Porsche 718 Cayman S review: has Porsche's small coupe lost its soul?

See the latest Porsche 718 Cayman S discounts & finance deals from BuyaCar: bit.ly/2tSMZ2T
The new 718 Cayman S is faster, even sweeter handling and more efficient dynamically in every way conceivable compared with its predecessor. But there is one key area in which it isn’t as thrilling - and that’s the sound and delivery of its engine. Depending on how much you value such things, therefore, it’s either a mild disappointment or a big step forwards.
Steve Sutcliffe gets to grips with the new 718 Cayman S, but does he fall in love with it?
718 Cayman review: aex.ae/29xfNQn
718 Boxster in-depth review: aex.ae/29P4dQX

[@charlesearle8414]

The face at 1:13 gives you all the information you need.

[@turbos7780]

Hahahahaha you need a cookie

[@peruface]

LMAO

[@jimjames8575]

fkn lolls

[@sebastianarias7042]

Charles Earle, 4 clinders what? Rather go with the 4s carrea.

[@anthonyjaswinski5732]

As an owner of a 2015 Cayman flat six, I have to say that the sound (while wonderful) almost always get lost in the world of everyday driving and traffic. It's only when I can escape to the winding roads that I smile at the noise. I also need both windows open to hear it. Not sure why that is such a deal breaker for the purists. Yes, you lose that priceless Porsche sound, but you gain everything else

[@VanCough]

Exactly. Especially now that we're transitioning to an era where many if not most of the future cars are going to be electric, sound is something we're just going to have to learn to live without. Yes, it's sad but there's so much more to a car than sound.

[@xivix6710]

For me sound is very high in priority, and it is a deal breaker as long as ICE are alive, but to each his own.

[@RY-os4tq]

The very essence of owning a sports car is the fun and emotional response it provides its driver. Otherwise, stick with driving a sedan for utility.... Test drove both the 718 and the 981 and while the 718 is an extremely capable car, the engine sound simply ruined it for me.Have had a second- hand low mileage 2104 Cayman S for 2 years now, and I suggest if you haven't done so, treat yourselves to a N/A driving experience before all sports cars become turbos or hybrids. An ECU tune has the 3.4litre up to a safe 363BHP and 421Nm.....i.e. 911 performance with a gorgeous sound to boot at half the price!

[@alex10294]

No, it lost it's soul when they changed to electric power steering and ruined the steering feel. This is just going into soul debt. ;)

[@erikhertzer8434]

Anthony Jaswinski : yes...just play Wagner’s “Ride of the Valkyries” as you roar down the road, if you don’t like the engine sound...

[@alstound]

It's only the engine sound that's the 718's shortcoming. Everything else is an improvement. For starters, it no longer looks like your girlfriend's car. When you stomp on the pedal, it will instantly make you realise the straight-six wasn't so quick after all despite playing much better music. There's simply a lot more torque; you just won't be left wanting no matter how many revs you're on. It's an awesome all-rounder. Take it to the twisties, the track or for a relaxing highway cruise, this car is more than up for the job. There should be aftermarket exhausts to make it sound nicer. This is the Porsche to have.

[@blasphemicwhale]

if my girlfriend had this car it would be sick. dont be sexist

[@patricksullivan6492]

It's the Porsche TO have. It's the Porsche I have. Triple black. The only pop of color is the red brake calipers. It's completely sick. It is without a doubt, the car I'd choose, even with twice the money in my pocket. Stunning from any angle. Brakes, power, handling, looks, feel, all perfecto. The sport exhaust rumbles and growls like something bigger and nastier is in there. Toss it around like it's an extension of myself. AND it makes me better looking.

[@ArtVandelayOfficial]

Found the Porsche salesman

[@tonyj.podrasky5273]

I had a 2008 Cayman. I loved it - especially "the hips" (the soft, curvy rear end). The 2018 Cayman that I picked up 2 weeks ago is fantastic. When the sales rep called me a week later, he asked me what I thought about the car. I told him it needs a different name: "car" doesn't cover it. It should be called a mo-bile entertainment center! With all the electronics, and the interface to my iPhone, it's almost as much fun sitting at a stop light as it is driving it! I can do all sorts of stuff to it by saying: "Hey SIRI ...". For me, an old geezer (66) it is fast enough and when the turbo kicks in in Sports Mode, it has a nice sound! It's sweet on the corners, which in San Diego, with all the mountains we have, makes up for not having a lot more horse power. I've taken it to 92 MPH a couple of times (still breaking it in) but you know - you can only do that so many times before you get busted - and then watch your insurance coverage go up! One last thing: it red-lines at 7,500 RPM.

