This is the Cayman's final gas-powered model lineup, before Porsche's mid-engine sports car embraces electrification
by Amreetam Basu on December 6, 2024, 14:30It’s hard to believe that the Porsche 718 Cayman is now almost a decade old. With the upcoming all-electric Cayman/Boxster combo set to kickstart a new chapter for Porsche’s entry-level sportscar, 2025 will be the final gas-powered Cayman. To me, it’s the end of an era for lightweight and relatively cheaper Porsche sports cars. Sure, the all-electric Caymans and Boxsters should be quicker, but can they match the enthusiasm of the intake sound you’d get with the gas-powered Cayman? Well, I don’t want to answer that. But if you prefer a well-sorted chassis, a more analog feel in both drivability and features, with good old gasoline power, now is the time to act and snag a brand-new one while you still can. So what exactly does the latest Porsche 718 have to offer? From everything that’s new for this year and the specs and features across various trims, here’s a detailed overview of the 2025 Porsche 718 Cayman.
What’s New
There are five trims to choose from, and I wouldn’t be surprised if Porsche adds a couple of more limited editions to the Cayman lineup before the EVs replace these cars. The most exciting models in the lineup are the Cayman GTS 4.0 and the GT4 RS as they feature a 4.0-liter naturally aspirated flat-six, straight from the 911 GT3. For the 2025 model year, Porsche made the PDK automatic gearbox a standard fitment throughout the lineup. The GT4 RS is a PDK-only affair. The six-speed manual is still a no-cost option.
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718 Cayman
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718 Cayman Style Edition
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718 Cayman S
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718 Cayman GTS 4.0
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718 Cayman GT4 RS
2025 Porsche 718 Cayman Specifications
The whole 718 Cayman lineup has two engine types available. The standard 2.0-liter turbocharged flat-four engine powers the base 718 Cayman and style edition model and cranks a healthy 300 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. The next in line is the 2.5-liter turbo flat-four engine, which pumps 350 horsepower and 309 pound-feet of torque and it powers the Cayman S.
Higher up in the pecking order, we have the 4.0-liter motorsport-derived naturally aspirated flat-six that powers the 718 Cayman GTS 4.0. This engine, with more aggressive tuning, also features in the 911 GT3 models. In the GTS 4.0 flavor, the engine produces 394 horsepower. However, the torque varies depending on the gearbox you choose. So, with the seven-speed PDK dual-clutch, it’s rated at 317 pound-feet, and 309 pound-feet with the no-cost six-speed manual option. The absolute best in the 718 Cayman range, the GT4 RS, is a serious track junky that churns out 493 horsepower and 331 pound-feet of torque.
All 718 Cayman models are rear-wheel drive only, and most come standard with the PDK automatic transmission. However, if you prefer to row your own gears, the base Cayman, Cayman S, and Cayman GTS 4.0 offer a six-speed manual as a no-cost option. The GT4 RS, with its focus on pure performance, comes exclusively with the PDK.
Category | 718 Cayman | 718 Cayman Style Edition | 718 Cayman S | 718 Cayman GTS 4.0 | 718 Cayman GT4 RS | |
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Engine | 2.0L Turbocharged Flat-4 | 2.0L Turbocharged Flat-4 | 2.5L Turbocharged Flat-4 | 4.0L Naturally Aspirated Flat-6 | 4.0L Naturally Aspirated Flat-6 | |
Gearbox | 6-speed manual / 7-speed PDK | 6-speed manual / 7-speed PDK | 6-speed manual / 7-speed PDK | 6-speed manual / 7-speed PDK | 7-speed PDK | |
Drive Type | RWD | RWD | RWD | RWD | RWD | |
Horsepower | 300 | 300 | 350 | 394 | 493 | |
Torque (lb-ft) | 280 | 280 | 309 | 317 | 331 | |
0-60 mph (secs) | 4.9 (manual) / 4.7 (PDK) | 4.9 (manual) / 4.7 (PDK) | 4.2 (manual) / 4.0 (PDK) | 4.5 (manual) / 3.9 (PDK) | 3.2 | |
Top Speed (mph) | 171 | 171 | 177 | 182 | 196 |
Exterior Highlights
The 718 Cayman undoubtedly looks like a Porsche. However, it doesn’t feel like a cut-back 911, at least from the aesthetics point of view. Its sharp lines, pointy nose, and silhouette of a mid-engined sports car make it unique, even in its standard form. Sure, the base 718 Cayman doesn’t seem to look the best with its rather small 18-inch dull-looking alloy wheels, and Bi-Xenon headlights.
But as you climb up the trims, the 718 Cayman starts to look more aggressive with larger air inlets, bigger wheels measuring up to 20 inches, more carbon fiber body panels, a rear wing, sportier exhaust tips, and blacked-out bits on the GTS 4.0. Yes, I’m talking about the 718 Cayman GT4 RS. But while the GT4 RS looks sharp, it also rides the hardest. So, choose a trim that fits your budget and comfort. Trust me, Porsche also offers the 20-inch 911 Turbo wheels as a $4,570 option and full LED headlights for just $660 for the base 718 Cayman. Overall, the 718 Cayman continues to look like a true Porsche sports car, and for a model that’s been around since 2016, I see it aging like fine wine.
