2018 Porsche 718 Cayman GTS

The mid-engine Porsche 718 Cayman is a sharp tool for cutting up winding roads. The new GTS model adds a little more power and value. Tom Voelk heads to California to drive Napa Valley’s twisties. He also takes a quick spin in the new 911 T.
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About Tom:
Tom Voelk is an award-winning automotive contributor to The New York Times. His podcast was the first to win an Emmy Award. He also married way out of his league. Now, stop reading this promotional copy bragging about Tom's photography and editing skills and watch a couple episodes. It's much more interesting.

[@Anonymous-pm7jf]

Better looking than the 911 in my opinion.

[@thisislife9911]

for me to, the cayman is a real beauty.

[@mark-angelofamularcano237]

I think it's because of its perfect proportions, and its size is definitely ideal for a car that's great for driving! It's simple, too 😊

[@5gcoffeecroissantbaker]

I second that. The cayman just looks a tad more agressive and somewhat modern-y with those vents at the side while the 911 is maintaining the classic clean, simple Porsche look

[@ruststar]

Imagine this car with a flat six turbo in it Cheers

[@imbored1979]

911 is overrated

[@dlg5485]

I actually prefer the Cayman over the 911. It's 10s of thousands less expensive to buy and to own, better balanced, better looking, and I actually love the driving dynamics of the flat 4 engine. Of course it doesn't sound as brilliant as the 3.4, but that's so far down my list of concerns that it wouldn't even be much of a consideration for me. The 718 is an amazing sports car that bests its predecessor in every way but sound...and I could easily live with that minor shortcoming to drive this amazing machine everyday.

[@darrylgarcia9147]

Preach!

[@j.joelb.2259]

I personally drove my friend's 718 Boxster GTS, and it is awesome, everything about it is crazy, yet kind of comfortable and it is not intimidating to drive, it is such a piece of art

[@zlatigol9]

Tom Voelk = Car Review Legend

[@antonsmirnov9420]

"if you want wind in your hair, go with the boxster.." *show a bald guy driving

[@DrivenCarReviews]

Ah, you caught that huh?

[@racerd9043]

Anton Smirnov lol

[@charlesbadasha1648]

His hair blew off under accelaration

[@ianharrd]

He must have a hairy chest :)

[@mikemush9741]

Just the absolute best car reviews Tom. Well done!!!

[@subinct]

Hey Tom, Another great review. Specially enjoyed the bit about the wind in your hair and the footage at 0:19

[@jaz9340]

Your review on this 718 is awesome!!

[@weejim48]

In my opinion the Cayman looks better than the 911 & a damn site cheaper. 👍

[@Hi-yl9iq]

Wee Vic facts

[@livelikelemus5876]

but the interior of the 911 is way more cleaner but true 718 way cheaper

[@inomad]

One of my favorite cars.

[@damnhockey]

Fabulous car, great review

[@allennadukara7893]

Man I've been waiting for this car

[@canto_v12]

Tom, you gushed the same way about the 987 Cayman and said the same thing about wanting one. PSA from a former Cayman owner: Used car prices are surprisingly affordable. In fact, your 2009 review played a part in inspiring me to find that out, belated thanks for that!

[@LordLauderdale]

You can also close the lid again once the cup holders are extended, then you’ve got the full over engineered experiences and the cups are secured fairly tightly.

[@Sell865com]

Great review as always

[@winglessang31]

Those wheels and brakes look fire

[@ned8249]

Great review. Love that car.

[@cromulentparty]

Tom, you're just the best.

[@DUEL.FATALIS]

I LOVE the PDK

[@rdsii64]

They can keep the 911. I'll take the Cayman all day and twice on Sunday.

[@cstraley]

I'll take both.....

[@kurtbenedictbarrera4490]

This is my favorite car! Porsche 718 Cayman Gts!!

[@67tomcat]

Those scenes of the 911T are just awesome!

[@DrivenCarReviews]

Yeah, I've met the crew and I'm envious of the time and resources they have.

