What is it?
 
The all-new, second-generation Porsche Cayman. We’ve all seen the pre-launch press images, but until you stand next to one and appreciate the stance, proportion, detailing and all-round rightness of the design it’s hard to credit just how desirable it really is. The most powerful model (for now), the Cayman S, costs £48,783.
 
Technical highlights?
 
Extensive use of aluminium in the Cayman’s body structure means a 40 per cent increase in torsional rigidity and a decrease in kerbweight of up to 30kg, the Cayman S down to 1310kg. Engine outputs are increased, but not dramatically (up 10bhp to 271bhp in the downsized 2.7-litre Cayman and 5bhp to 321bhp in the 3.4-litre Cayman S) although both motors have more generous power curves, so they produce more power than the old engines across the rev range.
 
Of course being a modern high performance car these increases come despite a reduction in fuel consumption and emissions of up to 15 per cent.