The Ultimate Guide to the Porsche Cayman GT4: Review, Price, Specs, Videos, Images, Performance & More

Introduction

In 2015, Porsche announced the car the supercar community thought they would never build.

It was the first time Porsche allowed its Porsche Motorsport division in Weissach to sprinkle some magic on a production Cayman since the mid-engine sports car’s introduction ten years previously.

They did not let us down.

With components sourced from the 911 GT3, an engine carried over from a Carrera S and a tweaked and tuned chassis, brakes and aerodynamics, Porsche’s engineers did their best to produce the perfect mid-engine sports car for road and track use.

The GT4’s 3.8-litre flat-six engine produces 385 hp (283 kW) and is mated to a six-speed manual gearbox with dynamic gearbox mounts – these contain a magnetic fluid that can be manipulated by use of an electromagnetic field to harden or soften to compensate for movements in the gearbox when under load, which in soft settings can improve ride comfort, while harder settings optimize the handling of the Cayman for a more dynamic driving experience.

Compared with the standard Cayman, the GT4’s chassis was lowered by 30mm and bigger brakes were added, with many aspects of its suspension carried over from the 911 GT3. Make no mistake; this is some serious motorsport kit.

Design, Styling & Interior

Based on the 981 Cayman, the GT4 takes the standard car’s already purposeful stance and design and adds aggression.

The large, vented front bumper, which makes the GT4 look like a more serious track weapon is not just for show – it improves cooling for an additional radiator.

A lower ride height, lower front lip and a fixed rear wing are all clues to onlookers that this is no normal Cayman.

Larger side intakes than the standard Cayman also add to the GT4’s sporting proportions, required to feed more air into the 3.8 litre power plant behind the driver.

Inside the Cayman GT4, the sporty theme continues, with sport seats for driver and passenger upholstered in a combination of leather and Alcantara, with bolsters to support both under hard cornering.

In front of the driver sits a compact steering wheel, which Porsche says enhances the feedback to the driver, as well as providing more precision.

Performance

The Cayman GT4’s 3.8-litre engine takes the place of the GTS’s 3.4 litres, lifting power from 335hp to 385hp. Combined with a lot of effort from Porsche’s engineers to shed a few kilos from its kerb weight, and the GT4 is predictably a shade faster than the previous quickest Cayman.

The GT4 makes the dash from k 0-62mph in 4.2 seconds, significantly quicker than the 4.9sec of the GTS, while its top speed has risen by 6mph to 183mph.

More torque provided by the extra engine capacity afforded the GT4 is said to help the Cayman pull its long gearing more convincingly than previously.

Some criticized the GT4’s engine for lacking the drama and all-out ferocity of engine note that other Porsches featuring the 3.8-litre engine deliver, though unless you have access or a depth of experience with both of those cars, its 7800rpm redline is likely to still provide enough to satisfy.

The efforts of Porsche’s engineers have clearly paid off – a lap time of 7 minutes and 40 seconds on the North Loop of the Nürburgring clearly shows that this Porsche is serious about performance.

At launch, Porsche offered Cayman GT4 buyers the option of equipping their car with further options geared towards sporty or track use.

These options included a Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake (PCCB) system, carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) shell seats, a custom Sport Chrono Package including a unique Track Precision app and a Club Sport Package, that added racing harnesses and fire extinguisher to the Cayman GT4’s track accouterments.

Ride & Handling

The standard Porsche Cayman’s handling has always been one of its ultimate selling points.

Unencumbered by an engine slung out the back like its bigger brother the 911, the Cayman’s mid-engine balance endows the “middle” child in the Porsche sports car family with precise and nimble handling.

Add to that mix the uprated front axle from a 911 GT3, an aerodynamic package designed to spread downforce across all four wheels and Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres, perhaps the most surprising thing about the Cayman GT4 is its compliance on the road as well as its prowess on the track.

Such features are traditionally the preserve of track-specials and in many cases an extreme focus on track capability can compromise on-road comfort, making a car almost unbearable on regular road surfaces, or overly harsh on less-experienced drivers.

But the Cayman GT4 drew critical praise from those that drove it thanks to its strong grip through corners providing the driver with confidence backed up by the car’s communicative chassis.

