2023 718 Cayman T Track Review - [Can a Car be TOO Good?]

Cayman T is actually one of the most underrated cars. 4 cycl is more than capable. Keep posting. Looking forward to when this channel blows up.

I was lucky enough to spec and purchase my own under MSRP in 2021 as a 6MT in GT Silver with the Interior Package (Pinstripes) and the Premium Package (LEDs, Bose, LCA, etc.) Besides those options, I kept it pretty barebones and only added the larger 16+ gallon fuel tank which is a must-have, IMO. It wasn't cheap, but also not egregiously extravagant like some of the cars I see around me on a daily basis. That being said, the sheer and INTENSE smugness you have driving this car is overwhelming. Not because it's a Porsche. Not because it's sleek, shiny and gorgeous. Not because 98% of the zombies out there can't tell the difference between a Cayman and a 911, and think you are loaded. No, the smug comes from the old adage, "IYKYK." That there is nothing sub $100K, nothing sub-super car on the road that is more driver-focused, more communicative, more inspiring, more rewarding than the 718 chassis. Sure, there will be M2s, M3s, M4s, Supras, RCFs, Mustangs and the like that can boast about more power, but you're still smug AF because your mid-engined, 6MT, point-and-go, go kart-chassis 718 is the finest purist two-seater available today. And they know it.

I have a 2018 718 Cayman GTS with the 2.5L turbo 4 cylinder and I can tell you it does not lack power or sound in sport (valves open) it’s even more underrated than the Cayman T. New subscriber so thanks for the content.😊

I have a 718 Boxster with the 2.0 and it's fantastic. I miss the sound of the 6 but in everyday traffic the torque makes the car feel ridiculously quick

Purchased my Cayman T with carbon ceramic brakes and LSD, in 2022. Had a few amazing tracks days and drive it daily. She has 54,000 miles and counting. Next time you drive one, put 100 octane in the gas tank and go find the limits, then make an assessment on excitement behind the wheel.

Always gonna love the Cayman - hard top Porsche, no top to worry about tearing, but mid engine, good enough power and Porsche magic. What's there to complain about?

I couldn't agree with you more as a 2019 Boxster S owner. You are correct and I appreciate you educating others that keep trying to compare the Cayman and Boxster with lesser cars.

Love the 718 T. Drove the base, S and the GTS and honestly I feel that T the best value.

Thank you so much for telling it like it is regarding the sound not being like an STI. I’m so sick of hearing that crap. You are absolutely right… It is so much more refined and excellently engineered compared to the Subaru. Especially the engine/sound.

About being too good - that’s what I thought about 992 911 when I first drove it - it is so capable, that there is nothing challenging in driving it, it lacks fun and excitement. Wouldn’t say that about 718 tho, I’d call it the perfect compromise.

Great review of the T!

best YT car reviewer. Delivered by a real driving enthusiast <3

Update to me initial comment; I was going to get a tune on my 2021 Cayman T, but I met some factory Porsche guys at Laguna Seca, who gave me some tips. The factory ECU mapping is dynamic and will adjust in near real-time. If you want max excitement from Cayman/Boxter T manual, you need to do a few simple things and I promise, you will get the fizz! First, put it in Sports +, deactivate Traction Control completely by holding down the button past PASM Sport setting (about 6 seconds). Second, use only a 1/4 tank of fuel. You don’t want to be pushing unnecessary extra weight around up front. For max pull and faster engine response (spool up) use 100 octane. Forced induction engines love octane and the Porsche H4T isn’t happy until the ECU maps for 98 octane or above. I’m running 35 PSI (hot) in Michelin Pilot Super Sports in the rear and P4S up front. Try this out for your self. I suggest a hill climb road, so you can really feel the increased torque this cheat-code delivers. You will also love the increased communication from the chassis with TC deactivated. You’re welcome! 🤪

Beautiful car and beautiful video.

Great review, its very important to understand the 981 Cayman and 718 Cayman have some of the most rigid chassis developed for a production car (and without roll cage) the torsional rigidity is ~ 40,000 Nm/deg to 41,000 Nm/deg (A Ferrari 458 is ~ 33,120 Nm/deg) what does this mean. It means the suspension doesn't have to compensate for body flex allowing the suspension to maintain optimal tire contact patch position at all times. It also means you don't need complex suspension set ups to deliver high performance outcomes and fast lap and times whilst at the same time reducing weight and maximising inboard space. I have done a lot of W2W and tarmac rallying (inc. 5 seasons Carrera Cup) and would suggest the Cayman GTS is the best true all round sports car in the Porsche line up. The T is good, unfortunately not a fan of the engine, although it is good for a 2L turbo. You will find a PDK equipped 4L GTS is both better around track and better to live with. I'm not a fan of the M2, I suspect you over invested )very significantly) in your M2. Take a PDK GT4 round a track, you'll never look back.

Love my 2014 flat six love my canyon runs.

Great review!

My SRS will arrive later this year, you should review it 😁

You hit the nails on the head for ‘car enthusiasts’ and ‘driving enthusiasts’ I have never talked down on the flat 4 turbo. I love it. It’s punchy at low to mid revs and sounds cool! That being said, I have had an F87 M2C and will say that yes, you can track the hell out of it lap after lap after lap as you know. The M2 non comp is certainly not the same (doesn’t like longer session). HOWEVER, the damn entry and mid corner understeer was TERRIBLE on my M2C. I love the 718 and always think that’s the first Porsche I get if I ever do get one. Also, sorry about your audio! Sounds like you forgot to turn off the noise cancellation and it over processes A LOT. I’m going to run some tests with both mics at the same time; one on my body with cancellation off and the other on in a less windy place but lessen the decibels… hopefully that’s a good combo for car reviews, especially on track!

I can't imagine passing up the 4.0 GTS.