Vintage analyst Carl Christian Jancke tests for "The World" current classic cars on their potential. Porsche Cayman he predicts a bright future - but only after a probationary period.
Since the seventies Porsche trying to expand their portfolio down to earn more profit with higher numbers. This strategy has resulted in the late eighties almost into bankruptcy, but the former models 924, 944, 968 and 928 now also increase in value.
What will be the smallest closed today at Porsche, the Cayman and Cayman S variant of its top? Its production numbers are measured in steps of 10000, but sales success of the classic death. rapidsappreciation experienced by a car when used for the demand exceeds supply. This contrasts with the manufacturer's interest, much to sell.
With the change from the first to the second generation of the Cayman and its sister model, the Boxster open a significant upturn in sales is associated: Porsche reports for the first half of 2013 just 12,886 deliveries of the series, which almost corresponds to a tripling of the numbers in 2012.
A Porsche Wall
Compared to 911 (15,834 sales), the Cayman with its price starting from 51,385 euros almost a special offer. Were it not for the "S" model (325 instead of 275 hp, 64,118 euros) and the options list, the conditions 100,000 euros drives the car faster than it accelerates.
When Peter Ramsauer aims to halve the maximum number of points in Flensburg, he should at least double the speed limit for the Cayman S on the road. Even then, the chance to drive the curve animal in the vicinity of the boundary, very low. The car seems the rails on which it screeches at any speed through the corners, having previously been laid.
Even if the 911 with its rear engine of the legendary Porsche really is - the Cayman is in terms of design, technology design principle and also back to a legend, namely the mid-engine sports car904, which was produced 1963-65 only 116 times. And are traded for several hundred thousand euros.
The classic potential of Cayman and Cayman S is still limited because of the good numbers. But it also does not hopeless. Because the Porsche brand guarantees high survival rates and also enjoys the used car market a value-enhancing prestige. Even the referring physicians of the left Fusion Festival at the Müritz conjures the Cayman S a smile among the Iroquois.
Practically the car is not just
Those who sit in this car, not mulling over his fate. He would prefer round turn round on a racetrack on which there is no limit and a curve to the other (always lined with a side glance at the G-Force display informing precisely about any form of longitudinal and lateral acceleration ).
That the excellent seven-speed dual clutch transmission in Super Sport mode turns better than you, you must not leave this lying down: When the Cayman S can drivers interfere with paddles at any time in the gear selection. Remains an illusion of self-determination, while hurtling down the highway the maximum speed of 283 km / h.
Practically, the Cayman is not natural. The engine behind the seat backs defeated the installation of a ride for the passengers three and four. A somewhat voluminous garment bag can be carried in any of the two wells, which identifies the car as a front and rear trunk.
Long waits for the status of a classic
The Cayman S is currently the strongest and therefore rarest variant of the 'athlete - what the future level of benefits. If, however, an even stronger R variant moves as its predecessor in the program, which will erode the value of the Cayman S clear.
Nevertheless, the time of the Cayman will come as a classic, even if not so soon. The long march across the gravel parking on the main roads you will this car can not save.