Interior Highlights
Stepping inside the Cayman, you immediately feel like you’re getting inside a time capsule. Well, it’s not vintage old obviously, but looking at the new 911, the 718 Cayman feels old school. In an age of screen overload, the old-school analog gauges should be super easy to read, and all the controls are right where you need them.
But, this is a bit of a bummer: according to Car and Driver, there are a lot of hard buttons and some of the plastic bits feel a little cheap, especially for a car in this price range. Perhaps this is one area where the Cayman continues to lag behind the 911. Thankfully, Porsche lets you cover pretty much any surface in leather...if you’re willing to shell out the extra cash, of course.
Now, let’s talk tech. The 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system is pretty straightforward and responds quickly to your commands. But here’s where I have a bone to pick with Porsche: It nickels and dimes you for features like built-in navigation and a Wi-Fi hotspot. Come on, Porsche! At least every Cayman now comes with Apple CarPlay, which is a plus. But Android Auto users, you’re still out of luck. On the bright side, audiophiles can upgrade to a sweet Bose ($990) or Burmester sound system ($4,700). That Burmester setup with 12 speakers and 821 watts of power? Yeah, that’ll definitely rock your world.
And don’t let the Cayman’s sporty looks fool you, it’s actually pretty practical for a mid-engined sports car. You get a decent-sized 9.7 cubic feet trunk in the back, plus a 5.3 cubic feet frunk under the hood. You should be able to fit two carry-on suitcases in both the front and rear, which is impressive for a small sports car. Just be aware that the sloping rear hatch means you might have to get creative with your packing and use soft bags to maximize the space.
2025 Porsche 718 Cayman Price
The base 2.0-liter Cayman starts at $72,800, excluding the $1,995 destination charges. The top-spec GT4 RS shares the same engine as the 911 GT3, minus the added power, but more induction noise, and is still priced at almost half at $164,200. The pick of the range would be the GTS, considering that it is the most affordable way to get access to that 4.0-liter naturally aspirated flat-six. Stick with the manual and you have a proper enthusiast special, that you can rev out happily, up a canyon road.
2025 Porsche 718 Cayman Vs. Competition
2025 Chevrolet Corvette
America’s homegrown rear mid-engined sportscar turned supercar, the C8 Corvette is one of the most affordable models in its class. Offering multiple V8 engine options, power outputs range from a 490-horsepower naturally aspirated V8, to a mind-boggling 1,064-horsepower twin-turbo flat-plane crank available with the Corvette ZR1. While the Corvette lineup is much more exciting than ever, with the eight-generation model, you can even opt for the only hybrid all-wheel drive Corvette, the E-Ray. It offers the quickest 0-60 mph timing (2.5 seconds) in the range, and the ability to sneak in and out of your neighborhood in full EV mode.
Price for the base Stingray starts at $68,300 and goes all the way to $110,100 with the track-focused Z06. The newest and most potent ZR1 will set you back around $200,000 when it hits the market. The entry-level ’Vette best competes with the 718 Cayman. Compared to the Porsche’s four-cylinder, the base Corvette features a pushrod V8, but the rest of the lineup brings supercar-level performance, making them ideal competitors to the likes of the 911.
2025 BMW M240i
BMW’s M240i is simply known as the M2 lite and is so much more than those four-pot cheap Bimmers you see more on the road. BMW has fitted its tried-and-tested B58 3.0-liter turbocharged straight-six engine under the hood, which is good for 382 horsepower. With this configuration, the M240i can sprint to 60 mph in 4.1 seconds, almost two seconds behind the 655-horsepower Corvette E-Ray. *However, the M240i is more affordable than the Corvette and the 718 Caymanand offers a stellar value like most Bimmers in the market.
Also, unlike the 718 Cayman and the Corvette, BMW’s 2 Series Coupe isn’t as extensive. So, the best competitor for the 718 Cayman is the M240i. If not, the full-fat M2 with the optional M Performance Parts (which adds a rear wing along with more exterior goodies) could be the perfect competitor to the Cayman GTS or the GT4 RS. *The base model is priced at $50,100**, and for all-weather capability, you can choose the xDrive all-wheel drive model, which will set you back another $2,000. AWD is something that the Cayman has never offered.
FAQs
How much does a 2025 Porsche 718 Cayman cost?
Prices for the 2025 Porsche 718 Cayman range between $ for the base model and $ for the top-of-the-line GT4 RS.
Will there be a 2025 718
Porsche will offer the 718, for the 2025 model year.
Will there be a 2025 718
Porsche will offer the gas-powered variant of the 718 for the last time in 2025
Is Porsche killing the Cayman?
Porsche is not killing the Cayman, but the gas model will be replaced by an all-electric variant in 2026.
What will replace the 718
The 718 EV will replace the gas-powered 718 models
What is the 718 EV release date?
The Porsche 718 EV will release sometime in 2025.
Amreetam Basu
While Amreetam hustles during the week, free time means one thing: hitting the open road. He dreams of cruising the Alps in a German masterpiece – a Porsche 992 911 GT3 RS or an F87 BMW M2 would be ideal! This 26-year-old automotive journalist loves every part of the job. Read full bio