The Porsche 718 Cayman may not be the German automaker’s most iconic model, but it’s become the brand’s flagship. The Porsche Cayman’s mid-engine design and sporty driving dynamics make it a great option in the luxury sports car segment. But what’s new for the 2022 Porsche 718 Cayman? Here’s what you need to know about it:

When can I get a 2022 Porsche 718 Cayman?

The newest Porsche Cayman model is available now. The new Cayman starts at $63,400, per Porsche. But Kelley Blue Book (KBB) estimates that the top-end Porsche Cayman model – the Cayman GT4 – will start at well over six figures.

There are six total trims for the 2022 Porsche 718 Cayman. The base model, T, S, GTS 4.0, GT4, and GT4 RS. Porsche states the Cayman T starts at $72,500. While the Cayman S starts a bit higher at $75,400, the Cayman GTS 4.0 bumps up to a starting price of $90,300. The Cayman GT4 starts at $106,500, and the new GT4 RS starts at $149,100.

What’s new for the 2022 Porsche Cayman?

The luxury sports car gets a new trim level for the 2022 model year in the GT4 RS. Car and Driver says the track-oriented model takes a powertrain from the Porsche 911 GT3 and tunes it up to 493 horsepower. With suspension and aerodynamic changes, it’s made to improve track times. The RS can be improved for racing even more with the RS Clubsport.

There are two new colors for the Porsche Cayman in 2022: shark blue and frozen berry metallic. Both will cost extra at $2,580 and $650, respectively. There are more customization options for items, including key fobs, leather accessories, and floormats.

2022 Porsche 718 Cayman specs

All Porsche Cayman models are rear-wheel drive with a standard six-speed manual transmission. The 7-speed automatic PDK system is also available for every model.

The base Cayman and Cayman T are both powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. The base model comes with a sport exhaust, xenon headlights, and 18-inch alloy wheels. The T trim bumps up to 20-inch wheels with a sport suspension, sport seats, and a mechanical limited-slip differential. Both trims get a combined 22 miles per gallon (mpg).

The Cayman S has an increase in power from the base option. A 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine makes 350 horsepower and 309 lb-ft of torque.

The GTS 4.0 is similar to the T trim in performance upgrades but with a 4.0-liter six-cylinder engine generating 394 horsepower and 309 lb-ft of torque. The latter is bumped up to 317 with the optional PDK system. There are also GTS-specific trim details.

The Cayman GT4 gets another bump in power. The 4.0-liter six-cylinder engine gets 414 horsepower and 309 lb-ft of torque. There are upgraded brakes, larger cooling intakes, and a rear wing to handle that power. The suspension is lowered 30 mm from the GTS 4.0. And like the GTS 4.0, it has specific trim details as well.

The all-new GT4 RS takes the luxury sports car even farther on performance. The 4.0-liter six-cylinder engine from the GT3 gets 331 lb-ft of torque with 493 horsepower. The hood and fenders are made of carbon fiber to reduce weight, and the aerodynamic changes make it a car built for the track.

2022 Porsche 718 Cayman features and upgrades

Every Porsche Cayman model has front and rear parking sensors, heated front seats, an eight-speaker audio system, and Apple CarPlay. The T model gets a bump up with the sport chrono package. That package includes selectable driving modes and when paired with the PDK system, launch control, race-inspired gear shifting, SPORT response, and dynamic transmission mounts. There are also interior upgrades like a dash-mounted stopwatch and a performance display.

Performance upgrades on the T trim are available for the S as options. Other options include a brake upgrade to ceramic-composite rotors and adaptive cruise control. Inside the cabin, full leather upholstery, 14-way or 18-way adjustable sport seats, and a Bose or Burmester sound system are optional upgrades. You can also get a navigation system and blind-spot monitoring as well.

Is the new Porsche Cayman worth it?

Car and Driver named the Porsche 718 Cayman to its Editors’ Choice list as one of the best sports cars of 2022. Both the Porsche Cayman and convertible 718 Boxster also made Car and Driver’s list of the best new sports cars of 2022.

The starting price is steep compared to that of other sports coupes like the Chevrolet Corvette (starting MSRP of $64,200 for considerably more power than the base Cayman) and the Toyota Supra (starting at $43,540). It’s more upfront, but both Car and Driver and KBB agree: the 2022 718 Porsche Cayman is a joy to drive.

Car and Driver reviewers say the Cayman’s chassis and steering response “transcend perfection.” They rate the standard six-speed manual transmission as one of the best ones on the market. They recommend the GTS 4.0 trim, thanks to the bump in power.

KBB agrees the new Cayman has deft handling and outstanding balance. But reviewers note it’s also comfortable and practical for daily driving. There’s plenty of cargo space with both a hold in the back and a trunk in the front. The interior is comfortable with ample legroom, and Car and Driver agrees. Reviewers call the cabin form-fitting with comfortable seats and easily understood gauges.

The price may be too steep considering the other options in the luxury sports car and sports coupe segments. If value or raw power is most important, the new Porsche may not be the best option. But you’d be hard-pressed to find a better driving experience for the segment than the 2022 718 Porsche Cayman. 

Porsche has confirmed that the Cayman will also become a fully-electric luxury sports car within a few years. So, if an electric sports coupe is more what you’re looking for, it’d be worth waiting a few years instead.