Porsche might be focused on developing a flying car, but the German automaker hasn’t forgotten its roots. It’s still pushing out luxury sports cars, and the critics are in awe of the all-new 2021 Porsche 718 Cayman coupe.

In fact, Car and Driver gave the 2021 718 Cayman the Editor’s Pick award. So what’s so great about this tiny little sports car? Let’s find out.

Having more standard features is always better

Porsche is far from being the most expensive of automakers, but the luxury brand is still out of reach for most consumers. That being said, Porsche is now offering more standard features on the 2021 Porsche 718 Cayman Coupe. This is great news for consumers whose love of technology is growing by the day, but whose purse strings are not. So what do you get now that wasn’t available before? 

Apple CarPlay integration is now available standard. While you may be wondering about Android Auto, it is sadly not an option, even as an upgrade. Why is unclear, but it might be a decision that sends some potential owners toward the competition.

Other features now available include dual-zone climate control, auto-dimming rearview mirrors, and bi-xenon headlights that turn with the steering wheel. For anyone who lives in the mountains, this would make driving both safer and more exciting.

A great body, engine, and transmission are all you need

What more can you ask for in a great car than a body that turns heads, an engine that runs like a dream, and a transmission with smooth transitions? Well, actually there’s a lot more you can ask for. But a sports car isn’t a sports car unless it meets the above criteria. It’s also a large reason why Car and Driver is in love. 

The body hasn’t changed that much for the 2021 iteration. Unless you look really closely, you can’t really tell a difference from the 2020 version, and that’s not necessarily a bad thing. It looks amazing as is.

The engine has several options available, and all of them are worthy of notice. The base model is a 300-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter flat-four engine. This one has plenty of “get up and go,” but it’s also loud. It may not be “drown out the music” loud, but it’s more than a little annoying.

The S type engine is a turbocharged 2.5-liter flat-four with 350 hp. It has a much smoother, pleasing sound. For those who crave an engine that takes off with a roar, this is the engine for you.

As for the transmission, there are a few options here as well. Each trim level comes standard with a manual six-speed transmission that Car and Driver referred to as “The best one on the market.” 

If the thought of driving manual makes you break out in a cold sweat, you aren’t alone. That’s why Porsche is offering a quick-shifting seven-speed dual-clutch automatic with steering-wheel-mounted shift paddles.

Still not convinced that the 2021 Porsche 718 Cayman is one of the best sports cars on the market? When describing it, Car and Driver stated, “The Cayman’s willful chassis and telepathic steering transcend perfection. Credit the Cayman’s mid-engine layout and sticky summer tires, which work together to provide the sports coupe with stunning balance and stability on twisty two-lane roads. This car is a sublime mix of heady handling and a relatively relaxed ride.”

Does the Porsche 718 Cayman’s competition stand a chance?

The 2020 Porsche 718 Cayman has its fair share of competition. The Chevy Corvette and the Toyota Supra are two of the biggest competitors.

The one area in which the Supra and the Corvette outpace the Cayman is the price. The Supra starts at $45,000. The Corvette starts at $59,995. Both are cheaper than the Cayman, which starts at $61,250. Despite this, it’s still cheaper than the BMW M2.

In spite of the cheaper prices, Car and Driver still recommends the 2021 718 Cayman. Why? Because despite the higher price, it offers more. That’s what Porsche does, after all.