2022 Porsche 718 Cayman S: Rear-Wheel Drive Thrills

Hey car enthusiasts, let's dive into something truly special: the 2022 Porsche 718 Cayman S. If you're someone who lives for the pure joy of driving, the kind of driving that makes you grin from ear to ear and forget about everything else, then this car is definitely for you. We're talking about a machine that's practically tailor-made for the twisties, a car that communicates with you through every turn and every acceleration. The 'S' in Cayman S isn't just a badge; it signifies a significant step up in performance, offering a more potent engine and sharper dynamics than its base sibling. And the rear-wheel drive (RWD) setup? That's the cherry on top, delivering that classic, engaging driving experience that Porsche is so famous for. In this article, we'll explore what makes the 2022 718 Cayman S RWD such a standout in the sports car segment, covering its exhilarating performance, its meticulously crafted interior, and why it continues to be a benchmark for driving purity. Get ready to feel the passion of a true driver's car.

The Heartbeat: Engine and Performance That Thrills

Let's get right to the juicy part, guys – the 2022 Porsche 718 Cayman S RWD engine and performance. This is where the magic really happens. Underneath that sleek, mid-engined silhouette lies a 2.5-liter turbocharged flat-four engine. Now, I know some purists might miss the flat-six, but trust me, this turbo-four is an absolute beast. In the 'S' model, it churns out a very healthy 350 horsepower and 309 lb-ft of torque. What does that mean for you? It means blistering acceleration. Porsche claims a 0-60 mph time of around 4.4 seconds with the standard 6-speed manual transmission, but if you opt for the PDK (Porsche Doppelkupplung) dual-clutch automatic, you can shave that down to about 4.2 seconds, or even 4.0 seconds with the Sport Chrono Package. That's seriously quick, folks! But numbers only tell part of the story. The real thrill comes from how this power is delivered. The turbocharger provides a significant torque boost that kicks in early and stays strong throughout the rev range. This makes the Cayman S feel incredibly responsive, whether you're merging onto the highway, executing an overtake, or just powering out of a corner. The sound, too, is something else. While it's not the high-pitched howl of a naturally aspirated six-cylinder, the turbocharged flat-four has a unique, gruff, and sporty tone that’s amplified by the optional sports exhaust. It burbles and pops on the overrun, adding to the auditory drama. And let's not forget the rear-wheel drive setup. This is crucial for the Cayman S's identity. It means that the power is sent to the rear wheels, creating a balanced and predictable driving experience that’s incredibly rewarding. The steering is razor-sharp, the chassis is incredibly stiff and communicative, and the suspension is perfectly tuned to provide a fantastic balance between sporty handling and everyday comfort. You feel connected to the road in a way that few cars can replicate. The optional Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes (PCCB) offer incredible stopping power and fade resistance, perfect for track days or spirited driving on winding roads. Every input – steering, braking, throttle – feels immediate and precise, making the Cayman S a true extension of the driver. It’s this visceral connection that sets the 718 Cayman S apart.

Design and Aesthetics: Timeless Sports Car Appeal

When you look at the 2022 Porsche 718 Cayman S RWD, you're looking at a masterclass in sports car design. Porsche has a legendary reputation for creating cars that are not only incredibly functional but also drop-dead gorgeous, and the 718 Cayman S is no exception. The design is a beautiful evolution of the classic Porsche DNA, blending modern aerodynamic enhancements with timeless coupe proportions. The front fascia features distinctive LED daytime running lights that give it an aggressive yet sophisticated look. The large air intakes on the sides are not just for show; they are functional, feeding air to the mid-mounted engine and ensuring optimal cooling. The silhouette is pure mid-engine sports car: a low, wide stance, a long wheelbase, and a compact cabin set far back. This proportions scream performance. The roofline flows smoothly into the rear, creating an elegant, coupe-like profile. The rear of the car is just as striking, with a clean, muscular design dominated by the horizontal taillights and the prominent exhaust outlets, which hint at the power lurking within. The 'S' model often features larger wheels and sometimes subtle styling cues, like the sportier exhaust tips, that differentiate it from the base models. The overall aesthetic is one of understated aggression – it looks fast even when standing still, but it doesn't scream for attention with excessive spoilers or gaudy embellishments. It's refined, purposeful, and undeniably Porsche. The attention to detail is meticulous, from the flush door handles to the way the light plays off the sculpted body panels. The rear-wheel drive layout also contributes to this balanced aesthetic, allowing for perfect weight distribution and a design that prioritizes performance. Whether you choose a classic color like Guards Red or a more modern shade like Gentian Blue Metallic, the Cayman S looks stunning. It’s a car that turns heads for all the right reasons, admired by those who appreciate true automotive artistry and engineering prowess. It’s a design that promises an exhilarating driving experience, and thankfully, it delivers exactly that.

