Cayman Test on 5th Gear
- Thread starter daro911
- Start date
ORIGINAL: daro911
8.00pm tonight Tiff tests the Cayman should be interesting []
Very (pleasantly) surprised to hear Tiff say that the Cayman doesn't drive any nicer than the Boxster hmmmmmmmmmmm me thinks that must make the Boxster a real bargain then
especially when the sun is shining
ORIGINAL: daro911
ORIGINAL: daro911
8.00pm tonight Tiff tests the Cayman should be interesting [
Very (pleasantly) surprised to hear Tiff say that the Cayman doesn't drive any nicer than the Boxster hmmmmmmmmmmm me thinks that must make the Boxster a real bargain then
As I had noted from my test drive of the Cayman: for daily town and motorway use there was nothing the Cayman S did which my Boxster S couldn't do. I agree that it would shine on the track but then if that is why you are buying the Cayman then I would suggest waiting for the Club Sports version.
GOOFY
New member
Sorry to appear cynical here but I tend to agree with some pundits on the point of the Cayman. I believe it has been made to lure Audi TT buyers and create another segment for Porsche to enter along with MPV, 4 seater saloon soon etc.
The Boxter used to be called the"poor " man's Porsche, but I believe that title may go to the Cayman eventually. It deliberately does not have the power, ltd slip diff etc, to compete with the 911's. It also does not have the practicality 2+2 seats nor the exclusivity. So why buy it ?
Sitting just below it is the same chassis design and its a convertible - surely it more expensive ?. Performance of the convertible is not that far off. Like the Cayman the Boxster does not have 2+2 seats BUT it does have a convertible top. It can handle and perform almost as well (apart if you want to drive on a track everyday) . It has style and fun, and you can hear the engine with the roof down. In fact it has a "purpose" - a mid engined convertible Porsche. So why has everyone suddenly jumped up and down as if in revelation of what the Cayman can do. It has always been possible and easier to make mid engined Porsche outperform a 987/911 due to inherent 911 weight problems - why don't F1 cars let the engines overhang the rear axle otherwise. Its a no brainer that this mid engined car will also be cheaper to make especially in hard top form. But would it sell without taking away from other Porsches ? All it needed was the marketing men to say there is a market for it -and there is now.
What Porsche have clearly recognised is that they can now stretch the price range. We all know there are more millionares every year (300 more in the City this Xmas predicted with their fat Bonus). Then you've got the Far East economy growing. How do you potentialise your Brand in this environment. Increase your higher price points for those requiring exclusivity and for those aspiring to the Brand, maintain entry price points as close to the competitor's lead out (Audi TT for example). Hence the top end Carrera GT's - a profit making venture for Porsche - a first at this supercar level (959 was a disaster) proving the money is there.
So I predict the 987/911 derived Porsches will the see the price points increase markedly year on year with even higher specs. Many City Porsche dealers are now rubbing their hands in anticipation of the Bonus's cheques cashed for Xmas and many "trophy" Porsches will be acquired. To take up the gap lower down will be a higher spec Cayman probably in the middle. Since the Boxter has been around for so long and unless you improve the spec markedly, you cannot justify the price hike as its price has been established. Secondly the competition Nissan 350z etc achieve similar price points. The Cayman hence, even I'm sure probably cheaper to make, will be pitched above this and with a slightly higher spec just to justify the gap Boxter to Cayman to 911/987 for the public at large.
So what is the lure of the Cayman in my opinion? Its new, its a "must have" thats it ! Just because so much is said and everyone is buzzing around because its a new Porsche. People will be wanting be seen driving around in one asap, just like when the Audi TT arrived.
But eventually I believe it will end up being a good track day car second hand , and be regarded as a "poor" mans Porsche by the 911/987 zooming around and overtaking it. The Boxster gladly will have lost that "poor" mans title and be appreciated for bringing a modern mid engined superb handling affordable Porsche over 8 years ago to us general public. And oh yes - its also convertible.
Your Boxster loving freak ![]
The Boxter used to be called the"poor " man's Porsche, but I believe that title may go to the Cayman eventually. It deliberately does not have the power, ltd slip diff etc, to compete with the 911's. It also does not have the practicality 2+2 seats nor the exclusivity. So why buy it ?
