2016 Porsche Cayman Reviews, Pricing & Specs

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$52,600 to $84,600

Original MSRP

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expert review

5.0

avg user rating

(14 reviews)
2016 Porsche Cayman Preview summaryImage

2016 may be forever remembered as the year that Porsche went back to putting four-cylinder engines in its sports cars. According to reliable sources, the 2016 Porsche Cayman coupe will begin using horizontally-opposed, four-cylinder turbocharged engines in place of its normally-aspirated boxer-six-cylinder engines in mid-2016. These smaller boosted engines are expected to appear on the Cayman base trim at the very least. Countering that rumor are reports we’ve read of testers driving top-trim 2016 model-year Cayman GT4s equipped with six-cylinder engines. So Porsche may add the four-cylinder at the bottom of the line, switch mid-year, or possibly wait to add the new engines until the 2017 model year, and that's about as much clarity as we can provide in a preview. Some see this four-cylinder turbo trend as worrying; others as a sign of the coming carpocalypse.

Our opinion is that fans need not fear. Porsche, and parent company Volkswagen, know a thing or two about how to properly turbocharge a four-cylinder engine. Could the very first year of the four-cylinder Cayman actually be remembered as the best of Porsche’s modern turbos when we look back a decade from now? Doubtful, but we also don’t think they'll be remembered simply as bad.

The 2016 Porsche Cayman is the two-seat coupe version of the Boxster roadster. The car is mid-rear engine, meaning the engine is located behind the driver but inboard of the rear axle. This is a different arrangement from the rear-engine 911, where the engine partially overhangs the rear wheels. Many enthusiasts consider the Cayman’s arrangement better for handling. The current generation Cayman is Porsche’s second and was introduced as a 2014 model-year car, since then earning a reputation as one of the best-handling sports cars in the world. Its perfect weight distribution, mid-engine design, and Porsche’s meticulous chassis design and suspension tuning make it a popular choice for both weekend track drivers and serious racers alike.

We expect the current four-trim Cayman lineup to continue into 2016. The base Cayman uses a slightly less powerful engine than the top three trims, producing about 275 hp, and we would expect this base trim to start at about $55,000. The next step up is the Cayman S, which in the past has had a larger displacement engine that produces about 325 hp and has been a popular choice with buyers. The Cayman GTS uses a slightly more powerful engine of the same displacement as the S, but adds numerous creature comforts such as standard leather seating, upgraded instrumentation clusters, and luxury features like Homelink garage door opening, upgraded sound and infotainment, and more. The 2016 Cayman GTS should start at about $80,000. All three of these Cayman trims are expected to be available with both a manual six-speed transmission and with Porsche’s famed Doppelkupplung automatic, known as PDK. The manual transmission is upgraded on cars with the Sport Chrono Package to include automated rev-matching on downshifts, which means that drivers do not have to “heel-toe shift” the car if they chose not to. The system comes with an “off” switch so that drivers who wish to rev-match using all three pedals can do so.

PDK is a dual-clutch type of transmission that Porsche fans consider one of the best of its type. It allows drivers to select gears via either the paddle shifters or gear selector, or to let the car do the shifting on its own. PDK-equipped Porsches are usually a bit quicker off the line than manuals, and are faster on the track than stick-shifts in the hands of anyone other than an expert. PDK will be optional on all three of the trims listed above, costing about $3,200.

The top-tier 2016 Cayman GT4, which some journalists have already had an opportunity to cover, is a dedicated track beast with a 3.8-liter, boxer-six engine that produces a whopping 385 hp. Unlike the three other trims, the Cayman GT4 comes as a manual six-speed only. Almost every part of the Cayman GT4 is upgraded for racing and fast driving: a spoiler to help manage airflow and create downforce, upgraded brakes with six-piston front calipers and composite discs, a sport exhaust, and much more. Shoppers interested in a 2016 Cayman GT4 should plan to spend around $90,000.

Porsche also adds more safety equipment to the GTS, including a side impact protection system, probably because most premium manufacturers these days tend to include a full safety suite in their cars. On the track, a Cayman may be considered as safe as any other well-built sports car, but remember that the IIHS has not rated it for safety.

The Porsche Cayman offers a unique combination of design and heritage to those interested in superb handling, both on-road and on-track. With the rumored switch to a smaller but equally powerful engine, the Cayman may end up with a slightly reduced weight to help it continue Porsche’s never-ending search for more speed and better performance.

Published May 31, 2022 by John Goreham

User reviews for 2016 Porsche Cayman

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User rating:
by AJ S
Feb 17, 2024
A great fun sports car. I’ve owned a 911 in the past which is also great but this car is more fun, a real driving experience car. The car handles superbly. Very reliable holds it value I highly recommend it as your fun weekend extra car.Feb 17, 2024
by Steven S
Oct 11, 2023
Everything it should be it is! Fast / Tight and FUNOct 11, 2023
by Tim C
Aug 26, 2023
I love the way it looks it has a great body style a true sport car.Aug 26, 2023

2016 Porsche Cayman Pricing

Original MSRP
$52,600 to $84,600
Price range
$75,230 to $80,053
Average price on CG
$79,672
YoY price change
$80,053 to $79,672

Trims & specs

Air Conditioning

Active charcoal air filtration · Single front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: diversity · USB auxiliary audio input · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Touch screen display radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 4 · 50 watts

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Electronic parking brake: auto off · Front brake diameter: 12.4 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.8 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc

Comfort Features

Center console trim: metallic · Dash trim: leather · Door trim: leather · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Cargo cover: hard · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Storage: door pockets · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Manual adjustments: 4 · Power adjustments: 2

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 3.88

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust tip color: stainless-steel · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: electronically controlled · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Window trim: black

Headrests

Front headrests: integrated · Number of front headrests: 2

In Car Entertainment

Infotainment screen size: 7 in.