[@williamscott7763]

Great review Tom. I too love the Cayman GTS and 911T. I really hope you can review the 911T. I want to hear more of your thoughts on it.

[@paulcwyuen]

It would be a dream for me to own a Cayman GTS.

[@serdemyildiz6651]

Paul Yuen go catch your Dream you can reach every Thing you want in life

[@paulcwyuen]

Serdem Yildiz Thanks. Maybe one day I will post a video showing how happy I am driving it. Fingers crossed.

[@stevexspeed7649]

@@paulcwyuendid you get one?

[@TaiChiWithRon]

Thanks Tom! I always like your reviews. I am a big Porsche fan too and like you my favorite Porsche recently changed from the Cayman to the Carrera. I'll let you know when I'm lucky enough to buy one!

[@DrivenCarReviews]

Good luck... to both of us.

[@racerd9043]

This is one awesome car reviewer.

[@Atomb]

It looks soooo good.

[@williamscott7763]

Great review Tom. Still waiting on your Carrera T review.

[@juliusjones1154]

This is the best review ever of this car 🚗

[@TWHISPERER]

Love your reviews Tom. I like the new one with the V6 and the 400 HP+. I need to come up with more money too...

[@bzdtemp]

Neat how they paint the stripes on the road to match the colour of the 911 :-)

[@bradjbond]

I’m in love

[@verlekersey24]

Wow...I don't know Tom, I think I'll stick with the Cayman and the PDK...!! You buy both and let me drive one...lol..!! Great video..!!🖒😁👍

[@adammarkowitz7944]

I'm going to go out on a limb, here: just get the base Boxster or Cayman(718), It's very fast, very beautiful, you don't need any of those silly packages, 20" wheels are just silly(just get the 19's), the base seats are beautiful, get the stick if you have an inkling to--it's glorious... I just bought an almost new '17 Boxster.....it's heaven. You can get such a car in the low 50's if you look around. If you remember the base Cayman/Boxster from 10 years ago--you're right, you needed the S. You don't anymore.

[@DrivenCarReviews]

You have a very strong argument there Adam. Enjoy the car.

[@petedavis8701]

Tom is great let’s get him to 100k followers so he can have his dream car!

[@DrivenCarReviews]

Really? KZbin gives out Porsches when channels hit 100K subscribers?

[@TheNextCorner-original]

Buy it or i will un subscribe

[@chele089]

I don't know if you know this Tom, but after you have extended the cupholders, you can flip the trim back up, thats why those corner pieces are cut out. This is what, in my opinion, really make them over-engineered.

[@DrivenCarReviews]

Yeah, I just leave it open since I didn't know how log (or short) the shot timing will be. When I'm in a huge hurry, I err on the side of simplicity.

[@ArchieMakuwa]

Hehehe... Great review :-) The 718 Cayman makes a lot of sense over any entry-level Carrera. Unless you start looking at 4 wheel drive, space, and other elements (grandpa stuff)

[@ClassicBMWFanInQuebec]

Nice lens flare Tom! :D

[@alfredng4696]

6 cylinder engine better ? I have an question, instead of choosing the latest cayman 718 , or should I go for older model 911 -911.2 ? Or should I just go for cayman 718. Worry older model have maintenance issue later on

[@alliejr]

While it's a true that a well-equipped Cayman will cost the same as a base 911, you do get what you pay for in both cases. In the real world, on city streets, highways and backroads, both Cayman/Boxster and 911 perform extremely well and you'd be hard-pressed to say that one drives better than the other (if you're wanting to bring it to a drag strip, you wasted your money buying either of them). Both are excellent and well beyond almost any other car for the price. I prefer the Cayman because of the trunk. My golf clubs (even 2 sets) fit perfectly in the trunk (shoving golf clubs in 911 front or back seats is a huge PIA) and my folding golf club cart fits perfectly in the front trunk. The Cayman is also handy for Costco runs. It just makes a more useable daily driver in my opinion. But, sure, get the 911 for the same money if that's what you want. All Porsche sports cars are excellent and extremely reliable. (Pro tip: get the base Boxster/Cayman or 911 instead of the S. If you want to track the car, the S is not enough and if you're not going to track the car, the "extra performance" is just not noticeable in daily driving-- also, the PDK is _actually_ telepathic and 10x better than any other dual clutch including Ferrari ).

