Porsche Cayman S

• ROAD TEST PORSCHE CAYMAN S

THE latest generation of the Cayman – named after South American reptiles from the alligator family – is one of the finest motor cars you could wish to drive, and that includes exotica.

Its bite is savage, it’s handling phenomenal, so much so that the two-seater coupe is in the same league as its iconic – and appreciably more expensive – stablemate the 911.

Newly developed from the ground up, the mid-engined Cayman is the third sports car model series from Porsche to feature a lightweight body design.

As a result it’s a lot lighter than its predecessor and more fuel efficient too.

Power comes via a pair of flat six ‘boxer’ engines of 2.7 and 3.4-litres and while the smaller unit has slightly less engine displacement compared with the previous 2.9-litre unit, it still develops more punch.

The tested Cayman S automatic features the larger unit, producing a massive 325bhp and figures of 0-62mph in 4.7 with Porsche’s seven-speed PDK transmission and a 174mph top speed.

You also get as standard a Sport button that lets the driver pick between full-on performance engine tuning – with later upshifts and earlier downshifts – as opposed to the more comfortable, and fuel efficient, mode.

A sport exhaust system is available as an option – just press the button and listen to the growl.

Of course with all that power on tap you need sensational dynamics and the Cayman’s chassis has been tuned not only to improve driving performance and agility, but also to ensure comfort and everyday practicality.

That’s where the Cayman really hits the mark. Sure, there’s mindblowing punch and limpet-like handling but it’s also a car you can happily mooch round in, which is probably much of the time.

Need to slam on and the brakes, with their standout red callipers, are more forceful than ever – using the larger front discs that originate from the 911 Carrera.

And to improve safety in traffic and provide a better warning to vehicles behind, the brake lights of all Cayman models pulsate when ABS is activated.

Inside, the cabin is stylish, upmarket and well organised and for a strictly two-seater sports car the load capacity a half decent with a reasonable cargo area behind the engine, which sits in front of the rear axle, and a deep box beneath the bonnet.

Cases and bags are no problem, though golf clubs are out of the question – a small sacrifice to make for a car that comes dripping with so much class.