[@ChevroletastragtcOPC]

Steve you're the man, always objective,and realistic. Amazing review

[@niloamg]

Steve has a natural authority to talk about cars. This guy knows what he´s saying and he says it really properly. Always. Best reviewer ever. You guys need to put more of his videos on.

[@osbopu]

I absolutely love my 2016 Cayman GTS, the way it responds to you with a guttural growl when you step on the gas. I would not trade it for anything.

[@AJTalks]

Best reviewer on KZbin next to Chris Harris. Love this guy's reviews.

[@martinrakovicky1189]

well..the thing is..he is soooooooooooo boring :) so nope..he has no place in Top Gear sadly

[@stoneeh]

Chris Harris is a salesman. Not more, not less. He'll always tell you the new car is better, because that's the one that is on sale, from the company he's working for & is receiving money from.

[@pr0jectSkyneT]

I personally think Jethro Bovingdon from EVO is the best car reviewer on KZbin

[@Random63R400]

+pr0jectSkyneT yes 1 of the best but the crash with a Ferrari just downgraded his place

[@Mossboy16]

+pr0jectSkyneT I'd say Mat Watson from CarWow - not many performance car reviews but the whole video package is brilliant imo

[@thomasdockstader3001]

He is wrong. I own one with the PDK and it is so responsive. Car also sounds Great.

[@Angry-Lynx]

Law of physics says that anything with less that 5 cylinders can't sound great ; especially with

[@smiffyLevel6]

I have the GTS version and it’s an absolutely fantastic sports car, had it tuned to 420bhp and it’s faster than the GT4?

[@car1m310]

This car right here, the Cayman S, is actually my dream car. It's the right size and the shape has improved from the previous version, I think. If I was a millionaire... no wait... a billionaire, I would have one car. And that one car is this car. Maybe, I'll put the option for ceramic brakes because I am a billionaire. But, that's it. I would drive it everyday until it breaks. But, I will probably "break" before the car does, Lol. I think more manufacturers like Honda, or Toyota should create a mid-engine car to rival the Cayman S and price it at around $25K, so the dream can be a little more realistic for the rest of us. Thanks!

[@haykoriun]

Buy a civic when you will be billionaire !

[@rlsjunior797]

Carlmelo in 2 years they will be going for $50,000 with around 30,000 miles.......go get one. It’s not an unreasonable price. My car will be paid off in 18 months I’m definitely going to get a 2 year old Carrera with 30k miles for $60,000. Had I realized how reasonable they are I’d have gotten one last go around.

[@rickbecker6776]

The four-cylinder turbo-hybrid 919 has won the 24 Heures du Mans two years in a row... any objection to the sound of success?

[@thefridgeman]

Thank you. At least one of the old guard is not walking the corporate line and still churns out objective and good video reviews.

[@luclapierre7621]

I'm so happy that all the car reviewers are giving it a lukewarm reception. Get those used prices down that much quicker 😉

[@ZDY66666]