[@pratik1568]

alliejr Porsches are the king of drag strip a stock 911 turbo s does 0-60 in 2.5 secs hello

[@alliejr]

+mikeythebold tv That is _only_ the $200,000 Porsche Turbo S, not run-of-the mill 911, 911 S, GTS, etc. I was discussing $90,000 Porsches.

[@rbxe]

What every one misses about PDK is that it makes left foot braking easy and comfortable. I bet that’s why pro race drivers like it.

[@ArneAsada69]

PDK!!!

[@mortracer]

Wow, perfection & so cheap for that lvl of performance! 👏😍

[@DjdMenis]

The down side of driving amazing cars...affordability!

[@cadarok1079]

5:50 I'm sorry but did you even look for the back trunk? Both models come with a funk and a trunk, doesn't get eliminated on The Boxster because of the top fyi.

[@cadarok1079]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/r2LaiqaemLWgptk Go to 5:20 and youll see.

[@g.w.7893]

This is, for once, a non-annoying person doing a car review. Finally.

[@hakuuna_matata]

I going to college for this car..

[@Jesusprayerwarriorbw]

I love your review! I too love the PDK transmission and my current vehicle, a Stage 2 400hp 368 tq VW Golf R with 6M. I wished I had gotten the Dual clutch! I loved my A4 S Line with paddle shifters! It was like butter. the speed of the shifts the redline hang without shifting and sheer speed that was obtained was ridiculous! I'm on my 2nd clutch due to not being able to feel my left foot which hinders my driving and I believe may have caused a lil premature wear on the clutch I pray that I can buy a new 718 GTS

[@bougelaal]

No Porsche has steering wheel controls?

[@edysinsimon8646]

I miss the flat 6...

[@MagicAyrtonforever]

With that noise/price ratio I'll stay in bed on the weekend thankyou!!!

[@chasevineland1508]

Tried PDK. Hmmmm. Paddles are pointless... just keep it in auto. At the end of the day, I would get the manual.

[@romulus_]

i use my paddles fairly regularly on the freeway.

[@sorenalarson]

People say this car has turbo lag but if you keep it above 3500 rpm and in sport+ there's none

[@jdord4838]

Hurley is a legend he taught me how do drive my Cayenne S and Cayman S and gave some great performance tips, great review and you're right the PDK is amazing. .."Yeshua / Jesus is the way "

[@patrickgibbons5961]

Is the Cayman you drove Lava Orange, or Guards Red?

[@hanistalif5079]

Guards Red.

[@blasphemicwhale]

@@hanistalif5079 looks like Carmine Red to me

[@BertShackleford]

I have a hard time believing that people would still consider this model now that the 4.0 flat six GTS is available. Funny how Porsche out-does themselves with each reiteration. Stay classy my friends.

[@fernandorosas7372]

base 911 or 718 gts?

[@adimuftic9930]

Fernando Rosas 911 like real man

[@jediali221]

I will take 88k worth of kirkland TP instead :)

[@DrivenCarReviews]

Hope you have a very large garage...

[@PanChod-ct7ou]

When was the last time you saw an old guy driving manual? Of course they will take PDK.

[@telliesmith9825]

80 gs! Damn

[@alliejr]

Drive and you will know why that's a bargain.

[@Druezer]

Has invited "me."

