Why Did I Decide to Buy the 718 Cayman T?

Actually, today the brand-new 718 Cayman T was delivered!

Originally, I was interested in the base 718 Cayman (the 2-liter model), and as mentioned in my blog article “My Husband Is Curious About the Base Porsche 718 Cayman, So I Asked Him Why”, I wanted a base 718 Cayman for circuit and mountain driving.

Some time ago, the dealer’s representative suggested, “How about the 718 Style Edition?” but at that time, considering how I use my Porsche and my preferences, I decided the Style Edition wasn’t for me and politely declined.

Then, after a while, I was told, “Actually, there’s a canceled 718 Cayman T available—would you be interested?”

Since the ‘T’ grade comes loaded with sporty options, I thought I’d at least consider it and started researching by reading reviews from both Japan and abroad.

That said, I also felt that owning more Porsches might be too much to handle, so my enthusiasm cooled off for a while.

However, later on, I had the chance to compare the 718 Cayman and 718 Boxster T, and the impression I got from driving the 718 Boxster T was so good that I became quite positive about it.

I heard that the 718 ‘T’ grade is very rare with limited numbers, and at this point, it’s no longer listed in the Japanese market catalog. Also, the combination of the GTS-level chassis (20mm lowered sports PASM, PTV, Sport Chrono, PADM, 20-inch wheels) with the 2-liter turbo engine felt like a mini GTS that you can push anywhere, leaving a very strong impression.

Moreover, since this particular car was already at the dealer, I could check the actual vehicle. Although the options weren’t 100% to my taste, they were within an acceptable range, and it was a super rare left-hand drive model, so I decided to make an immediate decision on the spot.

Specifications of the Delivered 718 Cayman T

The option list is as follows.

Exterior Color: Carrara White Metallic
Interior Color: 718T Interior Package (Contrast Color: Lizard Green)
Seats: Sports Seats Plus (2-way electric adjustment)
Exterior:
    Sports Design Package
    Side Window Trim and Window Triangle Trim (High Gloss Black Paint)
Drivetrain / Chassis:
    Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK)
    Power Steering Plus
Wheels: 20-inch Carrera S Wheels
Lights:
    LED Headlights including Porsche Dynamic Light System (PDLS)
    Tinted Taillights
    Electrically Folding Exterior Mirrors (with Courtesy Lights)
    Windscreen (with Grey Top Tint)
Comfort Features and Assistance Systems: Porsche Entry & Drive System
Interior:
    718T Interior Package
    Seat Heaters

Since it’s the ‘T’ grade, it already comes with almost all the sporty options. On top of that, it’s well-equipped visually with the Sports Design Package, LED lights, 718T Interior Package, tinted taillights, and more.

The 20mm lowered stance is significant, making the car very low. The overall height is only 1,276mm.

The door handles feature the traditional strap design

Personally, I would have preferred gray over lizard green since there’s no green on the exterior, but seeing it in person, it’s not bad at all.

Here Is the Actual Delivered 718 Cayman T

Since my wife’s Carrera T needed an oil and filter change after the break-in period, I had to leave her car at the dealer for the day. So, I took the Carrera T and headed to the dealer in the morning.

Upon arrival, after signing documents and handing over keys, it was finally time to meet the car. Having seen it displayed at the dealer until recently, I still didn’t quite feel it was mine yet.

It’s definitely much cooler in person than on the configurator screen.

I started the engine right away. The startup sound was a bit subdued, and the slightly rough 4-cylinder turbo engine note reached my ears. The seat upholstery features subtle vertical lizard green stitching, which I find quite appealing.

With the dealer staff seeing me off, I left the dealer and headed straight to the coating shop.

I haven’t driven it much yet, so I’ll share my impressions later, but even after a short drive, the suspension feels excellent.
For a while, I plan to enjoy having two ‘T’ models: my wife’s 911 Carrera T and my 718 Cayman T.