Porsche’s Motorsport engineers have managed to strike an impressive balance between technical capability and on-road usability.

The Cayman GT4 is stiffer-sprung than the standard car without becoming punishing over less-than-perfect surfaces, with enough suspension travel and damping to soak up bumps and undulations in the road.

Prices & Specs

At its launch in July 2015, the Porsche Cayman GT4 retailed at $84,600 MSRP from Porsche dealers.

However just 2500 examples of the GT4 were made, and a performance Porsche of this ilk attracts a lot of attention from Porsche purists and driving fans alike, meaning demand far outstripped that production run from the start.

This led to many instantly being flipped for an asking price well in excess of the retail price.

At the time of writing, dupont registry has a number of low-mileage examples for sale, with one particular black example standing out with a price tag of $119,800.

Having travelled fewer than 1300 miles in its lifetime, this particular GT4 includes the addition of the PCCB brake kit, carbon fibre bucket seats, the Sport Chrono Package and fire extinguisher.

 

[button style='accent' url='https://www.supercars.net/blog/porsche-cayman-gt4/2/' fullwidth='true']Porsche Cayman GT4 Performance & Specs >[/button] [button style='accent' url='https://www.supercars.net/blog/porsche-cayman-gt4/' fullwidth='true']< Back To The Beginning[/button]

 

Porsche GT4 Specs & Performance Numbers

Launched as a 2015 model at the Geneva Motor Show, the Cayman GT4 was limited to about 2,500 units and with a starting with the base price of $85,595 in the U.S, it is immediately clear that this is not a normal Cayman model variant.

The spec sheet is a lovely list of the best performance bits from the Porsche Motorsport division. It takes its suspension from the GT3 and steals the Carrera S 3.8-litre engine along with a sweet 6 speed manual transmission. Great start.

Power comes in at 380 bhp @ 7400 rpm, with torque of 309 lb-ft. As expected, the benchmark 0-60mph sprint passes in ~4.2 seconds on its way to a top speed of 183mph. While this isn’t that fast on the spec sheet, in the real world it is plenty fast enough and with a 7:42.00 Nurburgring lap time it is clear that the sum of all the parts makes one hell of a machine both on street and track.

Model & Price Info

Make	Porsche
Model	Cayman
Generation	981 (2012-2016)
Sub-Model	Cayman GT4
Car type	Coupe
Category	Series Production Car
Built At	Stuttgart, Germany
Released at	2015 Geneva Motor Show
Introduced	2015
Base Price (US)	$85,595
Base Price (Europe)	€85,776
Units build	~2,500

Body, Suspension & Powertrain

Curb Weight	1340 kg (2954 lbs)
Layout	middle engine, rear wheel drive
Body / Frame	Unitary Steel & Aluminum Monocoque w/Aluminum Hood
Driven wheels	RWD
F suspension	MacPherson Struts w/Gas-Pressure Dampers, Anti-Roll Bar
R suspension	Transverse Control Arms w/Coil Springs over Gas-Pressure Dampers, Anti-Roll Bar
Engine	Flat-6
Position	Mid, Longitudinal
Aspiration	Natural
Block Material	Aluminum
Valvetrain	DOHC, 4 Valves per Cyl w/VVT & VarioCam Plus
Fuel Feed	Direct Fuel Injection
Displacement (Liters)	3.8 Liter
Displacement (in³)	231.89 in³
Transmission	6-Speed Manual

Engine & Output

Power (kW)	283 kw @ 7400 rpm
Power (bhp)	380 bhp @ 7400 rpm
Power (kw) / liter	100 hp
Power (bhp) / liter	74.28 kw
Power (kw) / weight	211 kw / ton
Power (bhp) / weight	283 bhp / ton
Torque	309 lb-ft
Efficiency	29 hp per l/100 km
Specific output	101.32 bhp per litre
Average fuel consumption	13.2 l/100 km (18 mpg US / 21 mpg UK)

