Impressions of my new Cayman S after first two weeks

[saeyedoc]

After a 4 month wait, my Peridot Cayman S arrived two weeks ago. I was a little nervous as I had not seen a car in that color, but my fears went away very quickly after my first glance. It looks really sharp, I think it was a good choice going with the design package, the black contrasting features really make it pop.

Interior: I find the standard seats really comfortable, plenty of support and it was very easy to find a comfortable driving position with the manual adjustments. I got the ventilated seats, and while it does help, the ventilation is not all that strong and I think next time I may skip it, may not be worth the money since you need auto a/c and heated seats to get that feature. I do like the auto a/c though, nothing to fuss with once you find a temp that's good for you.
The switch gear and trim are of very high quality, much more than the 335i I was in. All of the switches have that nice positive feel to them. The visibility is great, really no significant blind spots. The Bose system is a little weak, but I like the way the PCM system works. I don't use Nav much, but wanted integrated sat radio, so there really wasn't any choice. I also find it convenient to scan through the sat channels using the stalk on the wheel. I really like the alacantra on the sport design wheel, it doesn't get too hot after sitting in the hot TX sun all afternoon. In my last two cars, there were times where I couldn't even touch the wheel for a few minutes. The paddle shifters are nice and large and have that great positive feel to them.

Driving: Quickly got in the habit of firing the engine up, sport mode on, PASM back to standard setting and ventilated seats on. I've been driving 95% of the time in auto sport mode. The transmission is amazing, very quick smooth downshifts with small amounts of throttle input. It can be a little jerky when poking along at 5mph or less in heavy traffic. I've been trying to keep it under 4k, except for brief episodes of acceleration. I can't wait to get a few more miles on it so I can really open it up. Very happy that the road noise is minimal. The ride is firm, but very smooth, less bumpy over rough roads then my sport suspension equipped BMW. I think PASM was a great choice. The steering is so precise, handling nothing short of spectacular.

For those that think the Cayman is not a good DD, they are so wrong. There is an amazing amount of storage space, was able to get a huge package of TP, case of water and other groceries in easily. It's comfortable enough and easy to drive in traffic. Our kids have their own cars, so I don't need rear seats. For anyone who is ok with a 2-seater, it makes driving to work a pleasure every day.

In summary, I'm very happy so far, can't wait to get it on some back roads and on a track.
__________________
2012 Cayman S Peridot/Black; Design and Infotainment packages, PDK/SC, LSD, PASM, Auto A/c, Heated/Vent seats, SportDesign wheel with paddle shifters

[Deathboy]

Looking good Wayne!

[saeyedoc]

Originally Posted by Deathboy

Looking good Wayne!

Who's Wayne?

[gonzo]

Love it!
Too bad the seats don't really cool. I'm so sick of sweaty back in summer. Do they do enough to help with moist shirt syndrome?

Grats Wayne!



Ha.

[-=Hot|Ice=-]

Congrats! The Cayman S is an amazing car!

[montreal red]

excellent car! i considered getting a cayman before i bought my m3 as well. i wouldnt mind having both in my garage.

[saeyedoc]

Originally Posted by gonzo

Love it!
Too bad the seats don't really cool. I'm so sick of sweaty back in summer. Do they do enough to help with moist shirt syndrome?

Grats Wayne!



Ha.

Yes, they do help with the sweaty back.

Not Wayne

[stickypaws]

Great choice. Congrats and enjoy it. I think PASM is an absolute no-brainer option in all P-cars. With a Cayman, I'd have a tough time deciding on PDK or a manual tranny. Once you're alone out in the twisties, rowing your own is great fun with these little go karts.

[CAPSGOD]

Nice car Wayne!



I like everything except the color. Post some pics of your interior

[ptack]

Wish I could get one.

[saeyedoc]

Originally Posted by CAPSGOD

I like everything except the color. Post some pics of your interior

Here's some interior pics, sorry for the crappy iphone pics. The exterior color looks much better in person, I get a lot of compliments on it.

[-=Hot|Ice=-]

You did the right thing by getting the 911 steering wheel with paddle shifters. The Caymans standard shifters suck.

[Year's_End]

Congrats Wayne.

[Deathboy]

How do you like the PDK? Party on Garth.

[saeyedoc]

Originally Posted by Deathboy

How do you like the PDK? Party on Garth.

PDK is great. I don't like standard mode, but in sport mode it's perfect. Holding off using sport plus until it's broken in. In sport mode, it's quick to downshift with any significant throttle input. With modest throttle, it will hold gears while accelerating. Trying to avoid WOT until broken in. Rev-matching downshifts are awesome. Seems very similar to the DCT in the M3 I test drove when still deciding on my next car.

[TheRox]

I would get this car if not for winters here

instead, have to get the cayenne, need awd.

[txz4]

take her out to the local coffee and rides! i would love to see this beast in person!

[saeyedoc]

Originally Posted by txz4

take her out to the local coffee and rides! i would love to see this beast in person!

Where and when?

[UsnRoberts]

I... dont like the color wayne.

[NYC6]

[txz4]

Originally Posted by saeyedoc

Where and when?

last Saturday of every month at the Panera in the Vinyard where the target is off Blanco and 1604. it starts pretty early and goes on until about 10am or so.

[Inspired]

Sorry wayne, not feeling the color.. Car is sexy ass hell though..