Auto Express Greatest Drives

	Key to its success is the way in which every single component has been honed to deliver maximum driver satisfaction, and succeeds magnificently.

You have to feel sorry for Porsche’s engineers. They build a car as talented as the Cayman, only to have it dismissed by enthusiasts as a poor man’s 911. But real fans of the marque know better. With its mid-engined layout, gutsy 3.4-litre flat-six and inspired road manners, this is a car that out-handles the 911. And the 19 rivals it’s pitched against here.

In truth, the writing was on the wall from the moment we tested the Cayman against BMW’s M3 last December. It dazzled the opposition then, has waltzed through every comparison test since and swept to victory in the Sporting Car category of our 2006 New Car Honours.

Key to its success is the way in which every single component has been honed to deliver maximum driver satisfaction, and succeeds magnificently. The charismatic engine pulls hard and sounds great at every point in the rev range, while the gearbox, brakes and steering are faultless.

And, thanks to the mid-engined layout, low centre of gravity and weight distribution, the chassis balance is unbelievably good. Yet you don’t need to be an expert to enjoy it, as the Cayman delivers on every road at any speed.

However, it could be cheaper and more generously equip-ped, while the looks won’t be to everyone’s taste. You could also argue the Cay-man is so capable that it seems a bit clinical at times, and isn’t as characterful as the 911.

But that would be unfair. The scalpel-sharp steering delivers a stream of information, and the suspension effortlessly soaked up the worst the North York Moors could throw at it. That’s when you realise this is one of the most accessible and enjoyable driver’s cars ever built.

To download the Porsche Cayman ringtone to your phone, text AUTO 192284 to 88833.

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