[@felixmessi4886]

newest GTS cayman still got key to start engine?? Wtf

[@BigBoss-ps6vk]

This is a press car, no easy entry, no led headlights, no gts interior pack

[@olekiller11]

That Cayman is beautiful. But if you have 911 money. It's a no brainer

[@sorcererstone3303]

Problem is, if Porsche can have a do over at time zero, 911 would have been a mid-engine design for better handling. But sadly, it wasn't. Cayman has been handicapped by 4 cylinders now. It it kept its original 6 cylinders design, and engineers allow the freedom to refine it further, Cayman would have out perform current 911 easily. But Porsche would never allow this to happen and one of the reason to shift Cayman to 4 cylinders design under the disguise of better fuel economy. It is a legacy problem.

[@swanblake]

carey smith actually that's not true. Mid engine is better than rear engine but not surprising coming from you

[@dlg5485]

The ideal Porsche, in my opinion, is the Cayman GT4. It has the perfect balance of mid engine design with the added bonus of flat 6 power. The 911 still handles amazingly well, but it does so with computer trickery, rather than natural balance. Frankly, I'm not sure that matters to me, as long as it handles brilliantly. Either way, you can't go wrong. Both the 718 and 911 are amazing cars to drive, even in base trims.

[@harvardford8752]

The 2015-16 model is going for about the same price now ever since the mild facelift It definitely is a no brainer to go for the 911

[@rlsjunior797]

Sorcerer Stone to a point it s a legacy thing. Also a government mpg mandate thing.

[@aquarius9491]

Why not just keep the 6 banger?

[@verygood7155]

You're nuts if you think this sounds better than their previous flat six engines.

[@cstraley]

It's not better it's different. The flat sixes did sound better. This boosted 4 cylinder boxer sounds a WRX sti that has been souped up and to me that sounds good. It's menacing in a machine like purity.

[@chasevineland1508]

$81k base... $88k as tested. If you are in that range, 911 all the way.

[@zarbon700]

Lotus Evora 400 > 911 T 911 T is a rip-off

[@rhysmestio7048]

look almost like a Ferrari

[@Sami-gs7qb]

88k $ is too expensive for the cayman !

[@Dolby109]

Yes, that is more expensive than the last GT4...and it actually sounded good.

[@Lemonsalemusic]

0:30 No real Porsche Owner would ruin their bolsters like that....cringe

[@DrivenCarReviews]

Two things- 1) I'm not a Porsche owner and 2) it's not my car.

[@Lemonsalemusic]

Driven Car Reviews soooo just as I suspected...

[@airtioteclint]

Why would you worry about law enforcement in a Porsche? Just floor the pedal and wave to him in your rear view mirror.

[@DrivenCarReviews]

I'm not worried about that officer. It's the one up the road that's been notified that concerns me.

[@gene978]

Tom, I figured out how you can AFFORD one and Everyone’s doing it these days Try “Patreon”, or better yet my favorite “GO FUND ME” Show your SAD SAD face and your current whip and the money will pour in. ;). You can thank me with a few pics of your new ride Tom haha

[@davidstoler7567]

Wait...a review for a...car?!? Now back to the drossovers...

[@DrivenCarReviews]

Ha! It's had to get cars these days but I'm trying.

[@adamtrokich8605]

Flat 4?

[@cyclistman6358]

I don’t understand why these reviewers that test automatic (PDK) style transmissions don’t drive them in manual mode. My personal car has paddle shifters and a floor mounted shifter. I never drive it in full auto mode unless I’m in stop and go traffic. Shifting gears myself even in an automatic with paddles is always far more enjoyable and I keep the engine and transmission in the performance range that I want, not where the ECU (full auto mode) thinks it should be for me (boring!!). I grew up and learned how to drive with classic manual transmissions and still enjoy them and I’m glad I have that skill but these modern DCT and even non DCT automatics can be a lot of fun and very quick when used properly.

[@lawrencepll76]

Tesla Roadster?

[@DrivenCarReviews]

What about it?

[@aquarius9491]

In my opinion this car is not good for touring because it's not a Quattro, Have you ever heard of weather?

[@Sheeshening]

if the successor won't have a better engine, they might as well stop the Cayman​ again.