*Here is constructive argument (opinion)on why this does not sound like Subaru (or any other japan cars, you should be smacked for even comparing them, different beasts), not here to argue how "good" it sounds tho* but gotta say the car sounds like the best stock 4 cyl ive ever heard aside from alfa. ----Lets talk about 3 elements of sound. *Rhythm* (in this case we will use the engine's sound pattern), *tempo* (in this case we will use how fast it revs to high revs), and *pitch or note* i guess 1: pattern- is still porsche. The rhythm of the engine is the same (very noticeable in high revs, in low revs harder to hear but ill explain later) 2: tempo - basically revs to higher end about same speed as previous gen. 3: Pitch/note- It is *lower* and that is one of the most notable thing our ear picks up. IT SOUNDS LOWER PITCHED. is that *bad?* personally i say its just different. If you dislike this specific note, then you must hate a lot of cars with low pitches like AMG, and muscle cars :( All of these elements *do not sound like subaru* BUTTT *NOW HERE ARE THINGS THAT U HEAR THAT MIGHT BE WHY YOU THINK THIS SOUNDS LIKE SUBARU* 1. the initial patterns are not quite the same: There are some air blowing like noise in the very first few revs. If that matters *THAT* much to you then dont get this car and continue to bash on it as it rightfully deserves your bashing in this case. 2. the totality of the Volume is reduced. It is also a natural occurrence because we naturally thing higher pitch things are louder, when it really isnt. It just kinda shocks your ears more. kinda like how spicy tastes nice but its a sensation of pain. personally i think this car is quite nice. *i wont say this is better sounding than flat 6, but it is simply different* WOULD be nice if its louder tho but keep in mind these are videos. Mics also do not pick up lower pitched things too well (depending on brand). I checked it out irl the other day, sounds damn damn loud.

[@BatDimen]

I really like the 718 and give it a lot of respect. But I think I'll stay with my 981 just because the sound is so glorious. Even when I'm not going that fast, it's sounds like I'm screaming down the street.

[@viasevenvai]

He's confusing lag with spool. At low revs the turbo isn't lagging, it isn't spooling. Turbo lag is the response to creating pressure in the intake track. Turbo lag is the motor's response at 6,000rpm on throttle, then off throttle, then on throttle.

[@Eatinbritches]

I reckon everyone whinging about the new flat 4 are idiots. Okay; the old flat 6 is gorgeous and sounds like a symphony. But I can't help but think of Porsches history and their use of flat 4s. I actually like the way it sounds, a nice mechanical snarl. And once you go through the laundry list of technical improvements, it's easy for me to call this a no-brainer. Secretly, I've been wanting Porsche to build another 4 cylinder again, and this one was built for boost...

[@landrover4444]

Steve Sutcliffe is one of the best spoken car reviewers out there. Great review.

[@utubejoe11]

So glad to see Steve back in the game. Your Cayman GTS review is my favorite of all time.

[@joem.8935]

GTS owner here. I adore the flat four engine honestly. A 5.0 Mustang with some exhaust work can sound amazing, but it still lacks the quality. Don't get me wrong... quality to price; a great mustang, camaro, or corvette might be better for most, but I bought this car because it is the best all around sports car for me.

[@imon2nd]

Good review. I'll have to drive the 718 to see if I agree. My daily driver is a Boxster S. The hair raising noise of the motor's top end is one of the main reasons I bought it.

[@delboy2596]

I think if Porsche had fitted a 6 pot to the 718. They wouldn't sell another 911. The 718 is so dam good now. In all but the engine. Porsche needed a gap between it and the 911.

[@JStuartofficial]

Havent driven the new 718 yet but all the reviews seem to be similar. I have a 981 boxster and the sound is epic above 3500rpms. EPIC. Spine tingling, hair standing music of noise. I also owned before my 981 a subaru Sti. Flat 4 turbo. Sounded good, Porsche got it right with the flat 6 NA.

[@henningsouz2833]

great review as always, Steve

[@Sandouras]

Am i the only one who doenst like the front bumper? It's so generic and boring. The rest of the car is indeed very pretty.

[@fidgetwidget9116]

Sandouras Well it’s Porsche,MINI Cooper S 3 door is way better than this. Especially if you prefer the 4 Cylinder Engine.

[@pauldrake4295]

Agree

[@999jimv]

I love the design of the front. Some of us like clean simple elegance. That is how I see it.

[@beetleything1864]

Hate the lip on the back that says porsche.

[@rousseau327]

I can already see 981.1 Cayman prices skyrocketing..

[@martinallenuk]

That's what I was thinking.

[@martinallenuk]

Maybe not skyrocket...but they'll certainly start to hold their value more.

[@shirothehero0609]

Which im so thrilled I have a 15', 981CS. :D Heres hoping for some appreciation in value!!!

