Porsche has unveiled its new 718 Cayman and the latest and fourth generation of the mid-engined, two-seater sports coupé is distinguished by a distinctive athletic and purposeful appearance, with new flat-four turbocharged ‘boxer’ engines delivering upwards of 300bhp beating beneath the bonnet.

Since its debut in 2005, the Porsche Cayman has earned a particular reputation as a driver’s car among owners and fans alike. Now, the new 718 Cayman aims to once more set the class benchmark for driving performance.

Like the 718 Boxster, the new 718 Cayman models continue the tradition of the Porsche 718 mid-engined sports cars that won numerous races in the 1950s and 1960s, powered by four-cylinder ‘boxer’ engines.

The same new four-cylinder ‘boxer’ engines with turbocharging that first debuted in the 718 Boxster are shared with the 718 Cayman. As a result, coupé and roadster Porsche models offer identical engine outputs for the first time. The 718 Cayman derivative is powered by a 300bhp 2.0-litre engine. The 718 Cayman S features a 350bhp 2.5-litre engine. This represents 25bhp more power compared to the prior models.

The 718 Cayman with PDK and optional Sport Chrono Package sprints from zero to 62 mph in 4.7 seconds. The 718 Cayman S completes this sprint in 4.2 seconds. The top speed of the 718 Cayman is 170 mph, and the 718 Cayman S can reach a speed of 177 mph.

In terms of driving dynamics, the new 718 Cayman follows in the spirit of the classic 718 cars. Thanks to their outstanding agility, the historic mid-engine sports racers won numerous races in the 1950s and 1960s such as the Targa Florio and Le Mans. The comprehensively retuned chassis of the 718 Cayman has increased dynamic responsiveness and cornering grip; springs and anti-roll bars have been designed to be firmer and the tuning of the shock absorbers has been revised. The steering, which has been configured to be ten per cent more direct, enhances agility and consequently increases driving pleasure further still.

The rear wheels, which are half an inch wider, in combination with the re-developed tyres result in an increased lateral force potential and hence greater cornering grip. Driving dynamics options such as the Sport Chrono Package and the Porsche Torque Vectoring (PTV) electronically-controlled rear limited slip differential allow the sporting character of the 718 Cayman to be further custom-tailored to suit individual preferences.

The new 718 Cayman has been further developed as comprehensively in its design as in its technology. The taut proportions, prominent air intakes at the front and sides and sweeping profile underscore the boost in dynamics. The nose has a much sharper profile, which gives the front end a wider and more purposeful appearance.

The ultra-slim front lights above the air intakes, which contain the parking lights and indicators, further reinforce this impression. Rounding off the front end of the 718 Cayman are the significantly larger cooling air intakes and Bi-Xenon headlights in a new design with integrated LED daytime running lights. LED headlights with four-point daytime running lights are available as a new option.

Viewed from the side, the new coupé reveals its striking sculptured wheel-arches and side sills. The re-designed rear also has a much wider appearance, emphasised by a high-gloss black strip with integrated Porsche badge between the tail lights. The tail lights themselves have been completely re-designed and are distinguished by their technological three-dimensional styling and four brake individual brake lights that appear to float freely.

Behind the wheel, subtle revisions are apparent in both the 718 Cayman and the 718 Boxster. The upper part of the dash panel including air vents is new. The new sports steering wheel in ‘918 Spyder’ design as well as the extensive connectivity options have now been added to the 718 cockpit, along with the Porsche Communication Management (PCM) as a standard feature. Mobile phone preparation, audio interfaces and the 150-watt Sound Package Plus are all part of this standard.

The new 718 Cayman models are available to order today from Porsche Centres in the UK and Ireland. For the first time, the coupé is priced below the roadster – in a similar way to the 911 models. First deliveries begin in the autumn. The 718 Cayman is priced from £39,878 and the 718 Cayman S costs from £48,834.