Cayman 987C/981C (2005-2016)

First launched in 2005 for the 2006 model year, the Cayman is a coupé derived from Porsche's second and third generation Boxster roadster, with its initial design by Pinky Lai. Up until 2012, all Caymans were manufactured in Finland by Valmet Automotive. Following Volkswagen's acquisition of Porsche AG, production of the Cayman and Boxster models moved to the former Karmann plant in Osnabrück, Germany, which was then owned by Volkswagen and also used for the production of the 2012 Golf (Mk6) convertible.

The Cayman’s hatchback provides access to the luggage areas both above and behind the engine cover. While the suspension design is essentially the same as that of the Boxster, it features revised settings to accommodate the stiffer chassis resulting from the car’s fixed roof.

The car's name is not derived from the Cayman Islands; instead, they are named after the caiman, a member of the alligator family. When the Cayman was released to dealerships, Porsche adopted four caimans at the Wilhelma Zoo in Stuttgart.