Sitting just below it is the same chassis design and its a convertible - surely it more expensive ?. Performance of the convertible is not that far off. Like the Cayman the Boxster does not have 2+2 seats BUT it does have a convertible top. It can handle and perform almost as well (apart if you want to drive on a track everyday) . It has style and fun, and you can hear the engine with the roof down. In fact it has a "purpose" - a mid engined convertible Porsche. So why has everyone suddenly jumped up and down as if in revelation of what the Cayman can do. It has always been possible and easier to make mid engined Porsche outperform a 987/911 due to inherent 911 weight problems - why don't F1 cars let the engines overhang the rear axle otherwise. Its a no brainer that this mid engined car will also be cheaper to make especially in hard top form. But would it sell without taking away from other Porsches ? All it needed was the marketing men to say there is a market for it -and there is now.
What Porsche have clearly recognised is that they can now stretch the price range. We all know there are more millionares every year (300 more in the City this Xmas predicted with their fat Bonus). Then you've got the Far East economy growing. How do you potentialise your Brand in this environment. Increase your higher price points for those requiring exclusivity and for those aspiring to the Brand, maintain entry price points as close to the competitor's lead out (Audi TT for example). Hence the top end Carrera GT's - a profit making venture for Porsche - a first at this supercar level (959 was a disaster) proving the money is there.
So I predict the 987/911 derived Porsches will the see the price points increase markedly year on year with even higher specs. Many City Porsche dealers are now rubbing their hands in anticipation of the Bonus's cheques cashed for Xmas and many "trophy" Porsches will be acquired. To take up the gap lower down will be a higher spec Cayman probably in the middle. Since the Boxter has been around for so long and unless you improve the spec markedly, you cannot justify the price hike as its price has been established. Secondly the competition Nissan 350z etc achieve similar price points. The Cayman hence, even I'm sure probably cheaper to make, will be pitched above this and with a slightly higher spec just to justify the gap Boxter to Cayman to 911/987 for the public at large.
So what is the lure of the Cayman in my opinion? Its new, its a "must have" thats it ! Just because so much is said and everyone is buzzing around because its a new Porsche. People will be wanting be seen driving around in one asap, just like when the Audi TT arrived.
But eventually I believe it will end up being a good track day car second hand , and be regarded as a "poor" mans Porsche by the 911/987 zooming around and overtaking it. The Boxster gladly will have lost that "poor" mans title and be appreciated for bringing a modern mid engined superb handling affordable Porsche over 8 years ago to us general public. And oh yes - its also convertible.
Your Boxster loving freak ![
]
carrera4boy
Ex Club Member
Oh Jeeeeeeeesh...run for cover everyone ...here comes Daro with a response[]
]
Dave Wilkinson
New member
I had to have a sly smile to myself with Tiff's "straight six" comment. You'd think that a bunch of petrolheads on the Fifth Gear staff might have spotted that one before transmission wouldn't you??
I have to say that I'm surprised at many of the comments, mainly from Boxster drivers, about the Cayman. As far as I can see, it's no less a car - in fact, better in some areas even if you ignore the obvious benefits in torsional stiffness that the coupe body imparts.
As someone who wouldn't even consider a convertable, the Cayman seems to me to have been a long time coming. It seems strange that the tin top fraternity should be denied a "budget" Porsche with near perfect balance when the open top lovers have had the choice of 911 cab and Boxster for so long. I find myself not entirely surprised about the LSD issue - you can't really blame Porsche for trying to position the cars in the market - but I wonder how long it might take for the likes of Ruf/Roock/Sportec etc. etc. to offer an LSD conversion for the Cayman???
I have been pretty impressed with the looks of the Cayman ever since I first saw it and remain so after seeing it in the flesh and seeing the Top Gear and 5th Gear reviews. Now where did I put that lottery ticket???
Regards
Dave
I have to say that I'm surprised at many of the comments, mainly from Boxster drivers, about the Cayman. As far as I can see, it's no less a car - in fact, better in some areas even if you ignore the obvious benefits in torsional stiffness that the coupe body imparts.