[@TheyCallMeMidnight]

I hope the 718 depreciates quickly because I want one, it'll be a bargain sports car in three or four years

[@p4nzerwolf310]

ewt415 no no no you dumbass

[@elenasmith1134]

Steve: I respect your opinions and JUST coming out of a 981 Boxster S have my own after spin in a brand spanky new 718S. Not only is it quick, it is FUCKIN quick. The reported numbers do not do justice to how it feels. A car with 10 miles on it the sales associate directed me to try a Launch contrrol (PDK box). I sussed out 2 points in the distance and when we first left the dealer I mentioned I'd respect 4k rims on the car. I do not need to be told twice to cane a new car. It is the dealers car and so obliged. It actually causes ones vison to narrow in a way my 981 BS (PDK, Sport Chrono, blah, blah). It would EAT my past 991.1 C4S with EASE. Whilst I have a 991.2 C4S on order, if the allocation doesnt happen in a week or 2 I will buy a 718S. No qualms. The sound? Get over it. Brakes? Stellar. Grip and tossability? Better. In every way better. Yes my 981 & 991.1 sounded great but sound is just that. The 991.1 with sport exhaust sounded nice but alerted anyone that you were having right foot fun. My 981 w/ no sport exhaust, much better and no stupid button pushing. USD $sk for noise with inprovesd performance, stupido. As a sports car the 718 is a wet dream. If you want to wax poetically re 4 vs 6 do so but you are missing the point. BETTER PERFORMANCE. I take that any day, and just may well do it. Do you remember Colin McCrae in Catalunya WRC back in the pre 22B Scoobie. Tits on a ritz it was something. Adapt overcome just one sensory adaptation and drive the piss out of it. You will not regret it... Godetevi e essere sicuro, Elena

[@digitalfind327]

Perfectly summed up! Steve, can you PLEASE do a full UK road “video” review of the new Porsche 911 Carrera - with your verdict of the sound here too..?

[@sirtristan01]

Wait a split second for throttle to respond or ages for it to build up revs to where it actually makes any torque?

[@LysergicCasserole95]

Don't complain too much or Porsche will end up giving you synthetic sounds like BMW

[@kmartin971]

Lysergic Casserole lol...the 718 has a sound agitator! Why is no one talking about this!

[@RacingRalphEVO]

I don't get why they didn't go for a 2.7l turbo flat six. It wouldn't probably be as economical as this 2.5, but it would be still more economical than the 3.4 NA flat six and although the sound would be a bit muted, it would still have that flat six sound.

[@BeBarnee]

cost and profit!!! Most people who buy porsches, don't watch videos like this, just buy the car for it's badge

[@RacingRalphEVO]

They could put a 4cyl. into the standard cayman - there would be one reason more to take the s-modell.

[@RacingRalphEVO]

+BeBarnee Well I'm not so sure on this one. I would say that from the whole porsche model range, the cayman is attracting the least amount of this kind of people. That's why it is the least selling porsche :D Non-car people go for the cayenne, macan, panamera. When they want a sports car, they get the 911. When they want an entry level porsche, they get the boxter.

[@kurtrusellpatrickswayze]

They said it's because: there wouldn't be enough of a leap between these and the 911, it wouldn't be as efficient (emissions), and also, I think they said it wouldn't fit in the 981.

[@RacingRalphEVO]

+Ｎｉｃｈ Ｒｉｇｇａ You mean 982, the 981 had a 3.4 flat six :D

[@NoWay23548]

I'm so happy I got the Cayman GTS. The new 718 Boxster (as I haven't tried the Cayman since it's not out yet) is really fast and feels great to drive, but as he says, the engine sounds different.. and in a bad way. I love my car for the way it feels to drive and how it sounds but it seems that we have to get used to the lackluster sound from now on if we want a new car. Pity.

[@iraeich]

No we don't. Just don't buy the new ones. They'll get the hint.

[@mikemisa6496]

Thanks for your honesty!

[@shaunmark1]

Does the engine leave a little more room for, say, changing spark plugs? Or does it take the same kind of space?

[@Arinis.ltd.]

A Golf GTI sounds better than this ! It is a very good car though

[@1godisthegreatest1]

اطلع بره

[@Arinis.ltd.]

