Porsche Cayman GTS review: motoring nirvana for £55k

[@JuJu_Vega]

I must have watched this video 5 or 6 times before finally buying one of the last manual 981 GTS with PTV, sports chassis and carbon buckets. Since owning it I've still watched it 3 more times and I must say his description is just so much on point in every aspect. Thank you so much Steve for this exceptional review!!! Greetings from Germany!

[@TonyVee89]

Beato te Giuliano!!!!!

[@durrrant_simracing]

I’m looking now… can’t wait to find the right one and pick it up, so excited.

[@JuJu_Vega]

@@durrrant_simracing good luck, hope you find the perfect configuration!

[@zhenchangdong3965]

I got it in 2023. from Dusseldorf

[@JuJu_Vega]

@@zhenchangdong3965 congrats to that beautiful car! :)

[@SloanZurnToto]

Had a revelation today. I test drove a manual Cayman GTS and a manual 991 Carrera, and the Cayman felt just as fast if not faster than the 911, and was much more agile, toss-able simply handled much better than the 911. The Cayman fit me like a glove, and the sound of that sport exhaust with the pops and burbles on down shifts is simply magic. My vote is for the Cayman GTS.

[@michaelschneider-]

+1. . The Cayman GTS weighs much less than a base Carrera coupe. . As you mentioned, the Cayman's interior space feels just right when compared to the larger Carrera 991 or 992 series.

[@ameeny3389]

I have never seen anyone rave about a car as much as this guy does. Makes me want one so bad.

[@netweed09]

It's fully worth it. Timeless design and that sound. Best Porsche ever, shove the speed

[@watermelon2521]

My dad got one in carmine red and my goal one day is to be able to purchase one like it. The sound of that flat 6 is just so amazing

[@anotherone10]

Sounds so nice and its refreshing to see a manual transmission in a press car for a change

[@647killa]

Very true. Most press cars are given with a dual clutch or pdk just so that they can confirm the fast 0-60. I enjoy reviews where the presenter is toeing their own gears and having the tome of their life. Cayman GTS with a manual tranny= driver heaven.

[@MrSlash00r]

So, does Steve like it or not? I'm still unclear

[@sevenayan]

I hate how a sensibly-priced sports car is still something that I can't afford :(

[@syedomarnorth2561]

LOOOL

[@nuttersandy]

A used 2007 cayman are in the low 20's

[@CJM44.41]

It'll come! Just have to wait a little while! Continue to work hard and a used Cayman in 3 years give or take will be even more attainable. Keep the dream alive!

[@rousseau327]

One of these Caymans used will be a hell of a bargain. The GTS will probably hold its value well, but the Cayman S should drop considerably.

[@CJM44.41]

ewt415 That's a good observation. I'm sure the Cayman S prices will drop even quicker now with the GTS around.

[@Sandouras]

Delicious steering and tasty engine.... did he end up eating the Cayman?

[@mters12]

I used to watch this video again and again dreaming about it, now I got one and believe me when i told you it’s better than i ever imagined. I am absolutely in love with my cayman GTS.

[@mters12]

Thanks Steve for keeping me spirited.

[@Todaestabien]

Thank you so much. After years of watching again and again. Couldn't get enough!!! I bought a GTS and I'm happy

[@galacticosfc5595]

Completely agree. I sold my Ferrai pocketed some cash and bought a beautiful sapphire blue manual GTS. It arrived in August - one of the last off the line. I wax offered a 718 and a 911 by the dealer but after driving this I knew I had to have one. This review is dead on. I agree with Steve - what a car!

[@gmansplit]

What Ferrari did you have that you sold?

[@ThorsteinKlingenberg]

Same here, got a Sapphire Blue GTS, with important bits like PTV. Guess I'm selling my 911 Turbo now...

[@michaelschneider-]

+1. .. The 981 Cayman S or GTS trim is the MVP of sport coupes! . (Most Valuable Player). . Followed suit by purchasing a 1-owner 981 Cayman S w/PDK. . The Cayman S should play nicely with our ole '98 Carrera 2S (993) 6sp. garage mate.

