The Porsche 718 Cayman generations are the 987 (approximately 2006–2012), the 981 (approximately 2014–2016 in U.S. model-year usage), and the 982, marketed as the 718 Cayman, beginning with model year 2017. Regular 718 Cayman and Cayman S models introduced turbocharged flat-four engines; later GTS 4.0, GT4, and GT4 RS models returned to naturally aspirated flat-six power.
Porsche’s internal type numbers explain the generation names: 987 and 981 identify earlier Cayman chassis families, while 982 identifies the generation sold commercially as the 718 Cayman. Porsche’s historical material states, “In 2005, the coupe version was launched with the Cayman,” which describes the launch rather than the U.S. model-year start.
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Year labels, equipment, engine outputs, transmission availability, and trim names can vary by market. The ranges below use U.S.-oriented model-year terminology where available and identify launch timing separately when the distinction matters.
Key takeaways
- The Porsche Cayman has three principal chassis generations: 987, 981, and 982, with the 982 marketed commercially as the 718 Cayman.
- The 987 covers approximately 2006–2012, the 981 covers approximately 2014–2016 in U.S. model-year usage, and the 718 Cayman/982 begins with model year 2017.
- The 2017 718 Cayman and Cayman S replaced the naturally aspirated mainstream flat-six engines of earlier generations with turbocharged flat-four engines.
- The 2018 718 Cayman GTS used a 365-horsepower turbocharged flat-four, while the 2020 GTS 4.0 used a 394-horsepower naturally aspirated flat-six.
- The 2020 718 Cayman GT4, 2020 GTS 4.0, and 718 Cayman GT4 RS use naturally aspirated flat-six engines, but the GT4 RS is a substantially more track-focused flagship rather than simply a higher-output GT4.
- The best Cayman model year depends on the desired engine, transmission, use case, market, and condition; no single model year is objectively best for every buyer.
What are the Porsche 718 Cayman generations?
The Porsche Cayman generations are the 987, 981, and 982. Porsche uses internal type numbers to identify vehicle families, while commercial names such as Cayman and 718 Cayman identify the cars buyers see in showrooms. Porsche’s terminology guide explains how internal type numbers and model names coexist, which is why the 718 Cayman is also correctly called the 982 Cayman.
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| Generation | Commercial name | Approximate model years | Core engine character | Important variants |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 987 | Cayman | 2006–2012 | Naturally aspirated flat-six engines in mainstream models | Cayman, Cayman S, later special and performance versions including Cayman R |
| 981 | Cayman | Approximately 2014–2016 in U.S. model-year usage | Naturally aspirated flat-six engines | Cayman, Cayman S, Cayman GTS, Cayman GT4 |
| 982 | 718 Cayman | 2017 onward | Turbocharged flat-four engines in base, S, and 2018 GTS models; naturally aspirated flat-six engines in later GTS 4.0, GT4, and GT4 RS models | 718 Cayman, 718 Cayman S, 718 Cayman GTS, GTS 4.0, GT4, GT4 RS, Style Edition |
The year ranges require a geography qualifier. Porsche Classic lists the Type 987 Cayman as 2006–2012, while Porsche’s historical material says, “In 2005, the coupe version was launched with the Cayman.” The 2005 reference describes the launch, whereas 2006 describes the model-year coverage commonly used for the car. Porsche’s official Type 987 Cayman model information and historical account explain why both dates appear in otherwise credible references.
How do the 987, 981, and 982 type numbers relate to the 718 name?
The 987 and 981 are internal Porsche chassis-family designations, while 718 is a commercial model name applied to the later 982 generation. The 718 Cayman is therefore a continuation of the Cayman line, not an unrelated vehicle family. Porsche’s official explanation of Porsche model names and type numbers is the clearest reference for the distinction.
Porsche introduced the 718 name to the Boxster first and then applied the name to the Cayman. Porsche’s 2016 launch material described the car as “The redeveloped generation of the mid-engine sport coupé” and positioned the new Cayman within the 718 model series. The 982 code identifies the underlying generation; the 718 badge identifies the commercial range.