Performance & Acceleration Stats

Top speed	295 kph (183 mph)
0 – 40 kph	1.5 s
0 – 50 kph	1.8 s
0 – 80 kph	3.2 s
0 – 100 kph	4.3 s
0 – 130 kph	6.9 s
0 – 160 kph	9.7 s
0 – 180 kph	11.7 s
0 – 200 kph	13.7 s
0 – 40 mph	2.2 s
0 – 60 mph	4.0 s
0 – 80 mph	6.2 s
0 – 100 mph	9.0 s
0 – 150 mph	22.9 s
1/8 mile	8.3 s @ 93.2 mph
1/4 mile	12.3 s @ 115.2 mph
1000 m	22.5 s
60 – 100 kph (4)	4.7 s
60 – 100 kph (5)	6.0 s
80 – 120 kph (5)	5.8 s
80 – 120 kph (6)	7.1 s
Est. 100 – 200 kph	9.3 s
100 kph – 0	31 m (103 ft)
200 kph – 0	127 m (417 ft)
70 mph – 0	46 m (151 ft)
Lateral acceleration	1.01 g (10 m/s²)
Nürburgring Lap Time	7:42.00 (by Christian Gebhardt)
0 – 100 kph	~4.4 seconds

 

[button style='accent' url='https://www.supercars.net/blog/porsche-cayman-gt4/3/' fullwidth='true']Porsche Cayman GT4 Galleries & Videos >[/button] [button style='accent' url='https://www.supercars.net/blog/porsche-cayman-gt4/' fullwidth='true']< Back To The Beginning[/button]

 

Image Galleries & Videos

Photos & Wallpapers

The Cayman GT4 has the perfect balance of aggression and style. It is exactly what we expect from the GT team at Porsche for one of their special models. The 981 Cayman body already looks great and our readers know how much we love the Cayman GTS’ new touches. The GT4 takes it to the next level, with the aggressive rear wing and racing-style body kit. There is no doubt that this is a serious sports car.

You can see in the images below that the GT3-style front end adds an aggressive look. Move further back and the rims are big and those monster brakes mean business, the wider track also helps the stance. Bigger side air scoops and trick aero help with cooling the larger Carrera S engine and again makes the GT4 look more aggressive. It’s not as over the top as the GT3 and it definitely looks more special than the Cayman GTS. Overall we love the look. Works really well.

Porsche Cayman GT4 Videos

There are a lot of Cayman GT4s on Youtube but as you guys know we like to pick a few key videos that we believe best give you a view into the Cayman GT4 so you can make a decision on whether this car is for you. Not surprisingly, Chris Harris and Doug DeMuro give us their everyday guy point of view. We also included a few expert car magazines opinions and some point of view videos so you can really feel that in-car experience.

See Also: More Cayman GT4 Coverage and Videos | Porsche Videos

First up we have Chris Harris spanking the Cayman GT4 at sunny Portimao circuit in Europe. Chris got to drive the car very early on and he did not waste time doing what he does best which is lay down some rubber and really push the GT4 to its limit. Short story is that Chris loves the Cayman GT4. He doesn’t think the engine is as special as the GT3 motor and thus the Cayman falls short versus Porches best.

Next up, Matt Prior tests the Porsche Cayman GT4. He talks a lot about the 380bhp 3.8-litre flat six engine. Matt’s goal is simple, to answer one simple question – is this the greatest Cayman ever made? Autocar delivers the most in-depth car reviews and their videos are equally detailed which we love for a piece like this. Their team knows their stuff.

Next up is one of our favorite guys, Doug DeMuro. The title of the video kind of gives it away, but Doug drives the Porsche Cayman GT4, and now thinks it is one of the best cars I’ve ever driven. Says a lot given some of the cars he has driven over the years.

Finally, we have evo magazine’s Richard Meaden put the brand new Porsche Cayman GT4 through its paces.

415 HP Porsche Cayman GT4 by Sharkwerks – One Take. This Porsche Cayman GT4 has been massaged by the professionals at Sharkwerks of Northern California with a specific strategy in mind: take what Porsche does to turn a GT3 into a GT3 RS, and then apply that formula to the Cayman GT4. It’s got a bit more power, a bit sharper response, a lighter flywheel, and, most importantly, it’s been re-geared for maximum performance.

Is the Porsche Cayman GT4 Better Than A 911? The XCAR guys try to answer in this great video.

