Bye-Bye 2009: Best Driver’s Car of the Year

By John LeBlanc Everyone likes an underdog right? When the revitalized Porsche Cayman S arrived with its wunderkind Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK) transmission and updated engine last year, it knocked the hallowed 911 off the perch I had it up on as my all-time sports car fave. Sounds blasphemous? Maybe. But I appreciate a sports car for what it can do, not what it promises. And the baby Porsche coupe was the easily my Best Driver's Car for 2009. The hardtop Boxster's arrival three years ago garnered standing ovations from purists looking to rekindle the spirit of smaller 911s of years gone by, but for about two-thirds the cost. Check off all the right options, and the new Cayman S seriously begs the question: Is a 911 Carrera really worth the extra dough? Equipped with its PDK dual-clutch gearbox, the Cayman S can rocket from 0-to-100 km/h 0.2 seconds faster than a 911 Carrera with its six-speed manual: 4.9 versus 5.1. Beyond PDK, Porsche hasn't ruined the previous Cayman S's already class-leading road manners. With its short overhangs, wide track and engine placed mid-car, the two-seater was already arguably the most dynamic and easy-to-drive sports car in its class.

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