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The Porsche 987 Cayman covers approximately model years 2006–2012. Porsche introduced the coupe in 2005, but Porsche Classic identifies the Type 987 Cayman’s model-year span as 2006–2012. The 987 was the first Cayman generation and served as the coupe companion to the 987 Boxster.
The mainstream 987 Cayman range belongs to the naturally aspirated flat-six era. Core versions included the Cayman and Cayman S, followed by special and performance-oriented versions. A 987 Cayman should not be judged by its badge alone because model year, base-versus-S specification, transmission, suspension equipment, brakes, electronics, and facelift-era details can materially change the driving experience.
Owners and buyers should use 987-specific documentation for 987-specific questions. Porsche Classic maintains separate Cayman driver’s manuals and technical literature, so a 981 or 982 document should not be treated as an interchangeable reference for a 987 car.
What years are the 981 Cayman?
The Porsche 981 Cayman is the second Cayman generation and covers approximately 2014–2016 in U.S. model-year usage. The 981 generation was unveiled earlier in some markets, so a non-U.S. vehicle may carry a launch-year description that does not line up exactly with U.S. registration or model-year terminology.
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The 981 is important because the mainstream Cayman and Cayman S retained naturally aspirated flat-six character while gaining a more developed chassis, cabin, and equipment package. The 981 family expanded to include the Cayman GTS and the highly focused Cayman GT4. Porsche’s model-code material identifies the 981 as a distinct Boxster/Cayman generation, separate from both the earlier 987 and the later 982.
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The 981 Cayman GTS and 981 Cayman GT4 should be treated as distinct specifications rather than interchangeable trim levels. The GTS was designed as a faster, better-equipped road car, while the GT4 added a more specialized engine, chassis, brakes, gearing, and aerodynamic package. Exact horsepower, equipment, emissions certification, and transmission availability can vary by market.
What changed with the 2017 718 Cayman?
The 2017 Porsche 718 Cayman introduced the major powertrain change in Cayman history. The base 718 Cayman used a 2.0-liter turbocharged flat-four, and the 718 Cayman S used a 2.5-liter turbocharged flat-four. According to Porsche’s 2016 718 Cayman launch material, the base engine produced 300 hp and the S engine produced 350 hp.
The 718 transition moved the regular Cayman and Cayman S away from the naturally aspirated six-cylinder engines used by the mainstream 987 and 981. The change brought a different engine response and a different place in Cayman history, but it did not end the Cayman flat-six entirely. Porsche later returned naturally aspirated six-cylinder engines to the 718 range through the GTS 4.0, GT4, and GT4 RS.
| Model-year milestone | Variant | Engine and output | What changed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 718 Cayman | 2.0-liter turbocharged flat-four; 300 hp | New 718/982 generation and turbocharged four-cylinder base engine |
| 2017 | 718 Cayman S | 2.5-liter turbocharged flat-four; 350 hp | Turbocharged four-cylinder S model with a larger engine |
| 2018 | 718 Cayman GTS | 2.5-liter turbocharged flat-four; 365 horsepower | Performance equipment including PASM, Sport Chrono, Porsche Torque Vectoring, and a mechanical rear differential lock |
| 2020 | 718 Cayman GT4 | 4.0-liter naturally aspirated flat-six; 414 horsepower | Motorsport-influenced GT model with a six-speed manual transmission standard |
| 2020 | 718 Cayman GTS 4.0 | 4.0-liter naturally aspirated flat-six; 394 horsepower | Six-cylinder road-focused GTS model introduced with a six-speed manual transmission |
| 2021 | 718 Cayman GTS 4.0 and GT4 | Existing 4.0-liter naturally aspirated flat-six engines | Seven-speed PDK became an available alternative to the six-speed manual |
| 2022-era | 718 Cayman GT4 RS | 4.0-liter naturally aspirated flat-six; 493 horsepower and 9,000-rpm maximum engine speed | Flagship road-going 718 Cayman with additional aerodynamic, cooling, intake, and lightweight equipment |
| 2023 | 718 Cayman Style Edition | 2.0-liter turbocharged flat-four; 300 horsepower | Appearance and standard-equipment package based on the regular 718 Cayman |
What are the major 718 Cayman model-year milestones?
