White cayman with red interior. Wow that is a very sweet combination and if your brother eventual wants to give the cayman a new look he better make it look like the cayman below.

It does sound expensive, For that price you can get a zo6 and have 5k left over. Also a direct competitor to this car is the Extige, which is 40k. As for the M coupe, that will be around 55k but in reality is much more car than the Caymen S. Even so there are those who bleed Porsche. And will bleed their bank to get their hands on one.

M coupe much more car than the Cayman S??????? I don't really know about that one Matt...your love for BMW is clouding reality on this one....and am I blind or do a see a Benz in your avatar? In addition, a Cayman and Z06 are two VERY different cars, and while the Z06 may be more powerful and what not, without question the Cayman S would truly be the better value for so many reasons, such as the fact that it could out ride and out handle a Z06 on any day... rain or shine... not to mention it retain it's value far better than a Z06 in five years, w/ the Z06 by that time probably costing as much as a Honda Civic.

Forgot to add, went to dealer today and saw a Cayman S in the flesh. The car looks far better than any pic could ever convey to the eye. The interior is suprisingly roomy, just as much headroom as in a 997, *legroom is kinda tight for over 6 footers, though Porsche claims the contray. The one I sat in went for $71k and was not for sale, it was Art. Slvr./Blk 6spd. The salesman told me cars would be on the floor for sale by Jan, the car that was there wasn't availble for driving, just viewing. I took pics in my cam phone, will try and post them up sometime.

I dont know if it could out handle a Z06. I'm sure its better around turns and what not because of mid engine technology but I doubt its faster than a Z06 around a track.

Yes I am BMW biased but I say that for a reason. The M Z4 thingy is more car because its more powerful and may be a better performer but I don't know. I think it will be more of a carrera S competitor than anything. Buy since I havent driven any of these cars my opinion doesnt really count. So I'm murely stating competitive cars at a relatively lower price.

BUT. The extige is probably better handling then the upcoming Caymen (the jury is still out), but I wouldnt say its more car than the Caymen. The caymen is more car because its that much more powerful.

*Exige

I think we ought to wait for mag comparos(you know they'll be out soon! I bet all the Auto mag editors out there are at the pub, wherever, arguing over this same subject). The M3 competed and slashed across all classes of sports cars and sports sedans as we have seen, and has ranked at the top of the list. The M coupe however, has a lowly reputation to defend bought on by the E37 M coupe, which was viewed by many as a disapointment. Therefore, the new car has a lot to prove.

A dissapointment in appearence. A shock in handling. Atleast thats what i recall.

A shock in handling???... Don't know about that one, but I do know a long time family freind that writes for several very well known auto publications that actually had an Imola Red/ Imola two tone interior M coupe, and I remembered when I asked him after he sold it, "do you miss it?", he said, "NO".. expanded on the ownership experience and in his summary he told me the handling wasn't what it should have been for a "BMW"... and this guy has in addition an E30 M3, E54 M540i, 986 Porsche Boxster, AND a Ferrari Dino spyder... not only that but he's beyond a certified car nut and has all, ALL the credentials that make him not only a credible but also a reputuable source.

thanx guys .. car will be arriving here in March ... can't wait .. already a long waiting list at AD dealer .. BTW he might get one earlier if someone hasn't picked his cayman .. but it would have a lower price and options than the one he ordered ..

I hear ya, that's why it's good to clearly review the vehicle you want and cut down on unecessary options that will send the price skyrocketing. I too wish it was a bit more cheaper but I know that it is worth the price that they are asking.