[@mters12]

I used to watch this video before and after i got my 981GTS and it is still amusing to watch. The car lives up to your accurate description though.

[@dailyforman]

man, you are getting better at reviewing cars. I think, you are as good as Cris Harris now. Good shape! Keep on going!

[@jackbristol1994]

Completely agree!

[@Wallstreetavarice]

Which is why we were all so shocked with his first p1 review. I guess the car is just that good, it completely took over his head.

[@sturat18]

As crazy as Chris is over cars Steve comes across as a bit more passionate about automobiles, which I enjoy.

[@XunoHa]

Totally agree.

[@johanlittorin2765]

Yeah, as long as he keeps away from all the bias about british cars.

[@mpilot35]

After owning multiple M cars, I moved onto a 981 Cayman GTS 6 months ago. I knew this was the car right after my first test drive. It took me 7 months to find the spec I was looking for but boy was it worth it! Just like Steve, I was totally blown away by the GTS. My only regret is not getting one sooner. Absolutely love my GTS!

[@ramboormark]

Well said. I have a 981 GTS and need to go sensible saloon for family reasons. F80 M3 felt as quiet and boring as a Tesla after the Porsche

[@Adamk24]

Rewatching this after the new 718 Cayman S review really highlights how boring the new engine is. Here, the GTS engine just completes the feel of a screaming sports car, begging you to drive the snot out of it. The emotional soul of the car. The new 718 by comparison is really emotionless.

[@the_freedom_quest]

same here haha

[@khd8667]

we better wait for new gts

[@minibus1351]

I'm here for the comparo as well, and I am convinced that these previous generation caymans and especially the GTS (in manual) will hold its value extremely well in the future. I can see that there will be a steady demand for these throughout the years. Its such an all-round package. I don't see porsche going back from the 4 pots, so might as grab them now. I understand they still sell these new.

[@michaelschneider-]

@@minibus1351 .. Fast forward its year 2021 and the Cayman GTS 4.0l 6cyl is on offer w/7sp manual or PDK. . Buyers choice. . On the slightly used market are 718 Cayman S 2.5l 4cyl (The ugly red-head stepson). . . With a modest software tune (APR, etc.) of the 2.5l four brings 400 - 450PS accompanied by a wide ass torque; 2000rpm out to 6,200rpm. . I dunno,,,, door #1,,, door #2,, or door#3 ?? Cayman! .. You can't go wrong. .. Cheers, Vail, Colorado

[@limpunsing224]

I'm 67 yrs old & I own one for 6 yrs with no major issues I intend to maintain & drive it as long as I can

[@Bergie_78]

Who’s here in 2024 still watching this review? Love my GTS 🥰

[@mikemartenson4357]

After watching this, I’m glad I searched for 2 years and held out for the spec I wanted. I’ll get it in 2 more weeks. A 2016 Sapphire blue, manual with only 15k miles. I’m like a kid waiting for Christmas to come! Great video!

[@jamesj97370]

I'm a racing cyclist and I love my cars :D

[@j600esh]

Autocar Your Video qualities have really improved. Pleasure to watch

[@Gmund1948]

+1

[@TheTonicro]

i think every car guy is in love with this car, its just a perfect combo of everything most of us are missing 55k but hey we can sell houses, children whatever its not that much money :)

[@garydaniels4426]

After now owning my GTS for mire than a year I can only say it truly is a fantastic car. Just makes you want to drive. Every mile with a smile and a grin. I'm sure many cars are good on other levels but for me this is the perfect car. Enjoy whatever you drive.

[@curtwebbe6301]

I’ve had my gts for 4 years. Probably never selling. Amazing car. I toyed with the idea of buying a 911 turbo, test drove one, and found it amazing as well but too fast for public roads. My gts can be enjoyed at lower speeds and not be thrown in jail for speeding. The handling is impeccable

[@iangarrard390]

Best car review ever.

