer good support for spirited use. It is a two-seat sports car rather than a grand tourer, so cabin storage is limited and taller occupants may find long journeys less relaxing than in larger performance coupes.

Leather-trimmed sport seats with partial power adjustment.
Leather-wrapped steering wheel with tilt and telescopic adjustment.
Single-zone automatic climate control and cruise control.
Front trunk and rear cargo area provide more practicality than many mid-engine rivals.
Optional adaptive sport seats, premium leather and interior trim packages allowed extensive personalization.

Performance and Handling

The 2015 Porsche Cayman S uses a 3.4-liter naturally aspirated, direct-injected flat-six mounted behind the passenger compartment. It produces 325 horsepower at 7,400 rpm and 272 lb-ft of torque at 4,500 rpm, sending power to the rear wheels through a six-speed manual gearbox. Porsche quoted 0-60 mph in 4.7 seconds for the manual car, while independent testing has sometimes produced quicker results under ideal conditions. The low center of gravity, mid-engine weight distribution, precise electric power steering and strong brakes make the Cayman S especially rewarding on twisting roads. Official U.S. EPA fuel-economy figures for the manual are 20 mpg city, 28 mpg highway and 23 mpg combined, equivalent to approximately 11.8, 8.4 and 10.2 l/100 km respectively.

3.4-liter direct-injected naturally aspirated flat-six with 325 horsepower.
Rear-wheel drive and six-speed manual transmission.
Porsche-claimed 0-60 mph time of 4.7 seconds with the manual gearbox.
Top track speed of 175 mph for the manual Cayman S.
Optional Porsche Active Suspension Management, Porsche Torque Vectoring and Sport Chrono package.

Technology and Connectivity

Technology in the 2015 Cayman S is purposeful rather than cutting-edge by modern standards. The S included an enhanced 7-inch central infotainment display, Bluetooth capability, HD Radio, satellite radio and iPod or USB connectivity. Porsche Communication Management with navigation, upgraded Bose or Burmester audio, Sport Chrono and other features were optional, so equipment varies substantially between used examples. It does not offer the smartphone integration and broad digital driver-assistance suite expected in newer sports cars.

Enhanced 7-inch central infotainment display.
Bluetooth, USB or iPod connectivity, HD Radio and satellite radio capability.
Nine-speaker audio system on the Cayman S.
Optional Porsche Communication Management with navigation.
Optional Bose or Burmester surround-sound systems.

Safety Features

Standard safety equipment includes antilock brakes, stability control, traction control, tire-pressure monitoring and eight airbags, including knee airbags and side-impact protection for both occupants. Adaptive cruise control with Porsche Active Safe was available as an option; it used radar to monitor traffic ahead and could prepare or apply braking in certain collision-risk situations. A verified U.S. NHTSA overall crash-test rating for the 2015 Cayman S is not readily published, so buyers should not assume a star rating where none has been confirmed.

Eight-airbag system with front, side and knee airbags.
Four-wheel ABS, stability control and traction control.
Ventilated disc brakes with brake assist.
Tire-pressure monitoring system.
Optional adaptive cruise control with Porsche Active Safe.

Pricing and Variants

The 2015 Porsche Cayman S started at approximately $64,750 in the United States including destination charges. The wider 2015 Cayman range consisted of the Cayman, Cayman S, Cayman GTS and Cayman GT4. The S was the balanced middle choice: considerably faster and better equipped than the base Cayman, but less extreme and less expensive than the GT4. It competed with cars such as the Chevrolet Corvette Stingray, BMW M235i, Audi TTS and Jaguar F-Type, though few rivals matched its mid-engine balance and manual-transmission involvement.

Pros and Cons

Pros

Exceptional steering precision and mid-engine handling balance.
Characterful 3.4-liter naturally aspirated flat-six engine.
Engaging six-speed manual transmission.
High-quality cabin materials and excellent driving position.
Useful front and rear cargo areas for a two-seat sports car.

Cons

Options can greatly increase both purchase price and replacement costs.
Cabin storage and cupholders are limited.
Firm ride, especially with larger wheels or sport suspension.
Older infotainment lacks modern smartphone integration.
Premium fuel, performance tires and Porsche parts raise ownership costs.

Maintenance and Common Issues

A broad Cayman estimate from RepairPal places average annual repair and maintenance costs at about $1,135, but an individual 2015 Cayman S can cost considerably more depending on mileage, tire choice, dealer versus specialist servicing and deferred work. A specialist pre-purchase inspection and a complete service history are important. Common owner-reported and specialist-documented concerns for the 981 generation include water-pump or thermostat coolant leaks, front radiator and air-conditioning-condenser damage from road debris, manual shift-cable wear or stiffness, rear main seal leaks that can affect the clutch on manual cars, and cosmetic interior issues such as door-card separation or a sagging headliner.

Rating

Overall rating: 9.0/10. Design: 9.0/10. Comfort: 7.8/10. Performance: 9.5/10. Technology: 7.2/10. Safety: 8.2/10. The Cayman S earns its high score through driving purity, build quality and balance, while its age, compact cabin and costly options prevent it from being an all-purpose luxury coupe.

User Reviews and Feedback

Owner feedback commonly centers on the Cayman S being far more capable and usable than its compact dimensions suggest. Enthusiasts consistently value the engine response, steering and chassis balance, while practical-minded owners point to option-dependent equipment and Porsche-level upkeep costs.

Owners frequently praise the naturally aspirated flat-six sound and high-revving character.
The manual gearbox is widely appreciated for involvement, though some drivers find it weighty in traffic.
Many consider the handling confidence-inspiring on both road and track.
Two cargo compartments are often viewed as a pleasant practical surprise.
Buyers commonly advise choosing a well-maintained, well-optioned example over simply chasing the lowest price.

Best Cars in This Category

2015 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray
2015 BMW M235i
2015 Jaguar F-Type S Coupe
2015 Audi TTS Coupe
2015 Lotus Evora S

Summary

The 2015 Porsche Cayman S is best suited to drivers who want a focused, premium sports coupe with a manual gearbox, rear-wheel drive and one of the most satisfying chassis setups of its era. It is not the cheapest route to speed or modern connectivity, but its naturally aspirated flat-six, elegant proportions and mid-engine poise give it lasting appeal. A carefully inspected example with documented maintenance remains a compelling choice for weekend driving, track days and enthusiast ownership.