As someone who wouldn't even consider a convertable, the Cayman seems to me to have been a long time coming. It seems strange that the tin top fraternity should be denied a "budget" Porsche with near perfect balance when the open top lovers have had the choice of 911 cab and Boxster for so long. I find myself not entirely surprised about the LSD issue - you can't really blame Porsche for trying to position the cars in the market - but I wonder how long it might take for the likes of Ruf/Roock/Sportec etc. etc. to offer an LSD conversion for the Cayman???
I have been pretty impressed with the looks of the Cayman ever since I first saw it and remain so after seeing it in the flesh and seeing the Top Gear and 5th Gear reviews. Now where did I put that lottery ticket???
Regards
Dave
hothatch2002
New member
5 th Gear is painful to watch, and Tiffany Dell really is a bore!!
It is plainly obvious why the Cayman was made - you can take it to the golf club and fit the clubs in aswell.
It is plainly obvious why the Cayman was made - you can take it to the golf club and fit the clubs in aswell.
I thought it amusing that one of the aims of the feature was to show that you CAN drive the 'Cat and Fiddle' within the realms of the law and in a safe manner...
...they then set off, and the camera car immediately crossed the double solid white lines and drove down the right hand side of the road, as the Cayman undertook it!
...they then set off, and the camera car immediately crossed the double solid white lines and drove down the right hand side of the road, as the Cayman undertook it!
hothatch2002
New member
I know - the idea of that report was to prove that you can safely drive the Cat & Fiddle within the legal speed limit.
1. Tiffany Dell actually pushed the car on a corner until it started to slide - not exactly safe on the public roads.
2. As mentioned above - he undertook the camera car on solid lines.
3. Nearly crashed (admittadly someone else was pulling in out in front of him), but even still - you should adjust your driving in accordance with your surroundings.
I always keep my speed in check if I'm approaching a junction where someone is waiting to pull out. Once you've had someone pull out on you and write your car off (like I had many years ago) you never trust anyone else again in that situation. Ask any biker!!
4. He then pulled into the pub for a stiff drink to calm his nerves!! I mean - can you believe it. The blokes an idiot. (and his voice is really annoying)
Try taking a roundabout on a dual carriage at 60mph and then try and explain to plod that you were not driving dangerously because you were driving at the speed limit - see how far that gets you Tiffany!!
Mental Note Tiff:- Adapt to your surroundings and conditions.
1. Tiffany Dell actually pushed the car on a corner until it started to slide - not exactly safe on the public roads.
2. As mentioned above - he undertook the camera car on solid lines.
3. Nearly crashed (admittadly someone else was pulling in out in front of him), but even still - you should adjust your driving in accordance with your surroundings.
I always keep my speed in check if I'm approaching a junction where someone is waiting to pull out. Once you've had someone pull out on you and write your car off (like I had many years ago) you never trust anyone else again in that situation. Ask any biker!!
4. He then pulled into the pub for a stiff drink to calm his nerves!! I mean - can you believe it. The blokes an idiot. (and his voice is really annoying)
Try taking a roundabout on a dual carriage at 60mph and then try and explain to plod that you were not driving dangerously because you were driving at the speed limit - see how far that gets you Tiffany!!
Mental Note Tiff:- Adapt to your surroundings and conditions.
I'd say 'Tiffany' is probably one of the most respected auto journalists out there, and one of the best drivers in the trade.His talents are totally wasted on the rubbish that is 5th Gear. (Today we will be testing how 1970's indicator stalks stand up against indicator stalks of today's modern car[:'(]). For example, he lapped the Enzo only 4 seconds slower than Ferrari's test driver, after only 5 laps, whilst giving a running commentary!
Jeremy Clarkson, on the other hand, might be much more interesting to listen to, but he knows nothing about cars, and often ends up making conclusions based on image and style. In 2 years he has moved from a 360 to a Merc SL55 AMG to a Gt40..clearly he doesn't know what he even wants from a car.
Jeremy Clarkson, on the other hand, might be much more interesting to listen to, but he knows nothing about cars, and often ends up making conclusions based on image and style. In 2 years he has moved from a 360 to a Merc SL55 AMG to a Gt40..clearly he doesn't know what he even wants from a car.
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