Quick update on the new Cayman
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Agate gray, PDK, Standard Black interior, PCM, Sport Chrono, 20 inch wheels.
Traded in the 2002 Boxster S for a Cayman at the end of August. I was going to spec a Boxster, but the dealer had this one on the lot and my wife and I thought why not try a hardtop for a change.
Break-in: Just over 800 miles to date. I typically follow the manufacturers recommendation for break-in and that means keep it under 4200 rpm, don't lug the engine and vary the RPMs. This is going well, I have been leaving it in manual mode and once warmed up accelerating through the gears and switching btw 5th and 6th on the highway. If you leave it in automatic mode it wants to go into 7th (overdrive). The car has not consumed any oil which doesn't surprise me, but the sales person mentioned, several times on different occasions, that I should monitor the oil level.
Power: Still in break-in so I haven't even really gotten to high point on the torque curve. The 2.7 has more power than then my 2002s had, that combined with an honest assessment of how I am going to use the car and the lower price is the reason I did not go with the S. I didn't drive the S so that probably saved me from making a rash decision
. Having said that, this car seems to pile on the speed effortlessly so much so that I am thinking about installing a radar detector, that has been sitting in a drawer for the past few years.
Ride and Handling: I have the 20 inch wheels with Perrelli P Zero tires, and the stock suspension, and the ride is very good to excellent. This is a subjective thing, it is a sports car and I like a firm ride; it is not harsh or jarring imo and the suspension seems to absorb the bumps well. I have not tried the 30 psi comfort setting since that limits top speed to 165 mph and I've got places to go! The handling is fantastic the car changes direction immediately, I find the steering to be very good. The Cayman has me considering doing a few Driving Events.
PDK: I haven't had a manual since 2002, the Boxster was a TIP and that was ok. The PDK on the other hand is very nice, the rev matching down shifts are very cool. Still in break in so limited feedback at this time.
PCM: Standard Infotainment package. The sound quality is good, the ipod integration and navigation is very good; still getting to know all the features. I did spend some time trying to figure out SMS and Email and I believe that one needs the Telephone package and a SIM card OR a phone that supports the Bluetooth remote sim access profile (rSAP) something which iPhones do not support. I don't think any "standard" US phone supports rSAP; probably need to get an Andriod and install some 3rd party software.
Sport and Sport Chrono: No feedback at this time.
Instruments: I like the multifunction display the ability to see coolant and oil temperature in addition to oil pressure is nice. Plus you can display the map/navi, audio. The G-force meter is kind of neat but I don't think you should be looking at it while trying to maximize your speed through a corner; I think the data can be downloaded via the PCM, I'll leave that for another day.
Auto-Stop: Shuts engine down at a traffic light. I decided to turn it off during break in, rather have the oil circulating.
Sounds: I like the exhaust sound even when shifting at 4K, when you start the car it also makes a vroooom sounds, nice. The sound the car makes from the outside when one is standing next to it at idle is not too great, I hear a lot of whirring, and metallic noises, none of which can be heard from the inside of the car. The 2002S had a engine rumble once warmed up when idling.
Interior: The look and feel is great, Porsche has done a nice job here.
Extras: I added clear side marker lights and an Xpel clear bra. I also purchased a Glimore Foam Sprayer, it really works well, you can see it in action here:
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