For what its worth...
RC, thank you for taking the time for the review, it is informative
. I am also glad that I believe I had the right interpretation of your views.
My personal take overall is more simplistic that others I think, or may be not. I do view the Cayman as a Boxster with a roof. However, as it has always been with Porsche, which is also part of the company's charm, IMO, slight but impactful improvements have been incorporated into the platform; such as the Variocam +, increased chassis stiffness, keeping weight under control, etc.
When 928 was released, it was marketed as the 911 replacement as we all know, and we also know what happened to that story. From a historical, emotional and strategic perspective it is truly ridiculous to view the Cayman or the platform as a threat to the 911. The 911=Porsche, period. I feel absolutely lucky that I am able to obtain a sports car that has some of the important technical setups of the 911 and Boxster incorporated to a fixed roof cousin. However, what makes the offering more than the sum of its parts is the decades of know-how that is in every Porsche, which also defines each car's soul. I am delighted actually that most components are re-used from platform to platform and year after year. They are proven components, again with slight improvements, each time around; and this is the main reason that Porsches are actually reliable. I remember in one of Vic Elford's writings that he kept mentioning how the 911 (original, 1964-66) would absolutely not break, even through Mille Miglia's torturous path. Do I not want that because I want a completely new car that is totally differentiated from the other models in Porsche's lineup? So far from my desires, I want a proven and reliable performance.
When someone says "you get what you paid for" I take that as a big complement for Porsche and the Cayman. There are so many vehicles in the market place that are so far from that statement that after all these years and turmoil, Porsche is still able to offer the value we expect.
Somehow the discussions are focused on whether is Cayman is "better" than Boxster or 911. First, I think hardly most of us can truly define "better" for the community. Even track numbers are not enough to define the term "better." Let alone, most people on forums hardly go to the track, autocross, or God forbid, do actual racing. Porsche makes a commitment: 911 is their flagship and it will stay that way. IMO, that is the best message they can give out, we want that! Even in early '90s during the development of new manufacturing processes, it was made clear that Boxster and 911 would share as much as possible in terms of design and components, but all compromises would be made to benefit the 911, not the Boxster. That was the right decision then and I think it is the right message today.
Also, it would be incorrect to generalize that Cayman buyers are actually 911-wannabes with lesser funds. I do think there are distinct buyer categories between the platforms, but I have to also acknowledge that some percentage fits into the former category. For me, I always admired the 911 for what it stood: Porsche and its philosophy. However, I have also always known that 911 was not the car for me and such a purchase would leave me regretting my decision; it hasn't been about money. Boxster was much closer to what I needed, but as it is a convertible, I just could not buy it. It is a very nice surprise to see Porsche coming out with a Boxster with a roof, once Porsche announced its production, it was an easy decision for me; I did not even have to see the price or the exact specs. So long as it had the Porsche DNA with a roof other than the 911, it was sufficient for me.
The part that I appreciate the most about RCs review and comments is that he is able to filter out his personal biases to his best ability and provide feedback within the value proposition that the car offers; I am actually quite impressed, not because I view his review as positive, but because he was able to stay true to journalism. How each one of us interpret the review depends, IMO, what we actually want to hear
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At the end, the Cayman is a great offering, a brilliant product placement and marketing tactic from Porsche. The value it offers in the market place is wonderfully controversial to the extend that only relatively small number of potential buyers will buy into its value equation; and 911 sales cannibalization will stay very low; which again what Porsche and its fanatics want I think. Put me into that group
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Thank you.