The 2018 718 Cayman GTS was the first major performance expansion of the turbo-four 718 range. According to Porsche’s 2017 announcement, the 2018 GTS produced 365 horsepower, or 15 hp more than the 718 Cayman S. The 2018 GTS also included performance-focused equipment such as Porsche Active Suspension Management, Sport Chrono, Porsche Torque Vectoring, and a mechanical rear differential lock.
The 2018 GTS is not the same car as the later GTS 4.0. The 2018 GTS uses a turbocharged 2.5-liter flat-four, while the 2020 GTS 4.0 uses a naturally aspirated 4.0-liter flat-six.
Porsche announced the 718 Cayman GT4 in 2019 for the 2020 model year. According to Porsche’s 2019 GT4 announcement, the GT4 used a naturally aspirated 4.0-liter flat-six producing 414 horsepower and came with a six-speed manual transmission as standard. The GT4’s engine, suspension, brakes, gearing, aerodynamic equipment, and intended use distinguish the car from the regular Cayman and Cayman S.
Porsche added the 718 Cayman GTS 4.0 for the 2020 model year. According to Porsche’s 2020 GTS 4.0 announcement, the model used a naturally aspirated 4.0-liter boxer six-cylinder engine producing 394 horsepower. The GTS 4.0 was introduced with a six-speed manual transmission and positioned as a balance between everyday road use and serious performance driving. PASM and Sport Chrono were among its standard performance equipment.
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For the 2021 model year, Porsche made a seven-speed PDK dual-clutch transmission optional on the naturally aspirated 4.0-liter 718 Cayman GTS 4.0 and 718 Cayman GT4. Porsche’s 2021 transmission announcement explains the change and reports improved acceleration compared with the standard six-speed manual. A used-car listing that says only “718 Cayman GT4” does not establish whether the car has a manual gearbox or PDK.
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The 718 Cayman GT4 RS arrived as the extreme road-going member of the 718 Cayman family. Porsche’s official GT4 RS product material gives the naturally aspirated 4.0-liter engine a rating of 493 horsepower and a maximum engine speed of 9,000 rpm. The GT4 RS also uses more aggressive aerodynamic treatment, additional cooling and intake provisions, lightweight construction, and a track-focused setup.
Porsche announced the 718 Cayman Style Edition for the 2023 model line. According to Porsche’s 2022 Style Edition announcement, the Style Edition was based on the 2.0-liter turbocharged 718 Cayman and produced 300 horsepower. Distinctive colors, wheels, contrast details, and standard equipment define the Style Edition; the Style Edition is not a new generation or a mechanically separate platform.
Which Porsche Cayman model years have a flat-six?
The mainstream 987 and 981 Caymans use naturally aspirated flat-six engines, while the 2017 718 Cayman, 718 Cayman S, and 2018 718 Cayman GTS use turbocharged flat-four engines. The 718 Cayman returns to naturally aspirated flat-six power in the 2020 GTS 4.0, 2020 GT4, and GT4 RS.
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| Cayman generation or variant | Flat-six status | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| 987 Cayman and Cayman S | Yes | Mainstream 987 models belong to the naturally aspirated six-cylinder era. |
| 981 Cayman and Cayman S | Yes | The second-generation mainstream cars retained naturally aspirated flat-six character. |
| 981 Cayman GTS and Cayman GT4 | Yes | Both are six-cylinder performance variants, but the GT4 has substantially more specialized hardware. |
| 2017 718 Cayman and Cayman S | No | The launch cars used 2.0-liter and 2.5-liter turbocharged flat-four engines. |
| 2018 718 Cayman GTS | No | The 2018 GTS used a turbocharged 2.5-liter flat-four. |
| 2020 718 Cayman GTS 4.0 | Yes | The GTS 4.0 used a naturally aspirated 4.0-liter flat-six. |
| 2020 718 Cayman GT4 | Yes | The GT4 used a naturally aspirated 4.0-liter flat-six. |
| 718 Cayman GT4 RS | Yes | The GT4 RS used a naturally aspirated 4.0-liter flat-six with a 9,000-rpm maximum engine speed. |
The most common mistake is treating the 718 badge as an engine description. A 718 Cayman can have a turbocharged flat-four or a naturally aspirated flat-six, depending on the model year and variant. The model badge, engine displacement, engine type, and transmission should be verified separately.