+JK X وانت مالك ياعم الظريف ؟

[@faris1y]

وييين صحيح صوتها صار سيئ يعني انا جربت الكايمن القديمة التنفس الطبيعي وصوتها جدددددددددددا رهيييب يعني من الاخر بس الجديدة مع التيربو فيه فرق كبير جدا عشان كذا تشوف كثير يتكلمون بهالموضوع بس الصوت كويس يعني مو بذاك السوء بس ابدا مو زي الجي تي آي 😂👍🏼

[@1godisthegreatest1]

+biocybernaut that was fukin horrible dont use google translate

[@fatfat6389]

Golf 3 VR6 instead.

[@misegades]

Hard to fathom spending $90,000 on a 4-cylinder car...

[@misegades]

+Al. Murtaqa that's completely different. That GTA-R is an incredibly niche vehicle, and is a restored and modified classic. And you'd have to be borderline crazy to spend that kind of money on a dingy little Alfa

[@misegades]

+Al. Murtaqa I used to work at a shop that specialized in classic Italian cars, both for street and race use. I've spent a lot of time with the old Alfas, even in race trim, and they're not bad cars by any means, but they are, in my humble opinion, overrated, and really no different than any other small sports car from that era, be it Fiat, MG, BMW, etc.

[@danilodonati8246]

+misegades When I see an Alfa Romeo , I lift my hat - Henry Ford, after he examined a Spider 8C 2900 in 1938. Alfa Romeo invented the concept of sport sedan too. BMW came a long way after with the 3 series. And what about a Giulietta Spider? You cannot compare it to an MG. It's like comparing a Leonardo's picture to a work of a good anonymous artist.

[@misegades]

I'm not saying that the old Alfa's are ugly, because they're not. I just don't see them being any better or worse than their contemporaries.

[@danilodonati8246]

If you are talking of the Alfa's from the 90's to the recent ones, I agree with you and I'll tell you more, they almost were lemons. Now, fortunatly, it seems that things are changing with new Giulia. But from the 30's to the 70's, no way. They were uncomparable to the others. A little 1.3 litres Alfa engine could beat a beat a 1.8 or 2.0 litres german engine. Alfa cured the weight distribution in order to be 50:50 with the gearbox at rear. Sodium filling valves, variable valve timing, twin spark engines, the "Busso" V6 and so on. Enzo Ferrari was an Alfa official pilot and his legend began with that car. Alfa in the early 50's built that track monster called 159. Legendary pilots like Fangio or Nuvolari, reknowed by Ferdinand Porsche the best pilot of all time, ran and wan on Alfas. I respect your opinion, but considering all the Alfa history, I cannot share it. Have a nice sunday ;-)

[@turquoisecat761]

The reassuring sound of Steve's voice when you start an AE video...

[@AndyWJP]

The car looked awesome. Nice review. Thanks.

[@AndrewB_88]

autoexpress which would you suggest - a Cayman s or c63s AMG coupe??

[@thimble288]

0 - 100mph in under ten seconds? Crazy.

[@paulwood862]

It’s 8.4 to 100mph

[@lepotanCCCC]

i waited for this video. thank you Steve. i know how much you love the Cayman gts. After other reviews about the 982 Models i didnt know what to think about it because the reviewers didnt explore the gts with this enthusiasm as you did. gts rules, Steve rules.

[@johanssonb]

It's so good, so usable, so BEAUTIFUL that I can only imagine how happy I would be driving one along beautiful mountain roads with my girl on the passenger seat and all the necessary gear for a long trip, campsite to campsite. I can definitely live with the noise.

[@smartcatcollarproject5699]

Long camping trip in a Boxster... you'd need hiking gear !

[@nateisright]

Goodnight! It's beautiful. I wouldn't have been surprised to see Jagermeister livery on that orange paint though.

[@000GunterGabriel000]

It interesting that you mention the turbo lag in 5th and 6th, because so far ALOT of reviewers have been trying to sell us that there isnt and its basically just the sound that is a (minor in their view) downfall. But as someone who has driven a Audi S for several years i KNOW that there is always a lag and after a while you just cant ignore it.

[@jonathankim2352]

there is always lag in a turbo, just like you say. cheers!

