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Mon
Jun 30 2008

Manual Cayman is automatic choice

Ed Keohane
I've just spent the weekend - yes, most of it - driving a Porsche Cayman. I'm gradually coming down from my high, but I'm still pretty convinced it's the best car I've ever driven.



It's nowhere near being the fastest, or the most powerful, or the quickest point-to-point; but it's got to be the sweetest-handling thing I've driven. And, best of all, it's converted me back to manual gearboxes.

I've driven so many cars where the gearbox was clunky, or the throw was too long or too flabby, or the gate was asymmetrical, or the clutch was in the middle of the footwell, that I'd pretty much decided that a good car was an automatic.

And now the Cayman has turned it all on its head.

You've got to hand it to Porsche... when you take it off the gear lever, that is.


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About Ed Keohane

Says his job description should be shown at the Smithsonian as one of the longest documents in the English language. Likes small cars and simple 4x4s that he can mend himself.

Comments

Lotus Man June 30, 2008 1:20 PM

I couldn't agree more, before I bought my Cayman S, I drove the Tip Auto, which was clumsy.  Got into a manual and the love affair began, especially with the Sport Chrono pack , makes the car even more of a pleasure to drive...!

julianphillips June 30, 2008 1:23 PM

I prefer the Boxster!

Lotus Man June 30, 2008 1:35 PM

oh...the debate here is about manual or automatic gearboxes, not convertibles or not...

julianphillips June 30, 2008 1:59 PM

Didn't know there was a "debate", just saying I prefer the Boxster [S], with a manual rather than tip.  I love the Cayman too.

Lotus Man June 30, 2008 2:46 PM

hmm debate is rather a grand word for a forum....

julianphillips June 30, 2008 2:59 PM

oh...the debate here is about manual or automatic gearboxes, not forums or not...

Lotus Man June 30, 2008 3:49 PM

ok stop....you're confusing the issue/debate/forum  

Cayman Manual - buy one!

julianphillips June 30, 2008 4:27 PM

Ok ok!

Looking forward to a CVT Cayman S though...!

March1981 July 1, 2008 10:53 AM

I've had both a 997 (3.6) Tip S and Cayman S Manual. I can honestly say there's no competition between the two systems. The 997 felt mushy and on occaisons it felt necessary to change down mid corner. It gave it an aire of uncertainty when making fast progress on track. It must be said though, it felt planted to the road once you took control of the cogs, but never quite mechanical enough. Like something was sat between the engine and wheels sapping power from that great engine.

I don't even want to think about the Cayman S. It makes me pine for it all over again. It felt assured, connected and like somehow my hand had been removed and was directly connected to the gearbox, by some kind of ball and joint system. In one word "awesome".

Just when I plucked up the courage to go for the Cayman S, Mr Sutcliffe reviews the PDK system which, he assures us, will filter through the entire Porsche line up. Thanks!!! Now what to do!?!?!?!

tommallett July 1, 2008 12:04 PM

Porsche manuals are among the best there are and have been for a while; precise and fantastically weighted. Porsche hp are also among the healthiest horses in the world! Had a go with the optional short throw (don't think its called that but hopefully you know what i meen) gearbox and was disapointed. Just a standard manal for me thanks.

As hatch the Cayman also makes sense as practical everday transport - what a great car.

tommallett July 1, 2008 12:07 PM

By the way - I can only see the PDK system as an improved Auto. I just find all those systems deathly boring (albeit very good). It takes the fun out of getting it right. To make the point I would site various old cars; maybe a Bristol engined AC, not as easy to get right but lovely when you do!

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