Overview: A Dynasty Proven Over Distance
After 40,000 miles of rigorous testing, the 2022 Porsche 718 Cayman GTS 4.0 has solidified its position as one of the finest sports cars on the market. This mid-engine masterpiece combines the raw enthusiasm of a naturally aspirated flat-six engine with the practicality needed for daily driving duties. Our extended evaluation revealed both the strengths that have made this model a perennial favorite and the real-world considerations potential buyers should understand.
2022 Porsche 718 Cayman
View ListingsPros
- Exceptional handling dynamics with perfect weight distribution
- Thrilling naturally aspirated 394-hp flat-six engine
- Surprisingly comfortable for long-distance touring
- Outstanding build quality and reliability over extended use
Cons
- Limited interior storage space for daily items
- High maintenance and repair costs typical of luxury sports cars
- Noisy cabin at highway speeds
- Premium pricing for basic features and options
Performance: Track-Ready Speed Meets Daily Usability
The heart of the GTS experience lies in its 394-horsepower naturally aspirated flat-six engine. This powerplant delivers acceleration from 0-60 mph in just 3.9 seconds while providing an engaging soundtrack that enthusiasts crave. The six-speed manual transmission offers precise, intuitive shifts that connect the driver directly to the mechanical experience. Even after extensive testing, performance remained consistent, with quarter-mile times holding steady at 12.1 seconds and skidpad grip maintaining 1.03 g's. The adaptive suspension system strikes an impressive balance between track capability and street comfort, making this sports car genuinely livable for daily use.
Interior and Practicality: Sports Car Compromises
While the Cayman GTS excels in driving dynamics, interior practicality presents challenges for daily use. Storage space remains severely limited, with only narrow door pockets, minimal center console space, and small rear bins that are difficult to access. The cabin offers excellent driver ergonomics with supportive seats, though some may find the lack of adjustable lumbar support limiting on longer journeys. Interior noise levels register a notable 75 decibels at highway speeds, requiring raised voices for conversation. Despite these limitations, the overall build quality and materials reflect the premium pricing, creating an environment that feels special every time you enter.
Technology and Features: Purpose-Built Simplicity
The 718 Cayman GTS prioritizes driving engagement over technological complexity. Essential features like the Bose audio system, LED headlights, and climate control work seamlessly without overwhelming the driver experience. The vehicle's technology philosophy focuses on enhancing rather than replacing the fundamental sports car experience. Features like Porsche Active Suspension Management and precise tire pressure monitoring contribute to both performance and safety without creating unnecessary complexity.
Long-Term Ownership Costs
| Service Item | Interval | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Routine Maintenance (40,000 miles) | Every 10,000 miles | $3,200 |
| Rear Tire Replacement | 15,000 miles | $836 |
| Clutch Replacement | 26,000 miles | $4,898 |
| Wiper Blade Replacement | 30,000 miles | $72 |
Value Proposition: Premium Performance Commands Premium Costs
With a base price of $88,750 and our test vehicle reaching $99,070 with options, the Cayman GTS represents a significant investment. Maintenance costs align with luxury sports car expectations, requiring $3,200 in scheduled services over 40,000 miles. While operating expenses exceed mainstream vehicles, the driving experience and build quality justify the premium for enthusiasts seeking an authentic sports car experience. The model's strong resale value, demonstrated by our test vehicle selling close to original sticker price after 40,000 miles, helps offset the initial investment.
Final Verdict: The Benchmark Mid-Engine Sports Car
The 2022 Porsche 718 Cayman GTS 4.0 sets the standard for what a modern sports car should be. It successfully balances track-worthy performance with genuine daily usability, creating a vehicle that rewards enthusiastic driving while accommodating practical needs. The naturally aspirated engine provides an increasingly rare experience in today's automotive landscape, making this generation particularly special as Porsche transitions to electric powertrains. For buyers seeking the ultimate expression of mid-engine sports car excellence, the Cayman GTS 4.0 represents an investment in driving purity that few competitors can match.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2022 Porsche 718 Cayman GTS 4.0 reliable for daily driving?
Yes, our 40,000-mile test demonstrated excellent reliability with only minor warranty issues. The Cayman GTS proved comfortable for both short commutes and long highway journeys. However, potential buyers should budget for higher maintenance costs typical of luxury sports cars, including $3,200 in scheduled services over 40,000 miles and premium tire replacements approximately every 15,000 miles under enthusiastic driving conditions.
What are the main drawbacks of the Cayman GTS for everyday use?
The primary daily-use limitations include severely limited interior storage space for personal items, high cabin noise levels at highway speeds (75 decibels), and premium operating costs. The interior offers minimal storage beyond narrow door pockets and small rear bins that are difficult to access. Additionally, some drivers may find the seats uncomfortable for long trips due to the lack of adjustable lumbar support, though the overall driving position remains excellent.
How does the naturally aspirated flat-six engine perform in real-world conditions?
The 394-horsepower naturally aspirated flat-six delivers exceptional performance and character. Our testing achieved 0-60 mph in 3.9 seconds and quarter-mile times of 12.1 seconds consistently throughout the test period. The engine provides thrilling high-rpm performance while maintaining reliability over extensive use. Fuel economy averaged 21 mpg over 40,000 miles, exceeding EPA estimates. The naturally aspirated design offers immediate throttle response and an engaging soundtrack that turbocharged alternatives cannot match.
What should buyers expect for maintenance and repair costs?
Porsche ownership requires premium maintenance budgeting. Scheduled services every 10,000 miles totaled $3,200 over our 40,000-mile test, with the first service included free. Additional costs included rear tire replacement at $836 around 15,000 miles and a clutch replacement at $4,898 due to aggressive driving. While these costs exceed mainstream vehicles, they reflect the high-performance nature and premium components. Most mechanical issues were covered under Porsche's comprehensive warranty program.
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