[@sheebox]

anyone who says there is no lag in turbo, discard everything he said prior and after that statement.

[@chrisgarret3285]

+sheebox judging by the comment you watch too much motor trend

[@sheebox]

Chris Raczynski you are absolutely right, i watch a ton of stuff, and things that makes sense to me; stick.

[@superelectic45]

Driving a turbo you have to adjust your driving style, it's not like driving a NA, there is a knack to keeping the turbo spooled up.

[@GroschiAutomotive]

Finally I agree with Steve on something 110%. I would also get the old GTS instead. Great video!

[@marinoint]

Please compare this to the new Lotus Evora 400 as soon as possible!

[@jinwu3262]

Hope to see a 718 Cayman GTS with a 6 cylinder engine.

[@swsschz]

I really really need to pick up a 981.1 cayman GTS before they are worth 911 money.......

[@MagicAyrtonforever]

Gearing is too tall.. Get a Gen 1 like I did and stick a 3.8 in it!

[@shirothehero0609]

you won't regret it. I have a 15 981S and love every second of it.

[@robertbidochon7949]

Reminds me of the sound of a LMP 1 car: this space ship like, very mechanical noise. Love it! Porsche needs to have the 98X models with the N/A F6 engines and this 718 below for people who likes compact very torquey at low revs engines (like me). And price them lower too

[@mosheikss]

does anyone know where this road is? looks good

[@DWbodhi]

thanks for the great review!

[@dany1441]

They must have known the noise can be a dealbreaker for many prospective buyers. So why not use a 5-cylinder, which can sound great, or a six cylinder with cylinder-shutdown? I understand fuel economy dictates it all, but weren't there alternatives that allowed for a proper sporty engine sound? Great review as always Steve.

[@golferchin76]

I think Porsche thinks that their targeted Cayman or Boxster buyers do not care about the sound of a flat six engine. It doesn't sound like a straight 4, it doesn't sound like a 911. But it definitely doesn't sound too shitty for most people, and that's enough to sell this car, which is a very NICE car. But I prefer the 911 especially the flat six.

[@rousseau327]

I think in some countries, cars with engines bigger than 3.0L get taxed like crazy. Not too sure if that's why Porsche did this, but I wouldn't be surprised. I certainly agree that a much more could've been done to reduce fuel economy, I mean look at the C7 Corvette...that thing has a monstrous V8 and gets quite good MPG

[@sinoperture]

Or the 2.7 or 2.9 units from the 987 series? A longitudinal i5 turbo like AUDI has sounds epic indeed.

[@dany1441]

That's a good point, Italy used to have punishing tax rater for engines over 2000cc. Could be a factor.

[@dilluminatilair]

I agree that this guy is the best car reviewer on the internet. needs to put out more content (ie his own channel). instant subscribe for me.

[@aprillotus]

great honest review

[@smartcatcollarproject5699]

I'd really have a car like this, but what happens if you have a flat tire ? Or unloaded battery ? And what's the range, 400 km ?

[@gray7863]

Steve was right about the new 718 and Porsche has agreed by putting the flat six back in the GTS and GT4 models to boost slow 718 sales .

[@Tj930]

Anyone know if renowned tuners like Ruf have any plans for the 718? (Eliminate its foibles.)

[@S96Blue]

Everyone is taking shit on how the 718 sounds, keep doing it.

[@CockatooDude]

What I don't get with these companies, is that if they have a turbo, instead of trying to mute the turbo sound, and therefore muting the engine sound. Why not accentuate the sound of the engine and the turbo, kind of like old turbocharged cars, or the Pagani Huayra? I mean sure it wouldn't sound like the old one, but if you're going to have change, embrace it, don't try to mute it.

[@michaellui74]

great review steve😊😊👍👍👍👍

[@dlg5485]

I just can't identify with these guys who base so much of their impression of a car on how the engine sounds, rather than its performance. No one who has driven a 718 S disputes that it's one of the best sportscars in the world, but many have something negative to say about the sound. I like a nice growl as much as anyone, but it's nowhere near as important as the driving experience. Plus, it's not like the 2.5 sounds bad, it's just not quite as good as the 3.4, so I think it's much ado about nothing. I'd love to have one of these...and plan to eventually!