[@emransafar1821]

this man makes u feel that u wana sale everything y got n go buy this car. 👍

[@Reference-ev4nu]

Steve did the best review of the Cayman 981 GTS in a manual. Very informative. Long live the 6 speed manual.

[@PeakTorque]

I think Porsche have been very unselfish and made this so much more appealing than most 911 models. Good on them. I'd pick this over most 991 variants apart from the silly money ones. It looks the best Porsche too, which is saying something.

[@joaosoares3719]

You'd think it looks better than the 911, but last Thrusday I saw a Cayman S next to a 991 Carrera S and... boy let me tell you, the 911 is way better looking than the Cayman.

[@TheStevoRocket]

I’ve just bought a 2016 immaculate high spec GTS after a year of looking, 9000 miles, every optional extra in Carmine red. I’ve driven 911’s 3.2 Carrera, 993 Targa, 2004 911 GT3RS over 17 years with track days all over Europe and this tops the lot!

[@VK6AB-]

Well done, I bought one of these in 2016 in Guards red, guards red dials, PTV, PSE, SC, PASM and GTS interior resting on 20 inch Carrera wheels in black. It is one of the few cars I have kept and I really enjoy it, you can wring it out and enjoy that great blend of power, torque, sound and balance. Also did five season of Carrera Cup and own a 991.2 GT3 RS and 720S. There is something special about the 981 GTS and I think it comes down to the fact its not over powered or over torqued and the chassis is still top drawer even by todays standard (e.g. 981 Cayman 40,000 N degree, 992 911 39,000 N degree). Still looks great too.

[@TheOne42]

He forgot to mention the Ceramic brakes are a $8500 option,which increases the cost by almost 15%....!! moreover, there have been reports of Porsche denying warranty claims pertaining to premature PCCB rotor wear on cars that have been tracked. Replacement rotors can cost $5,000 - $6,000 per wheel......! That means that when your rotors do need replacement, as all rotors will, you may be looking at a very costly brake job or forced to convert back to cast iron rotors. i'm happy with my Iron brakes, Amazing car it is indeed :))) 

[@JeromeDH92]

No one really needs carbo-ceramic brakes... except who makes endurance races

[@fatboy19831]

Cost to be boss. No need for any street going car to have ceramic brakes. I have not driven any that feel good under normal driving conditions. Track use only. Zero warranty on any track used production automobile.

[@vanlurton6068]

The steel breaks are incredible and are about $2.5k for pads and rotors. So you're ahead of the game or break even with 3 full break jobs. And the red coated calipers look better anyway!!

[@chaisheng0627]

Just a note that the actual car in the video costs way more than 55k, the wheels is 1K extra, the GTS interior package is 2K extra, sports suspension is 0.8K extra, the seats are 2.5K extra, not to mention other bits and pieces. There the EST cost is around 62K

[@Peskarik]

YES! THE best car in the world right now. Who cares about 500+ bhp?

[@pat4599]

Couldnt agree more .....big hp useless on the public road in this day and age

[@1seipai]

Naturally aspirated engine + manual gearbox, a fantastic car!

[@alexschlawiner2540]

2019 and still wanting one so bad 🤤

[@paragonwealthstrateg]

I just got the 36k service on mine. 6 speed manual, midnight blue. I drive it like I stole it and it doesn't complain; no rattles, no problems. 2 sets of tires, though. I still love it. It makes me feel like Spider-Man on the road. Wherever on the road you want to be... you just think it and suddenly... you are there. And the sounds it makes is exactly like in the video. Better under a bridge or in a tunnel, though!

[@rsl6767]

Just got a '15 GTS.. absolutely love this car. PDK for me, but both are amazing..

[@VK6AB-]

"Best sports car sensible money can buy" It was right then and its still right today :).

[@Wallstreetavarice]

I feel like the point we are at a technological point in the automobile industry, alongside Porsches engineering, where the two aspects are at their best ever. I'm no fan of their SUVs, or the looks of the panamera, but ostensibly, all three are best in class. Seriously, their whole range is universally loved by journalists. Whatever they do in Stuttgart, it's better than anyone else in the industry right now.

