10 minute read

DRIVE: The Porsche 718 Cayman T carves north through California

2. DRIVE 300

Horsepower 280 lb-ft Torque

170 mph

Top Speed

CARVING THROUGH CALIFORNIA

We ventured north in the 2022 Porsche 718 Cayman T.

WORDS : Gabriel Vega Cortés

For luxury-oriented magazines like duPont REGISTRY, Monterey Car Week, held annually in August, is one of the year’s most important events. It’s one of the few times a year that both large-scale manufacturers and boutique carmakers bring out their latest machines for the media and potential buyers to see in person. Our journey to the event began in Los Angeles, behind the wheel of the 2022 Porsche 718 Cayman T. It was our review vehicle for the week and the vehicle we chose for our nearly 1,000-mile journey to and from various historical events.

On paper, the 718 Cayman T reads like an ideal car week ride. It combines the base Cayman’s 3.0-liter turbocharged flat-four with a plethora of standard equipment. These include PASM Sport Suspension, Sport Chrono Package, mechanical limited-slip differential, Sport Exhaust, Sport Seats, and 20-inch Carrera S wheels. Cars equipped with the six-speed manual transmission, like our tester, tip the scales at 3,058 pounds. PDK-equipped cars weigh an extra 62 pounds but fully embrace the engine’s 300 horsepower and 280 poundfoot output, reaching 60 mph in 4.5 seconds compared to 4.9 seconds with three pedals.

Between Los Angeles and Monterey sit a mix of flat open highways, twisty canyon roads, and stunning coastal drives. The first allowed us to open up the taps on the T’s flat-four. It may have two fewer cylinders than its predecessor, but it loses none of the character. Peak power still lives at the top of the rev range at 6,500 rpm, urging its driver to work for top speed. However, peak torque now comes in at a low 1,950 rpm, allowing the T to feel quick both o the line and around town.

••• The two-seater 718 Cayman T maintains a sporty exterior, constructed in lightweight aluminum and steel composite, with an auto-deploying rear wing and side air intakes with two grilles in black.

2022 PORSCHE 718 CAYMAN T

TESTED PRICE $78,550

MOTOR 2.0-liter turbocharged boxer 4

DRIVE RWD

TRANSMISSION 6-speed manual

CHASSIS PASM Sport Suspension (lowered 20 mm); lightweight spring-strut suspension with front and rear stabilizers

••• With the 718 logo proudly embroidered on its headrests, the model features driver and passenger seats with elevated side bolsters and an exclusive 360-millimeter sports-style steering wheel.

A BIG COMFY GT WOULD HAVE EASILY BEEN UP TO THE TASK, BUT THAT WOULD MEAN GIVING UP SOME OF THE FUN IN THE CANYONS. THE T FELT AT HOME ON THE HIGHWAY AND THROUGH THE TWISTS.

••• Sheathed in bold Guards Red, our test vehicle came with the standard kit. Its 20-inch Carerra S wheels lived up to the challenge of navigating varying road conditions along our nearly 1,000-mile journey. A heated rear window combats the elements, while front and rear luggage compartments provide the necessary storage for a long haul.

Extensive suspension improvements shone through as the road got twisty. This car’s stable agility inspires confidence. Its adaptive suspension sti ens considerably for sporty driving without turning it into a back-breaking experience. The T proved very approachable, inviting us to test its reachable limits. If anything, we noticed ourselves enjoying the drive more than some modern supercars.

Once in Monterey, not even the hilly streets made us wish we had PDK. Thanks to a light and easy-to-modulate clutch, the T is more than equipped for daily-driver duties. Its flat-four was also surprisingly e cient, averaging 27.4 miles per gallon during our nearly 1,000-mile trip. As we ran from event to event, the T remained easy to park and thread through tra c-filled city streets.

Sure, a big comfy GT car would have easily been up to the task, but that would mean giving up some of the fun in the canyons. The T proved the best of both worlds, feeling at home on the highway and through the twists. With an as tested price of $78,550, the Cayman T — and its standard kit — carves a tempting lane beside its more expensive GTS 4.0 and GT4 siblings. After a week behind the wheel, it’s clear that anyone overlooking the Cayman T is doing themselves a disservice.

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2.

DR#3: WE HARDLY KNEW YE

The 2022 Formula 1 season will be Daniel Ricciardo’s last with McLaren, while an uncertain future awaits him.

WORDS : Ed Jones PHOTOGRAPHS : Motorsport Images

PAPAYA SQUAD A lack of improvement

Heading into the 2022 season, all eyes were on Daniel Ricciardo; it was clear the Honey Badger needed to produce better results for McLaren. Though he did manage a win for the team at Monza in 2021 and placed 8th overall in the drivers’ championship, this year is a di erent story. As of press time, Ricciardo sits in 14th position. These results have led McLaren to cut ties with Ricciardo, making 2022 his last season with the team. Young gun Oscar Piastri will replace him in 2023.

DR#3: WE HARDLY KNEW YE

ALL IN GOOD FUN Bringing joy to the grid

Since joining Formula 1 in 2011, Ricciardo has recorded eight firstplace finishes and two third-place World Drivers’ Championship finishes. He has garnered a massive fan base that follows along with the Aussie’s antics. From pranking his teammates to making bets with his bosses, his career has been a true joy to watch. Most recently, the motorsport world was more than happy to see Ricciardo win his bet and get a chance to drive one of the Dale Earnhardt NASCAR Chevrolets that Zak Brown owns.

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DR#3: WE HARDLY KNEW YE

DARK DAYS An uncertain future

Since it was announced that Ricciardo’s contract with McLaren would be terminated early, the beloved driver’s hopes to stay in Formula 1 have dwindled. Many believe 2022 will be the last year we see Ricciardo on the grid. He could return in 2024, but getting back into the lineup after a season’s absence is a di cult maneuver to pull o , even for a driver as skilled as Ricciardo. No matter what happens, he has built a fanbase that’s excited for his next move, whatever that may be.

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