[@stoneeh]

People like you will never get it. Just buy a Tesla, be happy, and leave us alone.

[@dlg5485]

+stoneeh That is exactly what I mean. You act like you're in some private club. It's utterly ridiculous. The "it" you refer to is purely subjective and represents something different to everyone. It's what a lot of reviewers refer to as "soul" which sounds lofty and philosophical, but doesn't represent anything outside of personal opinion. You know what can be quantified, both in numbers and in the gut? Performance!

[@BIKEGEARMOTOVLOG]

I love when Steve do these review, can I get a thumbs up?

[@JoJoJoker]

718 vs. 981 GTS vs. 997 GTS? Hard call...for the $ it'd be hard to pass up those last two.

[@futuref22pilot]

I'm keeping my 981 GTS. Test drove the 718 Boxster S and Steve nailed every thought that I had.

[@000GunterGabriel000]

could you spot a difference in handling, brakes, steering?

[@kraenk12]

How about you wait fir the 718 GTS then?!

[@futuref22pilot]

The 718 definitely has a better brake feel! I wasn't really able to test the steering, however it did feel great. Couldn't tell the difference between my GTS and the 718S. The handling though (since that caught my attention) did not feel so assuring. Then again that might be because i'm used to a coupe and the boxster lacks an entire room haha

[@MadelnMachines]

I've not driven the 987 but have tried the Cayman and Boxster 981. I enjoyed it and the engine sound impressive but I felt like they were a bit to big and refined to have that small manoeuvrable raw sports car fun. Anyone else get that impression?

[@CaptainCarling]

Turbos = tuning, I would defo buy this over the flat 6

[@fidgetwidget9116]

Just Bought a second hand Porsche Cayman 2.7 Flat 6 Cyl though. 10-15 K miles for almost half the price. With PDK too.

[@georgecollins2412]

Omg finally somebody is actually calling it a “seven one eight” and not a “seven eighteen”!!!!!! 🙌

[@DriverGuy23]

George Collins But, people say “Nine Eleven”, not “Nine One One”. 😂

[@Angry-Lynx]

@@DriverGuy23 seven eleven ;

[@slaWterCH]

Just compare Steve's reactions between this video and the 981 GTS video and you know which car is better :) Flat 6 all the way!

[@jo05dk]

I could see myself being exited about a high reving n/a four cylinder, if they did it to improve handling and finesse. Butr i REALLY hate tghe sound of this engine, and dislike the idea of a turbo car. For ultimate handling/car fun, you need the best throtle response you can get. So yeah.. We're told it handles like a dream, and i agree that it looks REALLY god (not the black Porsche thing on the back though), but no thanks. I'd take opne of the older Caymans for sure. Too bad. Thanks for yet another great review Steve. You da man.

[@paulwood862]

A 718 is a million time better in throttle response ffs than any 6 cylinder! It has throttle response from 1900 in any gear rather than needing to be at c5500 revs.

[@mohammadsaleh4780]

1:46 don't do that with your fingers while saying "they have tickled it" lol

[@NazimUddin-yk2tz]

If you get a decat and straight through exhaust this would be a screamer !!!

[@z2153]

If the only issue is the exhaust sound then it doesn't sound like a deal breaker. I like going fast and getting good gas mileage, so 4 cylinder turbo is perfect for me.

[@pauldrake4295]

Honest review, thanks.

[@adamgarrett3182]

Brits have the best descriptors. "The steering is DELICIOUS" "Give it the berries" "They really TICKLED the brakes" aha

[@hughbrazier30]

I concur.....I have a Cayman 3.4S and it's awesome with its flat 6 !

[@nilsbuer]

Nice review.

[@SergeantSlickrick]

this guy does great reviews

[@duncanidaho7494]

Great review mate !!! U are right

[@TheWalrus0608]

I really wish Porsche would put the 3 liter turbo from the carrera in this for the GTS. I mean, I know they wont, but I wish they would

[@dannypreston1268]

How much does it cost to Service?

