Razors Edge -TechArt Tuned Porsche Cayman S

The engine conversion must be hailed as a complete success. TechArt claims that the zero-to-62-mph sprint time is reduced by up to 0.5 seconds and that the top speed is increased by 3 mph, but this will vary according to the number of interior goodies you specify. More significant than an outright increase in pace is the nature of the power delivery. Only a handful of road-going pseudo-racers can match the remarkable throttle response of this Cayman. Twitch a right toe and the car launches itself forward like a dog in search of a mate.

Our car wore TechArt's "Racing" sport exhaust, which fails to breed more horses but does have a significant impact on the acoustics. The muted melody of the standard Cayman is replaced by a strident yowl. Blip the throttle on a downchange and there's even a hint of Ferrari about the bark. It is different, but Porsche enthusiasts should not fear a dilution of character and at full throttle, the cry of the flat six is still unmistakably Porsche.

Such quality inevitably carries a hefty pricetag. The TechArt modifications to our test car total 35,006.48 euro ($29,570), which places the Cayman firmly into the territory of the 997 Carrera S. For some that might be a leap too far, but the great joy of TechArt's system is that you can pick and choose. Ditching the interior trim upgrades, for example, would save over $18k.

Even with this lofty pricetag, it's difficult not to fall for the TechArt GT, which successfully enhances the appeal of the standard Cayman. Ever fearful of undermining the 911, Porsche has given the tuners a rare opportunity with this car and it is one that they're grasping with both hands. This story will run and run; the Techart GT represents no more than the end of the beginning.