Cayman S on Cherohala Skyway and Tail of the Dragon

The Cherohala Skyway snakes through the southern end of the Smoky Mountains in Tennessee and North Carolina. It links the towns of Tellico Plains and Robbinsville, with not much in between except sweeping vistas and sinewy roads. Bear country.

The Porsche Cayman S is in its element in this environment. It is perfectly adapted to this road. Its razor-sharp handling and prodigious power make for a very entertaining drive. With an almost telepathic responsiveness, the driver's confidence rises, speeds increase, and one has to make a conscious effort to slow down in order to avoid "consequences".

But the Cayman delivers almost as much pleasure when sitting still as it does carving curves. Its lines are so clean, so perfect. It's a car without too many extras. Not too much to distract from its purpose. There is no infotainment system. There are modern conveniences but they don't coddle you. The feel is somewhat raw without being punishing. Playful but a little serious. Not like a Miata, but not quite an M3 either. Just right.

After the drive is over the sounds of the flat six still resonate in your head. The feel of the wheel in your hands persists. You wash off the road dust and prepare for the next time. The next time you can head back to bear country with your Porsche.

Photo by Killboy.com

Photo by Killboy.com