[@647killa]

I would take this any day over any 991 911, because drivers car. That's why !

[@MrManuel1329]

Lol you again

[@647killa]

Lol hey buddy ! How u doin'? I guess I'm everywhere lol.

[@MrManuel1329]

647killa im doing great thanks and I really like this this caymen looks so dam fun to drive

[@647killa]

Ya it was great seeing someone getting giddy over a proper old school pure driving machine. best part about this video after the car is Steve's reactions and how hes in total love with the Cayman.

[@powersliding]

647killa ever since the cayman was conceived, its chassis has always been one of the best among sports cars. every time they put more power on it, it seems to get better and better. GT3 RS 4.0 motor inside one hehe would be a weapon to nirvana

[@puyrm]

I normally don't like 20" rims but on the GTS the lower ride height combined with the larger wheels improve the looks substantially.

[@billlump3792]

that sapphire blue is so beautiful.

[@rishiaryattu]

From a Cayman 987.2 owner, this video is easily on par with Chris Harris' most exciting vids!

[@udipta21]

I think Steve and Chris Harris are the best reviewers on the internet right now. As long as Steve avoids making comments such as believing McLaren that the P1 can do 5g in a corner, he should stay there.

[@Allaluca]

I guess that's what they call a "cargasm".

[@Arees14]

I swear you sent me the feeling of how it is to drive this car,I am literally feeling the shivers as you speak on scenes like 6:20 about pdk, you show so much feeling and respect towards reviewing and driver cars that this video is just fucking fabulous I am watching it over and over. KEEP ON!!!

[@scottferguson2601]

Steve Sutcliffe moved to Stuttgart and married a Cayman GTS!!!!

[@Shadowboost]

I wish they would let Porsche engineers go to town with this car. I have a feeling it could take on the GT3

[@Gonzarelli]

This guy should work for Porsche because he just sold me a car.....if i had the money.

[@jacquesjensen1855]

Treated myself to one of these and it’s such a fantastic car... manual with PCCBs and carbon buckets. Would love to see Steve review this car now. If anyone has his contact details please share

[@svgitana2499]

Best review ever of the GTS, apart from the one you did vs the jaguar! I have a red GTS PDK and totally agree with you! 🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻👍🏻

[@lepotanCCCC]

October 4th 2017 and i cant still stop watching this. There is not anything i want more. ☺

[@tomingrassiaimages8776]

I bought a 981 GTS yesterday! PTV, GTS interior package with rhodium silver stitching, PASM, white with black satin wheels, PDK, conv package, LED lights with PDLS Plus, Comm package with Bose stereo. steering column casing in leather, sports steering wheel in leather vs alcantera. Will be selling my saphire blue 987.2 base. Should have new one in a week....shipping from NC to WI.

[@brendankeenanFF]

Congrats Tom. I did the exact same move. But a year ago some prick stole and torched mine. No doubt you’re loving it.

[@Gmund1948]

You're brilliant at what you do Steve. A great driver, great journalist, and your videos always slice a nice line between entertaining and informative. Well done! Bring on the Cayman GT4 in this week's Autocar!

[@DaviDeXtA]

I really like this guys reviewing style, you can tell he's really passionate about cars!

[@sergiogoncalves4719]

Top ten car! With a manual gearbox only :)

[@netweed09]

So, that 0-62 time: 4.6 seconds. The exact same as guess what ,,,,,, the Ferrari360. Honestly for that alone, it deserves to go down as one of the Greatest cars of all time. Further proof is that they totally bottled and gutted it out for the hideously nerfed newer version. The singular air vents on either side are so much better than the new one.

[@Kheops63]

Ohhhh, I hadn't see him so enthusiastic for a while! This car must be very fun to drive, the last Cayman I drove was a 295cv one, on a track, with no options at all and it was very very very pleasant to drive fast! So, this one, with more hp, more Nm, better brakes, better settings, tyres and everything has to be a perfect one! Power is not everything! Don't forget this!

