Built to fill the huge price gap between the Boxster and the 911 Carrera, the 2006 Porsche Cayman S successfully fulfils that mission but also splits the difference in other ways, including performance, attitude and, believe it or not, practicality.

For now, the Cayman S is the only model offered, a coupe that is based on the Boxster S roadster. Standard equipment includes the regular mix of basic amenities, including air conditioning; cruise control; power windows and locks; and heated power mirrors. A nine-speaker stereo with a CD player; a tilting, telescoping leather-wrapped steering wheel, and partial leather seats complemented by leather on the shifter, the parking brake handle, and parts of the dashboard are also standard. Every Cayman S is also equipped with an on-board computer, 18-inch alloy wheels, red painted brake calipers, antilock brakes, traction and stability control, and a bevy of airbags including dual front, side and thorax airbags.

If that’s not enough (and it never is) you can load the 2006 Porsche Cayman S up with all sorts of goodies. But it’s going to cost you. Metallic paint runs $825 for the basic hues or $3,070 for unique colors. And if you want to paint the Cayman S your favorite custom color, that’s $4,315, please. A package with heated seats and an auto dimming mirror is $2,190. Or, just buy the package with power seats, xenon high-intensity discharge headlights, and a six-disc CD changer for $4,995. Want sport seats with 12-way adjustments and memory? Fork over $3,055. Yellow or red seatbelts would be cool, and those are just $340. What the heck, while you’re there, you might as well add another $2,230 to have parts of the interior painted in the same color as the exterior, and why not accent that with carbon fiber dash trim at $1,650. You want natural leather upholstery? You betcha, and such a deal for just $3,605. A custom leather color is just $3,845, and we’re thinking the 19-inch wheels would be nice at $1,940. You don’t want to get lost, do you? No, ’course not. Navigation system: $2,970. And you also must have the Bose surround sound stereo. It might be $950, but it’s like immersing yourself in music instead of merely listening.

Cha-ching. Cha-ching.

You just made your relative bargain cost more than a base 911 – not to mention a Corvette Z06. But wait, we haven’t even mentioned the ceramic composite brakes ($8,150), the park distance control ($530), or Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM – $1,190), which allows you to choose between a more comfortable suspension set-up or a sport mode which hardens the dampers and continually monitors and adjusts them for more dynamic handling.

All these options are nice, some are silly, and none are necessary to enjoy the car. And you definitely do not want the optional five-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission ($3,210). It’s a Porsche. Have some self respect.