The Driver's Cockpit: An Intimate and Functional Interior

Stepping inside the 2022 Porsche 718 Cayman S RWD is like entering a focused, driver-centric sanctuary. Porsche's interior philosophy is all about functionality, quality, and driver engagement, and the Cayman S cabin embodies this perfectly. Forget flashy, over-the-top designs; this is about pure, unadulterated driving pleasure. The first thing you'll notice is the driving position. It's low, commanding, and perfectly situated. The seats are supportive and comfortable, offering excellent bolstering to keep you firmly planted during spirited driving, yet they remain comfortable for longer journeys. The steering wheel is a masterpiece – perfectly sized, wrapped in high-quality leather, and featuring that iconic Porsche crest. It’s the primary point of contact you have with the car, and it feels just right. All the essential controls are intuitively placed around the driver. The central infotainment screen is neatly integrated into the dashboard, but crucially, it doesn't dominate the experience. Physical buttons and dials for climate control and other frequently used functions are retained, which is a huge plus for many drivers who prefer tactile feedback. The instrument cluster is classic Porsche: a large central tachometer, flanked by two digital displays and two analog dials. It’s easy to read at a glance, keeping your focus on the road ahead. The materials used throughout the cabin are of a very high standard – soft-touch plastics, genuine leather, and available Alcantara or carbon fiber trim create a premium and sporty atmosphere. The build quality is exceptional; everything feels solid and precisely fitted. Despite its compact exterior dimensions, the Cayman S offers surprisingly decent storage. The 'frunk' (front trunk) provides usable space for a couple of carry-on bags, and there's additional storage behind the seats. While it’s a two-seater, the cabin feels surprisingly airy thanks to the low dashboard and the available panoramic sunroof. The rear-wheel drive layout influences the cabin design by allowing for a low center of gravity and perfect weight balance, contributing to the car's agile handling. The focus here is unequivocally on the driving experience, and the interior design perfectly complements that. It’s a space that makes you feel connected to the car and ready for anything the road throws at you. It's minimalist, purposeful, and utterly luxurious in its own, understated way. This is a cockpit designed not just for commuting, but for commanding the road.

Driving Dynamics: Where the Cayman S Truly Shines

Now, let's talk about the real reason anyone buys a 2022 Porsche 718 Cayman S RWD: the driving dynamics. This is where this car transcends mere transportation and becomes an experience. Porsche has perfected the art of the mid-engine sports car, and the 718 Cayman S is the culmination of decades of R&D. The rear-wheel drive platform is fundamental to its agility. With the engine positioned behind the driver but ahead of the rear axle, the weight distribution is almost perfect (around 45% front, 55% rear), which is ideal for handling. This setup minimizes inertia and allows the car to change direction with an astonishing immediacy. Turn the steering wheel, and the nose points exactly where you intend it to, with uncanny precision. The steering itself is arguably one of the best on the market – it's hydraulically assisted (though some newer models lean more electric, the feel is still superb), providing exquisite feedback about what the front tires are doing. You can feel every nuance of the road surface, every change in grip. This allows you to push the car with confidence, knowing exactly how much grip you have. The suspension is firm but not jarring, striking a remarkable balance between taut body control during hard driving and compliance on imperfect roads. The optional PASM (Porsche Active Suspension Management) system allows you to adjust damping rates, offering a more comfortable setting for cruising and a firmer, more controlled setting for spirited driving. The chassis is incredibly stiff, providing a solid foundation for the suspension and allowing it to work effectively. This rigidity translates into a car that feels incredibly planted and composed, even when pushed to its limits. When you accelerate out of a corner, the rear-wheel drive system allows you to precisely modulate throttle input to control the car's attitude. The limited-slip differential (often standard or available) further enhances traction and allows for confident power delivery out of bends. It’s this dance between the driver, the steering, the throttle, and the chassis that makes the Cayman S so addictive. It’s not just fast; it's engaging. It encourages you to explore its limits, to learn its nuances, and to become a better driver. Whether you're on a track, a mountain pass, or even just your favorite country road, the 718 Cayman S RWD delivers an unfiltered, exhilarating driving experience that few other cars in its class can match. It's a pure, unadulterated connection between man and machine.

Why the 718 Cayman S RWD is a Modern Classic

So, guys, why is the 2022 Porsche 718 Cayman S RWD considered a modern classic already? It’s simple: it masters the fundamental principles of what makes a great sports car. In an era where many cars are becoming more automated, more isolated, and frankly, a bit numb, the Cayman S stands out for its pure driving engagement. The rear-wheel drive layout, combined with its mid-engine configuration, provides a level of balance and agility that is simply unmatched by most competitors. This isn't just a car you drive; it's a car you connect with. The feedback through the steering wheel, the chassis, and the pedals is phenomenal, allowing you to feel exactly what the car is doing beneath you. The engine, while turbocharged, offers a potent and responsive power delivery that, when paired with the optional PDK or the wonderfully tactile manual gearbox, makes every gear change and every acceleration feel special. Porsche’s engineering prowess is on full display here; the suspension, brakes, and chassis work in perfect harmony to deliver a driving experience that is both thrilling and confidence-inspiring. It’s a car that is equally at home on a track day, devouring apexes with precision, as it is on a scenic coastal drive, offering a comfortable yet exhilarating ride. The build quality is exceptional, ensuring that this car will not only perform brilliantly but also age gracefully. The timeless design, both inside and out, means it won't look dated in a few years. It represents a sweet spot in the automotive landscape – a relatively compact, two-seater sports car that prioritizes driver involvement above all else. It’s a testament to Porsche’s unwavering commitment to the art of sports car manufacturing. While newer models may offer more technology or slightly different power outputs, the core essence of the 2022 718 Cayman S RWD – its purity, its balance, and its sheer driving joy – solidifies its place as a future collectible and a benchmark for what a true driver's car should be. It’s a celebration of the internal combustion engine and RWD dynamics that might become rarer in the future. So, if you're looking for a car that will make you fall in love with driving all over again, the 718 Cayman S RWD is an absolute winner. It's more than just a car; it's a passion project on wheels, built for those who truly appreciate the art of the drive.