What is the difference between the Cayman GTS, GT4, and GT4 RS?
The Cayman GTS is primarily a fast road-oriented specification, the GT4 is a more focused GT performance model, and the GT4 RS is the most extreme road-going 718 Cayman variant. The word GTS alone is not enough to identify the engine because the 2018 GTS and 2020 GTS 4.0 are mechanically different cars.
| Variant | Engine and output | Transmission detail | Best understood as |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 718 Cayman GTS | 2.5-liter turbocharged flat-four; 365 horsepower | Verify the exact transmission and market specification | Turbo-four performance road car with extensive chassis equipment |
| 2020 718 Cayman GTS 4.0 | 4.0-liter naturally aspirated flat-six; 394 horsepower | Introduced with a six-speed manual; seven-speed PDK became optional for 2021 | Six-cylinder road-and-track balance |
| 2020 718 Cayman GT4 | 4.0-liter naturally aspirated flat-six; 414 horsepower | Six-speed manual standard at launch; seven-speed PDK became optional for 2021 | Motorsport-influenced entry-level GT road model |
| 718 Cayman GT4 RS | 4.0-liter naturally aspirated flat-six; 493 horsepower and 9,000 rpm | Verify the exact market specification and equipment | Flagship, lightweight, highly track-focused road car |
The GTS 4.0 is not a detuned GT4 in every meaningful sense, and the GT4 RS is not merely a GT4 with an engine option. Porsche gave the GT models different chassis tuning, brakes, gearing, aerodynamics, cooling, and intended-use priorities. Porsche’s official GTS 4.0 material, GT4 launch material, and GT4 RS product information should be used when comparing exact equipment.
Which Porsche Cayman model year is best?
No single Porsche Cayman model year is best for every buyer. The best Cayman depends on whether the priority is naturally aspirated engine character, turbocharged performance, a newer chassis, manual driving, road comfort, occasional track use, or maximum track capability.
| Buyer priority | Logical starting point | Why | What must be verified |
|---|---|---|---|
| First-generation Cayman character | 987 Cayman or Cayman S | First Cayman generation and mainstream naturally aspirated flat-six power | Model year, facelift-era equipment, service history, condition, and generation-specific parts |
| Second-generation naturally aspirated six-cylinder road car | 981 Cayman, Cayman S, or GTS | More developed 981 platform while retaining naturally aspirated flat-six character | Exact market, trim, options, transmission, inspection, and maintenance records |
| Newer Cayman with a naturally aspirated six | 2020 718 Cayman GTS 4.0 | 4.0-liter six-cylinder engine with road-focused GTS equipment | Manual-versus-PDK specification, service evidence, tires, brakes, and accident history |
| Turbocharged four-cylinder performance | 2017 718 Cayman S or 2018 718 Cayman GTS | Turbocharged 2.5-liter flat-four power, with the GTS adding performance equipment | Exact engine, options, transmission, cooling condition, and market specification |
| Serious track-oriented road car | 718 Cayman GT4 or GT4 RS | GT hardware, naturally aspirated flat-six power, specialized chassis, and aerodynamic equipment | Track use, brakes, tires, underbody and aerodynamic damage, service records, and correct parts |
A well-documented, carefully inspected Cayman is usually a stronger purchase than a newer example with unclear maintenance or accident history. A used Cayman comparison should therefore rank condition, ownership evidence, clutch or PDK condition, cooling-system condition, tires, brakes, and correct generation-specific parts alongside engine and trim.
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Which Porsche Cayman model years have a manual transmission?