[button style='accent' url='https://www.supercars.net/blog/porsche-cayman-gt4/4/' fullwidth='true']Porsche Cayman GT4 Press Release >[/button] [button style='accent' url='https://www.supercars.net/blog/porsche-cayman-gt4/' fullwidth='true']< Back To The Beginning[/button]

 

Original Press Release

February 4, 2015: This is the new Porsche Cayman GT4

The new member of the Porsche GT family is the Cayman GT4. This is the first time Porsche is introducing a GT sports car based on the Cayman.

A lap time of 7 minutes and 40 seconds on the North Loop of the Nürburgring positions the Cayman GT4 as the new benchmark at the top of its market segment. It also makes a clear statement that Porsche will continue to promote radical two-door sports cars in the future – sports cars that are developed at the Motorsport department in Weissach.

The engine, chassis, brakes and aerodynamic design of the Cayman GT4 are configured for maximum driving dynamics; yet the top model still retains the versatility and everyday utility that are typical of the two-seat Porsche coupe. It is powered by a 3.8-litre flat-six engine with 385 hp (283 kW), which is derived from the 911 Carrera S engine. Its power is always transmitted by a six-speed manual gearbox with dynamic gearbox mounts.

The Cayman GT4 accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 4.4 seconds; its top speed is 295 km/h. The car’s NEDC fuel consumption is 10.3 l/100 km. The chassis – which features a 30 mm lower body position and a generously sized brake system – consists nearly entirely of components from the 911 GT3.

Fit for the circuit race track: first Porsche Cayman with downforce at both axles
On its exterior, the Cayman GT4 is clearly differentiated from related mid-engine coupes. Three distinctive inlet openings at the front and a large fixed rear wing are part of an aerodynamic package which is systematically designed for downforce. Upon request, the Cayman GT4 can be equipped even more comprehensively for sporty use. Options include the PCCB ceramic brake system, full shell seats made of carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP), a custom Sport Chrono Package with the unique Track Precision app and a Club Sport Package.

The interior of the Cayman GT4 is designed so that the driver and front passenger can experience unfiltered driving enjoyment. They sit on sport seats, upholstered in a combination of leather and Alcantara, which are distinguished by very good lateral support. The new GT4 sport steering wheel guarantees ideal control and direct steering feedback due to its compact dimensions.

Technical aspects of the new GT sports car are based on the 911 GT3. As a mid-engine sports car and a prime example of driving dynamics in its class – it follows the conceptual tradition of such cars as the 904 GTS, 911 GT1, Carrera GT and 918 Spyder.

The Cayman GT4 celebrates its world premiere in early March 2015
GT sports cars from Porsche embody the most passionate connection possible between everyday driving and the race track and thereby the sporty core of the brand: Intelligent Performance. Four out of five drivers of Porsche sports cars with this classification also use them on the race track.

The Cayman GT4 celebrates its world premiere in early March at the Geneva International Motor Show. It can already be ordered now, and it will arrive at dealers at the end of March. In Germany, the price of the Cayman GT4 is 85,779 euros including VAT and country-specific features.

---

February 3, 2015: The benchmark in its class: the Porsche Cayman GT4

A new member of Porsche’s GT family

Atlanta. Porsche’s GT family is proud to announce the addition of an exciting new member: the Cayman GT4. This is the first Porsche GT sports car based on the Cayman and features components of the 911 GT3. Clocking a lap time of 7 minutes and 40 seconds on the North Loop of the Nürburgring, the Cayman GT4 earns the same lap time as the 2011 911 GT3 and positions itself as the new benchmark atop its market segment. The Cayman GT4 clearly demonstrates Porsche’s dedication and passion to continue to promote truly industry-leading two-door sports cars in the future – sports cars that are developed at the Motorsport department in Weissach.

The engine, chassis, brakes, and aerodynamic design of the Cayman GT4 are configured for maximum driving dynamics while retaining the versatility and everyday utility that are typical of the two-seater Porsche coupe. Powered by a 385 hp 3.8-liter flat-six engine derived from the 911 Carrera S engine, the Cayman GT4 transmits its power solely through a six-speed manual transmission with dynamic gearbox mounts. Zero to 60 mph is accomplished in 4.2 seconds; its top track speed is 183 mph. The chassis – which features a 30 mm lower ride height and a generously sized brake system – consists almost entirely of components from the 911 GT3.