[@Baerchenization]

This law enforcement + spoiler nonsense is really, reaaaally hard to kill off, hm? No, it can not be manually retracted so law enforcement doesn't know you are or were speeding. Since the spoiler can be raised at ANY speed, including no speed at all, seeing the spoiler up is literally worthless and NEVER leads to a speeding conviction because it cannot. And you can manually lower it, well, because if you raised it, there has to be a way to lower it likewise... duh. So we have to listen to this wisdom since 1988 !! And it has never been right. And btw, the actual reason you can operate it manually is so that you can clean shit up under the spoiler. Sure, you can raise it at any speed, but since it only adds ca 35 Pounds of down force at higher Autobahn speeds, raising it at low speeds does basically nothing for you, except looking questionable for most Porsche models that have this feature.

[@DrivenCarReviews]

Yup, you're absolutely right. Really, I was kind of kidding.

[@E46325mod]

Yea a bargain, a 4 cyl engine for more or less $100,000! What an amazing offer. I would MUCH rather have a camaro zl1 or an e63 amg any day

[@thisislife9911]

street drag vs flying on the road, no dejavu theme for you.

[@GamjaField]

Can someone donate this car to me

[@Stierenkloot]

Oh man I HATE when the rims are fucking blacker than the tires themselves. That looks so disgusting. Literally ruins the entire look of ANY car. I’d avoid that like the plague...

[@yunzicooking7092]

second

[@toh3211]

Turbo 4??? Really?

[@user-lc8nf9wo4n]

そ

[@kickyadick]

4banger...nope

[@albertbremner8173]

You people...perhaps you should be reviewing wheelchairs.

[@whoarie]

I've never seen Porsche self depravation like this...Don't be cheap, buy the car...Seriously.

[@dkvikingkd233]

SUCH a shame this is a 4 cylinder!! Other than that it's a perfect 2 seat car - what a shame..

[@dafrasier1]

Alcantara, some think it is Overpriced fuzzy cloth that wears out quickly and becomes slick ugly cloth. Cow is better.

[@DrivenCarReviews]

The Alcantara in my friends 10 year old Targa looks pretty darn good. Like leather that can wear and crack, it's how you care for it.

[@swanblake]

If only it had a decent engine note it would be the best Cayman yet. The GT4 will solve the Subaru engine problem. Also please stop swaying potential manual buys for a lazy man pdk. You know what else is telepathic shifting? A manual transmission...

[@housepianist]

Blake Swan your argument is justifiable but I would give up manual control any day for a smoother, quicker, and more engaging PDK transmission. Call it lazy but I prefer greater quickness over control. I know some people who get beat off the line (and to 60) in their manuals by a faster shifting auto transmission car will say it's not fair because the driver of the auto didn't have to work for it. Fair enough, but as long as I can consistently beat manual shifters, call me lazy. See you at the finish line.

[@YoungDen]

Also it is pointless to get the manual in newer cars with all the computers installed. It's like owning a smartphone with textile buttons. If it is for a older car yes but new cars idk I beg to differ

[@DrivenCarReviews]

I'm not trying to sway anyone. It's up to each and every individual to decide for themselves. I said "I prefer the PDK" and it's an opinion I'll own. I also think it's a crime to buy a Mazda MX-5 Miata or Fiat 124 with the automatic, but for some, a manual in stop and go commuting isn't workable. The PDK is not a "lazy man" transmission, it's a choice, and an exceptionally good one.

[@MadCow582]

Manuals are fun and I prefer them for back road twisties, but for tackling tracks, I'd go with the PDK/dual clutch transmissions.

[@BrogeKilrain]

Blake Swan it’s a whinny 4 banger 🤗 PDK is best with turbo cars so they should offer a 6 cyl normal aspirated 6 spd version and call it a GT 1. Personally I think your nutz to pay over $50k for s 4 banger. Drive an Alfa Romero Giulia you can buy for $40k and you just might go home with $40k in your pocket , M2 might be another consideration

[@11jsun]

Prefers the pdk and thinks the turbo 4 sounds better than the outgoing flat 6. Ya ok. Can't trust this review

[@DrivenCarReviews]

Perhaps I was not clear. I think the GTS note is better than the turbo four that's in the standard and S model Caymans. And yes, I myself prefer the PDK. I know a number of guys who race Porsches and every one of them says the same thing. But buy the manual if you prefer, it's a personal choice.