Manual transmission availability varies by generation, model year, variant, and market. The 2020 718 Cayman GT4 and 718 Cayman GTS 4.0 were introduced with six-speed manual transmissions, and Porsche made a seven-speed PDK optional on both naturally aspirated 4.0-liter models for the 2021 model year.
| Generation or variant | Manual-transmission guidance | Buying implication |
|---|---|---|
| 987 Cayman range | Manual and automatic-transmission availability depends on the exact year and specification | Confirm the transmission from the VIN, build sheet, photographs, and inspection rather than the badge |
| 981 Cayman range | Exact manual and PDK availability depends on model year, trim, and market | Check the individual car’s factory specification |
| 2017–2018 regular 718 Cayman range | Transmission choice varies by exact car and market | Do not assume every 718 has the same gearbox |
| 2020 718 Cayman GTS 4.0 | Introduced with a six-speed manual; seven-speed PDK optional for 2021 | Transmission is a major model-year-specific comparison point |
| 2020 718 Cayman GT4 | Six-speed manual standard at launch; seven-speed PDK optional for 2021 | Verify whether a used GT4 is manual or PDK |
How should you compare used Cayman generations?
A reliable used Cayman comparison starts with the chassis generation and ends with the individual car’s condition. A listing that says only “Porsche Cayman” leaves too many important questions unanswered.
- Identify the chassis generation. Confirm whether the car is a 987, 981, or 982/718. Do not infer the generation solely from a seller’s title or a 718 badge.
- Separate launch year from model year. Confirm the market in which the car was sold. The 987 coupe was launched in 2005 but is commonly identified as 2006–2012 by model year, while 981 timing can differ between markets.
- Confirm the engine. Record displacement, cylinder layout, and aspiration. A 718 Cayman may be a turbocharged flat-four or a naturally aspirated flat-six.
- Confirm the variant. Cayman, S, GTS, GTS 4.0, GT4, GT4 RS, Cayman R, and Style Edition are not interchangeable labels.
- Confirm the transmission. Verify manual or PDK status using factory documentation and the physical car. The 2021 model year is especially important for six-cylinder 718 cars because PDK became optional on the GTS 4.0 and GT4.
- Check chassis and brake equipment. Compare PASM, torque-vectoring hardware, mechanical differential equipment, GT components, and ceramic-brake options. Standard equipment and options vary by generation, trim, and market.
- Review ownership evidence. Request service records, accident history, inspection results, clutch or PDK information, cooling-system condition, tire age and condition, brake condition, and evidence that replacement parts match the correct generation.
- Match the car to its use case. A daily road car, long-distance touring car, occasional track car, and dedicated performance car require different compromises in ride, noise, tires, brakes, and maintenance.
Porsche’s official technical-specification index is useful for checking factory data, but buyers should still verify the individual vehicle because market equipment and optional hardware can change the specification. Porsche’s official technical-specification resources should be paired with the car’s VIN, build sheet, service records, and an independent inspection.
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Porsche’s official 718 model overview lists the 718 Cayman, 718 Cayman S, 718 Cayman GTS 4.0, and 718 Cayman GT4 RS among the range’s variants. Model availability, ordering status, allocations, and equipment can change by country and over time, so a model-range page should not be treated as proof that every listed variant is currently available in every market.
The 718 Cayman Style Edition belongs to the 982 generation but should be read as an appearance and equipment variant of the 2.0-liter 718 Cayman rather than as a fourth chassis generation. Porsche’s 718 Cayman launch material and Style Edition announcement show the difference between a generation change and a trim or equipment change.
Common mistakes when identifying Cayman model years
- Calling every 718 a flat-six: the 2017 base and S models and the 2018 GTS use turbocharged flat-four engines.
- Combining the two GTS cars: the 2018 GTS is a turbo-four, while the 2020 GTS 4.0 is a naturally aspirated six-cylinder.
- Treating GT4 and GT4 RS as identical: the GT4 RS has different aerodynamic, cooling, intake, lightweight, and track-focused equipment.
- Using European launch timing as a U.S. model-year claim: launch dates, registration dates, and model years are not always the same.
- Assuming a badge proves the gearbox: manual and PDK availability varies by year, variant, and market.
- Using the wrong technical literature: 987, 981, and 982 cars require generation-specific documentation and parts.
The Bottom Line
Bottom line: Porsche Cayman history is best understood as 987, 981, and 982 generations, with the 982 sold as the 718 Cayman. The 987 and 981 are naturally aspirated flat-six generations; the regular 718 began with turbocharged flat-fours, while the later GTS 4.0, GT4, and GT4 RS restored naturally aspirated six-cylinder power. Choose by engine, transmission, use case, market, and condition—not by badge alone.
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