Porsche distributor Sime Darby Auto Performance
(SDAP) has just introduced the Porsche 718 Cayman SportDesign Series. The
special model, priced at RM 625,000, is based on the entry-level 718 Cayman, and
it’s limited to just 15 units in Malaysia.
To start, the Cayman SportDesign gets a number of
visual and mechanical tweaks, but let’s start with the exterior. Outside, it
gets the SportDesign Package which includes carbon-fibre stripes, a more
aggressive-looking front apron and front lip, contrasty black door handles and
centrally-mounted exhaust pipes in black finish. This combination, SDAP claims,
makes it look like the 718 Cayman GTS.
Standard features include Porsche Dynamic Light
System Plus (LED lights) and 20-inch dual-tone five-spoke alloys. This can be
upgraded to the Carrera S or Carrera Sport Wheel design as well, should you
fancy. Inside, the carbon-fibre theme continues – the dash, door panel and
centre tunnel get high-gloss CF trimmings, and the centre armrest is wrapped in
suede Alcantara material. Black leather sports seats with 14-way powered
adjustments are standard, complete with comfort memory foam.
Also thrown in is a 505 watt, 10-speaker Bose
Surround Sound System, as well as Sport Chrono Package. The latter offers a
sportier chassis tuning, as well as a drive mode dial on the steering wheel,
offering immediate access to four drive modes, which are Normal, Sport, Sport
Plus, and Individual. A Sport Response button, which rests in the middle of the
dial, primes the engine and transmission for the fastest possible performance,
although this is limited to a window of 20 seconds.
The 718 Cayman SportDesign
is powered by a 2.0 litre turbocharged flat-four engine, producing 300 hp and
380 Nm of torque from 1,950 rpm to 4,500 rpm. A seven-speed PDK dual-clutch
transmission is tasked to send drive to the rear wheels, enabling it to sprint
from zero to 100 km/h in 4.7 seconds and onwards to 275 km/h. Porsche Active
Suspension Management is fitted as standard, which lowers the car by 10 mm.
To recap, only 15 units of the 718 Cayman
SportDesign Series will be made, and it’s available in three colours – Racing
Yellow, Guards Red and Carrara White Metallic (five units of each). Each car
comes with a four-year warranty and free maintenance package, and the RM625k
price tag includes all applicable duties, except registration fee, road tax and
insurance.