Porsche 718 Cayman revealed

For the first time the Porsche Cayman is cheaper than the Boxster thanks to the release of the four-cylinder 718 series and a repositioning strategy of the compact coupe and roadster range.

Following the 718 Boxster unveiled three months ago and priced locally from $113,100 (plus on-road costs), this week the virtually identical 718 Cayman lobs priced from $110,300 (plus orc).

Comparing the S versions, the roadster asks from $143,400 (plus orc) versus $140,600 (plus orc) for its just-released hardtop sibling.

Both 718 Boxster and 718 Cayman share a 2.0-litre turbocharged flat four-cylinder engine producing 221kW and 380Nm, and in PDK form when optional Sport Chrono launch control is specified, claim 0-100km/h in 4.7 seconds.

Likewise the 718 Boxster S and 718 Cayman S utilise a 2.5-litre turbo flat four-cylinder making 257kW and 420Nm, and in PDK/SportChrono guise claim 0-100km/h in 4.2sec.

Choosing a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission adds $4990 to the S, or just $1333 in the case of the base model because it pays a reduced amount of Luxury Car Tax (LCT) thanks to official fuel consumption of 6.9L/100km.

The government mandates any vehicle using under 7.0L/100km pays reduced LCT, so the 7.4L/100km-rated base manual misses out.

In pre-facelift guise the Cayman S was up to $9000 more expensive than the Boxster S and scored an extra 9kW/10Nm from its 3.4-litre flat six-cylinder engine. For the first time since the hardtop joined the roadster a decade ago, the pair are no longer separated to the same degree.

With the 718 Cayman, Porsche claims the chassis has been “completely retuned” with improved rigidity and wheel tracking, firmer springs and stabiliser bars and steering that is 10 per cent quicker than before, as per the 718 Boxster.

Deliveries will begin in Australia late this year.