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: lamp failure

Lights

Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: Auto on/off · Tail and brake lights: LED · Taillights: adaptive

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: heated · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night

Passenger Seat

Manual Adjustments: 4 · Power adjustments: 2

Safety

Crumple zones: rear

Seatbelts

Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: leather

Spare Tire

Kit: inflator kit

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Stabilizer bar(s): front

Telematics

Phone: hands free · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth

Tires

Type: performance

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent

Air Conditioning

Active charcoal air filtration · Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: diversity · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 9 · 235 watts

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Electronic parking brake: auto off · Front brake diameter: 12.4 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.8 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc

Comfort Features

Center console trim: metallic · Dash trim: leather · Door sill trim: scuff plate · Door trim: leather · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Cargo cover: hard · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Storage: lockbox · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Manual adjustments: 4 · Power adjustments: 2

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 3.88

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust tip color: stainless-steel · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: electronically controlled · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Window trim: black

Headrests

Front headrests: integrated · Number of front headrests: 2

In Car Entertainment

Infotainment screen size: 7 in.

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: low fuel level

Lights

Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: Auto on/off · Tail and brake lights: LED · Taillights: adaptive

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: auto-dimming

Passenger Seat

Manual Adjustments: 4 · Power adjustments: 2

Safety

Crumple zones: front · Parking sensors: rear

Seatbelts

Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: sport bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: leather

Spare Tire

Kit: inflator kit

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Stabilizer bar(s): rear

Telematics

Phone: hands free · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth

Tires

Type: performance

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent

Air Conditioning

Active charcoal air filtration · Single front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: diversity · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 9 · 235 watts

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Electronic parking brake: auto off · Front brake diameter: 13.0 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.8 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc

Comfort Features

Center console trim: metallic · Dash trim: leather · Door trim: leather · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Cargo cover: hard · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Storage: cargo net · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Manual adjustments: 4 · Power adjustments: 2

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 3.88

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: stainless-steel · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: electronically controlled · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Window trim: black

Headrests

Front headrests: integrated · Number of front headrests: 2

In Car Entertainment

Infotainment screen size: 7 in.

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: coolant temperature warning

Lights

Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: Auto on/off · Tail and brake lights: LED · Taillights: adaptive

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: heated · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night

Passenger Seat

Manual Adjustments: 4 · Power adjustments: 2

Safety

Crumple zones: front

Seatbelts

Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: leather

Spare Tire

Kit: inflator kit

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Stabilizer bar(s): front

Telematics

Phone: hands free · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth

Tires

Type: performance

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent

Air Conditioning

Active charcoal air filtration · Single front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: diversity · USB auxiliary audio input · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 9 · 235 watts

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Electronic parking brake: auto off · Front brake diameter: 13.0 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.8 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc

Comfort Features

Center console trim: leather · Dash trim: leather · Door trim: leather · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Headliner trim: leather · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Cargo cover: hard · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Storage: lockbox · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Manual adjustments: 4 · Power adjustments: 2

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 3.88

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: stainless-steel · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: electronically controlled · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Window trim: black

Headrests

Front headrests: integrated · Number of front headrests: 2

In Car Entertainment

Infotainment screen size: 7 in.

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: low fuel level

Lights

Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: Auto on/off · Tail and brake lights: LED · Taillights: adaptive

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night

Passenger Seat

Manual Adjustments: 4 · Power adjustments: 2

Safety

Crumple zones: rear

Seatbelts

Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: sport bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: embroidered

Spare Tire

Kit: inflator kit

Suspension

Driver Adjustable Suspension: ride control · Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Stabilizer bar(s): rear · Suspension control: electronic

Telematics

Phone: hands free · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth

Tires

Type: performance

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent

Air Conditioning

Active charcoal air filtration · Single front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: diversity · Auxiliary audio input: jack · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 9 · 235 watts

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Electronic parking brake: auto off · Front brake diameter: 15.0 · Front brake width: 1.34 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 15.0 · Rear brake width: 1.34 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc

Comfort Features

Center console trim: leather · Dash trim: leather · Door trim: leather · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Headliner trim: leather · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Cargo cover: hard · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Storage: storage organizer · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Manual adjustments: 4 · Power adjustments: 2

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 3.88

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: stainless-steel · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: electronically controlled · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Window trim: black

Headrests

Front headrests: integrated · Number of front headrests: 2

In Car Entertainment

Infotainment screen size: 7 in.

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: low fuel level

Lights

Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: Auto on/off · Tail and brake lights: LED · Taillights: adaptive

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night

Passenger Seat

Manual Adjustments: 4 · Power adjustments: 2

Safety

Crumple zones: front

Seatbelts

Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: sport bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: leather

Spare Tire

Kit: inflator kit

Suspension

Driver Adjustable Suspension: ride control · Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front · Suspension control: electronic

Telematics

Phone: hands free · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth

Tires

Type: performance

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent

See all trims (5)