[@LCdrDerrick]

The GT4 was THE car, as with BMW the E46 M3 CSL was THE car, afterwards it got worse. I mean the noise alone of an atmospheric inline/flat-6 is worth lacking a few tenth of a seconds or liters of consumption .... and the liveliness, the balance and the sensation of delivery of power..... i've never sat in a GT4 and I even can't afford one. I'm just trolling around, complaining about the trends in automotive design.

[@larkin75]

This guy would complain that a Victoria Secret model isn't hot enough because he doesn't like the tone of her voice. The 718 is faster, has more torque, has the 911 steering and brakes, has a much improved interior and handles better. And this guy doesn't like it because it doesn't SOUND as good as the old model!?

[@sdlausen1]

Due to the 4cyl engine, this new model will just make the previous model/generation skyrocket in value -- in particular the GT4. Better scoop one up now.

[@carsaregood911]

Perfectly valid conclusion

[@gw7624]

Blame EU emissions regulations for the engine. It doesn't matter that the real-world difference in mpg is probably negligible, the fact is that the improved synthetic emissions have brought down Porsche's fleet average, and hence appeased the bureaucrats who don't care about cars.

[@thomasdanielsen9151]

Put an ipe exhaust on that thing, and you are set

[@gaah23]

A four cylinder car with turbo will never sound as good as a six cylinder car with no turbo. That's just a fact.

[@Kev50027]

+gaah23 that's not true at all. There are tons of crap sounding 6 cylinder engines. Try driving a mid 2000's Jeep with a V6. There are plenty of great sounding 4 cylinder turbo engines too. I haven't heard a new Cayman in real life, but from the video, it doesn't sound nearly as good as many other turbo 4 pots.

[@saucysimpson259]

+Kev50027 Subaru's boxer engine, Mercedes A45, Ariel atom, caterhams all sound brilliant and they're all 4cylinders

[@excarnifico13]

you guys are comparing different engine layouts...

[@kickyadick]

Putting caviar on hotdogs won't make it a better meal, if that makes any sense...

[@peterpoppe4855]

Anyone who has a problem with the sound of this car : upgrade the music system to Bose or Burmeister and stop complaining. This is a fantastic car !

[@kmartin971]

At 6:07 he nails it again! “Crying shame”. This dude knows cars and the 981 GTS wins hands down!

[@mace2689]

Sounds like the reviewer is kicking a fuss over nothing really. Drives better, feels better, looks better, but its a 4 cylinder... C'mon mate get over yourself it is still one hell of a car.

[@CTStyles31]

really glad I got a 981 CS

[@TheGreatLoco]

They should have done it with a super charger or a 6 flat with cylinder deactivation. The 4-cylinder turbo lacks power until the pressure builds up.

[@paulwood862]

No it doesn’t it has power everywhere - try driving an S with the variable turbo

[@stoneeh]

The last real sports car reviewer.

[@stoneeh]

flacjacket I mean reviewers, not salesmen. All of the mentioned are the latter.

[@gaah23]

I still enjoy Tiff Needells reviews. And Randy Pobst.

[@AntonHu]

Frankly, if you pushed even the old 2.7 litre car at all on the road you didn't spend long doing it before you were driving illegally, so no more power was required unless you drove a lot on the track (and then you'd buy a track-specific car). It's not much fun when you have to give most of your attention to looking for speed cameras and police cars and are only using a fraction of the available throttle. Hence after testing two Caymans, I totally got the point of the GT86 for road driving...

[@JackKing12.]

My ears say it sounds great with more power, torque, efficiency etc...

[@Kxji]

I really like more the 981 with the new infotainment system.

[@crazycamkalani]

It almost sounds like a baby 918, how can you not love that?

[@mik458spider2]

Yeah, it sounds exactly like real 918 on battery mode.

[@maximus9401]

The best way to describe people's impression of this car. "It's great but..."

[@danielharris3180]

Getting mine next weekend

[@behindthen0thing]

Daniel Harris did you get it

[@danielharris3180]

Sure did! Phenomenal car!

[@zycazycazyca]

This car is awesome! (If u mute his VO)

[@WayneFleshman]

Why would you not buy this car since it out performs and gets better gas mileage than the old flat 6 version and just change the air intake and exhaust if you need to hear a louder engine roar?