I have to agree with vtrader, performance isn't everything, especially when we're talking about the "legend" 911.
For
me performance counts a lot but I know enough people who bought a 911 because it is the 911. They probably think that the reputation of the 911 somehow transfers to the driver and they may be right if I hear the comments from people who don't own a 911, especially women.
Lately however, I get the feeling that Porsche doesn't look upon the 911 anymore as if it is their main product, their legend,
the classic definition of the brand Porsche.
The Cayman may be the first by purpose "attack" on the 911 to test the markets and customers.
I'm not sure the Cayman hurts Boxster sales because the Boxster is a roadster. But people who always wanted a 911 but never bought it because of the high price tag or because they didn't want the two rear seats, may re-consider their decision now.
To me personally as a Porsche addict and longtime Porsche customer, the Cayman doesn't make sense at all. For Porsche marketing, the Cayman is a closed roof Boxster they can sell at a premium by introducing a new name, a new(?) concept and adding 15 lame horses to it. And I bet there will be a lot of people who take the "bait".
Of course the Cayman S is a great car, no doubt about it if it stands to specs. But I get the feeling the Cayman is the answer to a question nobody asked.
Is this the "lightweight" and very sporty Boxster model people demanded for years? I doubt it. To be honest, I like Carlos' Boxster RS/GT "concept" much more.