[@vivamia]

I went thru the entire PDK vs Manual debate before I purchased my 718 Cayman GTS. In a perfect world, I would have both. The PDK is the best auto transmission on the market. It almost became the first auto trans that I ever bought. However, at the last minute I changed it to the manual and love it. Might not be quite as fast as the PDK, but I don't make a living as a race car driver. Great review as always.

[@ryanlittleton5615]

Sounds like a Subaru.

[@9256steven]

Black alloys are horrible, the same colour as the tyres, when will people get over this trend?

[@cstraley]

Don't agree...

[@Dolby109]

I know the PDK is good, but I'm sorry it is STILL a diminished experience. Don't cheat yourself by buying an AUTOMATIC. Get the proper drivers choise: the manual. If all you are after is faster lap times the Camaro/Corvette/GT350R has faster trims for much less money (and also still with a manual), and all of those are great drivers cars too. Personally there is no good excuse for getting a drivers car like this with an automatic.

[@DebianDog]

Dolby109 Sorry I just don't feel any more connected with a stick shift that I do with paddle shifting. I believe this is the old-timers mindset. I would rather have quicker shifts then feel better about myself for double clutching and going slower.

[@Dolby109]

Daniel Slagle - Don't be rediculous. There is just no world where pulling a paddle is the same involvement or connection as pushing a clutch in, shifting the gear just right and re-engaging the clutch. As far as speed goes, if that is all your after get a Camaro or Corvette or GT350R...they are much faster for the money (and hilariously the fastest Camaro's/Mustang's come in manual only). A true drivers car should be manual. NO EXCUSES!

[@DebianDog]

Dolby109 yeah.... pass! I grew up on a stick and have had plenty of fun with many of them in the past but for a car that's a daily driver I will take the auto with paddles. Like every F1 and NRHA driver. As it goes faster and gets better gas mileage with minimal effort. I think you are over rating flicking your foot over flicking your wrist. For a weekend only car with a guarantee of no traffic? OK sure... for fun. Look, manual transmissions are going the way of the dodo bird and I imagine soon you will pay extra for the nostalgia. Remember when the high beam switch was on the floor? 🤔 have you ever driven a car with PDK? I'm guessing you haven't.

[@Dolby109]

I have driven a car with a PDK, and it was fine...more fun than a conventional torque converter auto, but still far from the fun and connection of a manual. I daily drive a manual and do just fine, I know women who don't complain about daily driving a manual. I suppose if you live in LA or somewhere with daily traffic jams it could be a burden, but in 98% of the US it's fine.

[@DebianDog]

Dolby109 LOL. I drove a stick for decades. It's not that I can't do it... it's that I don't want to. -I- feel like I'm a better driver with both hands on the wheel and focusing on everything else going on around me. As an added bonus I get near instantaneous shift changes by just flicking my wrist. Additionally there's absolutely NO ADVANTAGE other than being able to say, 'a "drivers car" needs a stick shift, so that's why I have one'. Again... I don't feel any more connected with a stick shift then I do with a paddle shift. If YOU do I guess that's your prerogative. If you feel like a better driver rowing the gears, more power to you, but in the future your car selection will be severely limited. Drive safe out there as I don't think we're ever going to see eye to eye on this one. ;)

[@ChristopherWalkenPUA]

first

[@anothershift1364]

Mid engine corvette is going to kill this car

[@syenosis]

Still sounds horrible compared to the H6 Caymans. They ruined the engine note entirely.

[@paulferron3191]

too bad you have to be under 6' to drive it

[@sniper2606]

So the 18 Audi RS3 is faster and cheaper, okay pass

[@BigBoss-ps6vk]

Majin2606 a vw sedan with a fast engine vs a mid engine Porsche, ok pass