Porsche Cayman S

Few cars can match the Performance Car of the Year pedigree of the Cayman S. The talented coupé has taken the overall crown twice – which is a record. However, engineers at Porsche haven’t rested on their laurels, and so the Cayman is back again this year with a whole host of updates. So, is it possible to improve on perfection?

Initial impressions suggest it is! The biggest change is the introduction of a more-powerful direct-injection version of the existing 3.4-litre flat-six engine, which gives the car a greater urge, while still serving up the same spine-tingling sound. There’s also a new nose that takes its cues from the company’s Carrera GT supercar.

The incredible chassis is unchanged. With its mid-engined layout, the Porsche is beautifully balanced through fast bends, and benefits from superb traction out of slower corners. It also has excellent body control, eye-wateringly powerful brakes, a slick gearshift and a steering set-up that is so accurate it feels laser-guided.

Every control is wonderfully tactile and delivers a flow of feedback to the driver’s hands, feet and behind. As a result, the Cayman provides an absorbing experience, rewarding both novices and hardcore track-day fanatics.

A perfect driving position, good visibility and compact size make it easy to place on the road, even along narrow lanes. Plus, the composed ride, refinement and decent luggage space mean it’s a sensible daily driver.

This breadth of ability is at the core of the Cayman’s considerable appeal – it really is in a league of its own, delivering such huge desirability and undiluted driving thrills. Only the outstanding brilliance of this year’s winner denies the Porsche victory number three.

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