[@movieclipz5034]

I think the reason this particular car looks so good is that 20mm lowering with the sport suspension. And that blue.

[@nigelsmith3144]

Still the best review out there!

[@jamessmith-hb9ej]

Best journalist and car :)

[@lepotanCCCC]

his last sentence impresses me the Most. really love the idea that the Cayman is more fun than a M3 which has 100 HP more.

[@johns9904]

Best drivers car of the century

[@thierrygabriels]

Ordered a Cayman GTS with PDK and PASM, have to wait another 55 days....

[@Fickl3]

Tell us how it is!

[@chappardababbar]

Steve this is your best review in a while. It's refreshing to hear you commit to a car. Decent length and good balanced overview of all aspects. More please.

[@stoneeh]

I'm speechless. Porsche, I will work hard that you one day get my money - you deserve it.

[@tobym7955]

Hello Steve, besides your clear introduction about the specs of the car I love your passion! I really do! :) Keep it up! Cheers!

[@MattUK36]

Allez allez in Spain Steve? Lol. In this case it would be more like: Dale dale!! Great car and great review as usual. Cheers.

[@ottosinger3239]

Loving this review! everything from composition, music, and the shots themselves. The sound is great too, rich, apart from when you talk in the car, maybe you should consider new mic for when tucked onto your collar :) And the car itself, beautiful, lovely spec, sounds great, loving the fact it has manual and carbon ceramics, not sure if those one piece racing seats are great for every day, but hey, whatever gets your juices flowing :D I have one question, you say the steering is great, does it have something called "Power steering Plus" which is an option or does it not? And what is the "Power steering Plus" at all and what are the differences between it and a "normal" serial one? Thank you Autocar!

[@dan_bouet]

power steering plus is an extra power assist in low speed maneuvers e.g. parking lots. It doesn't do anything at normal speeds. I wonder if the tested car had Porsche Torque Vectoring installed as an option, as that will affect the steering feel during turn-in. It helps the car rotate around corners by braking the inside rear wheel.

[@DethThrasher1]

would take this over the carrera S

[@rWmyoutube]

Sold my 991 S for a 981GTS. Porsche has engineered the soul out of the 911. RWM

[@drewmorg.]

I love how much he loves this car.

[@OhHeyThereGuy]

That price just makes a fully loaded Z51 C7 Stingray all the more appealing.

[@OhHeyThereGuy]

If I was in the market for one, I would. My next purchase is going to be an '80-'82 Corvette as a resto-mod project.

[@vikd4292]

The CAR. PERIOD... people are talking about this car being underpowered. I guess it is but the fact is with PDK and Sport chrono your 0-60 about 4 seconds maybe even 3.9 considering the old cayman R was 4.0 seconds. That's fast in anyones' book. And as an everyday car you get 30 MPG highway, bullet proof reliablity and insane exhaust note, it can't be beat. On real roads your only going bet 60-80 miles per hour you need a car that will provide the most enjoyment in that range, cayman tough to beat. It also looks better than everything that isn't an exotic, much better looking than the already stunning 911.

[@TheSnoopy1750]

I agree. There is no way you'll need any more power unless you track it. 3.9 is absurdly fast - it's almost too fast for daily use.

[@blocksterz]

Porsche becoming unstoppable

[@Grim214]

This is the third review I've watched on this car and everyone is just in love with it. I went to go look at one today unfortunately my local dealership didn't have but they to said it's just an awesome little car.

[@armancz]

Steve raves about that thing like a kid in a kids store lol and god damn it I want one now!

[@robertrogers7833]

I have own one for over a year... Driving this car is such enjoyment.

[@dan_bouet]

Aside from the aesthetics and the 15 hp increase, you can get a Cayman S equipped EXACTLY the same way, meaning the GTS is simply an optioned Cayman S. It's a great car nonetheless; I've got a Cayman S on order with the GTS go-fast options.

