The Porsche 718 Cayman GTS 4.0 has been named ‘Sports Car of the Year’ by What Car? in the magazine’s annual Car of the Year Awards. It marks the third time running that the mid-engined two-seater has taken the crown. In addition, the four-wheel drive Cayenne S and all-electric Taycan 4S Cross Turismo were recognised as the Best Buy in their categories.
In presenting the 718 Cayman GTS 4.0 with the Sports Car of the Year Award, the What Car? judges commented: "The quality of the engine plays a huge part in the appeal of any sports car, and the one in the Cayman GTS is up there with the very best. Plus, the Cayman is at least as special when it comes to handling; thanks to precise, well-weighted steering, sublime balance and seemingly endless grip, it gives you complete confidence to push hard along twisty roads."
Being named a winner means that What Car? magazine recognises each model as one of the very best cars to buy, and as a leader of their respective class.
The Porsche 718 Cayman GTS 4.0 emphasises long-standing Porsche attributes of a characteristically emotive power delivery and a focused driving experience, with a manual six-speed transmission and sports exhaust system. It can achieve the sprint from 0-62 mph in 4.5 seconds, and where permitted accelerate on to a top speed of 182 mph. The rarefied combination of two seats, three pedals and six cylinders makes the GTS 4.0 a great companion for any journey.
Harald Horn, Business Development Director at Porsche Cars GB, collected the Award on behalf of the business.
On top of the 718 Cayman scooping its overall category, the Cayenne S and all-electric Taycan 4S Cross Turismo received Best Buy awards in recognition of their individual appeal in their market segments.
Cayenne S – “best sports SUV for thrills”
Presenting the Cayenne S with a Best Buy award in the SUV category, the judges commented that “as you might imagine from a car with 15 bhp more than the old GTS, the Cayenne S is effortlessly quick. What's more, it's great fun to drive, particularly if you add air suspension and active anti-roll bars, with these letting you throw it around like a sports car, and revel in the precision and dexterity of its handling."
The new Cayenne arrived in showrooms last summer and the latest model further emphasises its claim to be the most sporting car in its class. The Cayenne features a highly digitalised display and control concept, new chassis technology with a revised suspension design and more powerful engines – including an uprated plug-in hybrid powertrain that offers up to 56 miles of pure electric range.
Taycan 4S Cross Turismo – “best electric performance car”
For What Car?, the Cross Turismo is its favourite Taycan and presented it with a Best Buy award. The magazine commented; “It takes the already exhilarating Taycan recipe and adds extra versatility, thanks to its estate-style rear end. And its slightly raised ride height helps it feel tailor-made for British B-roads, padding out stretches of lumpen Tarmac while still keeping the car's body locked into the surface like a proper sports car.“
All Taycan models benefit from an innovative electric drivetrain with 800-volt architecture. The all-wheel drive and adaptive air suspension of the Cross Turismo also ensures confident handling and control off the beaten track.
The Taycan 4S Cross Turismo has two electric motors with up to 420 kW (571 PS), overboost power with Launch Control. Acceleration from 0-62 mph takes 4.1 seconds with a top speed 149 mph where permitted. The WLTP Combined range is up to 304 miles with the standard Performance Battery Plus (gross capacity 93.4 kWh). The maximum charging capacity (peak) is 270 kW. In just over five minutes, the battery can be recharged using direct current from the IONITY high-power charging network for a range of up to 62 miles (according to WLTP). The charging time for five to 80 per cent state of charge is 22.5 minutes under ideal conditions.