[@mukyummyung4545]

I appreciate very much your review about the Cayman gts, just as I really like the car. Good job, Mr.!!!

[@michaelschneider-]

+1. .. Getting a 981 Cayman GTS (S) fix for the day. .. Fast forward, the 2021 718 Cayman GTS 4.0l w/6sp manual should also be a hoot.

[@TonyVee89]

Sometimes I need to watch this video again, cause all that modern cars feel so tasteless. But when I watch this video, I restart dreaming

[@Markley92]

That sound is why we love the RS5! I have driven this, it is pretty awesome.

[@masmouta1994]

there was a debate whether the cayman s is a better choice than the 911, now this.. the answer is crystal clear

[@brentc5422]

Best car review ever. Miss the old Cayman 3.4L engine.

[@watermelon2521]

Looks better then the 718, and sounds better then the 718 in my opinion. Would love to own one of these

[@ezique1]

Steve Sutcliffe sure loves his SuperDry !!!

[@akingturtle]

I've been contemplating selling my Z4 M Coupe for more than a year...and well I've been binge watching all test relating to the Boxster/Cayman GTS and decided it's a worthy replacement. Yip....I need this in my life.

[@Powaup]

I'd like to see how it compares to the 991 GT3

[@infidel900rr]

Great review, I'm sold!! Now to convince the wife that this is more important than the house she's been looking at!!

[@surewin1773]

The Cayman is definitely a less compromised sports car than the M3. Really lovely-

[@alsojamesp]

Great review but is there a version of the video without the cheesy soundtrack? Porsches don't need cheesy soundtracks.

[@Jack-oz8fs]

The Cayman in the past has not been my favorite Porsche. But this one wow! Very nice review.

[@ZondaF355]

Getting one of these in red...what a near perfect road car

[@akadanielmaia]

This is just the perfect configuration cayman and it's a bargain as a gts because if you try to configure a cayman s like this you won't get the lower chassis and the extra power but you will spend 90k dollars at least (not to mention the blackout trims and bumpers that are not included on the 90k)

[@akadanielmaia]

The only thing that I think isn't necessary is the carbon-ceramic breaks and I would choose another pack of rims, but that's just a particular opinion. I also think that 20" is too much it could ride better with a smaller pack of wheels

[@christianmuehlich2935]

He did not mention PTV in the review. Should be added for the perfect spec, but other than that, I agree that this configuration is as good as it gets.

[@MrFoof82]

Getting one of these is difficult though, as they're only expected to be 15% of Caymans sold. I placed a deposit back in September (car wasn't announced until this March) and I only now have my order in. I get mine in September!

[@Collioure232]

Having owned both M3's and various Porsches.........I would be getting a Porsche every time. It's just a lot more special to own and drive.

[@michalmr2]

how does it compare to gt3?

[@khaanadian9648]

Does anyone know if you can drift this car with the PDK dual clutch transmission?

[@DenHond]

Of course you can

[@RuTube981]

Yeah but why would you? This is the last fun sports car with a manual 6 speed. Manuals are always more fun than PDKs.

[@Tednessful]

Screw PDK, just good for Cayenne's and racing. This is pure driving at its best and it's got the best manual box on the market. Ordered one with standard PASM, base sports seats and limited slip diff. I don't think you need the spine-wrecking optional sports suspension and extreme bucket seats for every day driving on open roads and if you're going to spend a lot of time around the track, get the GT4.

[@OICU81272]

Ted McScorcher I agree with your statement 100%

[@KoenigF50]

This really is the final nail in the 4C's coffin. And for the same money. And I'm a huge Alfa fan and driver. Still not pretty by any measure, but it delivers where it really matters. Damn damn damn ...

[@rousseau327]

Turns the F-Type into a showroom only car in an instant.

[@fwijffels]

Just bought a 200SX S13, but I'm really in love with this Cayman

[@dlhussain81]

I was thinking of getting a carrera 4s, this has made me rethink. Thanks for the review!

[@nick270R27]

Great review, Really dislike the music during the on track slow mo's though.