Ready for the race track: The first Porsche Cayman with added downforce at both axles

The exterior of the Cayman GT4 highlights it as a member of the Porsche GT family and provides a clear distinction to related mid-engine coupes. Three pronounced inlet openings at the front and a large fixed rear wing are part of an aerodynamic package which is systematically designed for downforce. Upon request, the performance capabilities of Cayman GT4 can be taken even further. Available options include the Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake (PCCB) system, full bucket seats made of carbon fiber composite, and a custom Sport Chrono Package featuring a Track Precision app.

The interior of the Cayman GT4 focuses on maximizing the experience of unfiltered driving enjoyment for both driver and passenger. Standard sport seats, which are upholstered in a combination of leather and Alcantara®, offer excellent lateral support. The new Cayman GT4 sport steering wheel guarantees ideal control and direct steering feedback due to its compact dimensions.

Technical aspects of this new GT sports car are based on the 911 GT3. As a mid-engine sports car and a prime example of driving dynamics in its class, it follows the conceptual tradition of such cars as the 904 GTS, 911 GT1, Carrera GT and 918 Spyder.

GT sports cars engineered by Porsche embody the most passionate connection possible between everyday driving and Porsche’s competition heritage and highlight the sporty core of the brand: Intelligent Performance.

The Porsche Cayman GT4 celebrates its world premiere in early March at the Geneva International Motor Show. This vehicle will arrive at U.S. dealers in July 2015. The starting MSRP for the Cayman GT4 is $84,600. MSRP does not include a destination charge of $995.

[button style='accent' url='https://www.supercars.net/blog/porsche-cayman-gt4/5/' fullwidth='true']Porsche Cayman GT4 Verdict >[/button] [button style='accent' url='https://www.supercars.net/blog/porsche-cayman-gt4/' fullwidth='true']< Back To The Beginning[/button]

 

The Verdict Is In

What The Experts Said…

The world is full of armchair commentators when it comes to cars. At Supercars.net we have a number of journalists and automotive publications we rely on when we want to get unbiased opinions from people we admire.

Below, we’ve outlined some of the things these experts had to say about the Cayman GT4. We have included snippets only so definitely dive deeper into their content for find out the details behind their assessments. Please support these awesome publications because they invest a lot in the details, amazing product photographs and great writers.

Broadly, there is consensus on the 2015 Cayman GT4. Quite simply most publications and journalists believe this is one of the greatest sports cars ever made and a Porsche icon.

Autocar – “It Just Feels Right”

When Matt Prior from Autocar wrote about the Cayman GT4 he was focused on the fact that this was the first time the ‘GT’ moniker has been applied to the sub-911 mid-engined coupé, but it is also the first time a Cayman has been granted more power than a contemporary 911. He liked the old school look of the car especially compared to the already handsome Cayman GTS.

[quote cite='Matt Prior' align='right']it thrives on revs and it sounds magnificent[/quote]

His testing clocked the GT4 at “at 4.6sec for the 0-60mph sprint and covering the standing quarter mile in 12.9sec” with a full tank of gas and two people onboard, slower than Porsche’s claimed 4.2 second time.

Matt loved that “this is an engine that revs to almost 8000rpm and makes its power peak at 7400rpm. It thrives on revs and it sounds magnificent and displays a fabulous throttle response when it’s given them”. Like other journalists, he described the GT4 is one of those cars that “just feels ‘right’. Its control weights are spot on, the gearshift precise and the brake feel exemplary”. 

Not surprisingly, the Cayman GT4 did enough to get a five star rating from Autocar.

[row]

[column size='1/2']

The Good

[/column]

[column size='1/2']

The Bad

[/column]

[/row]

More: Read the Full Review

---

EVO – “The Cayman we’ve all been waiting for”

We love the guys at evo because they are just like us, just huge car guys who can appreciate just getting into a car and going for a drive whether it be a fun hot hatch or hypercar.

[quote cite='Dan Prosser' align='right']notable for the quality of its performance more than the quantity[/quote]

Evo starts out by being frustrated (like most of us) that the Cayman GT4 is the car we’ve all been waiting for and yet so few are being made that very few people will get to enjoy this Porsche Motorsport masterpiece.

We think that Dan Prosser at evo described the GT4’s performance best as “notable for the quality of its performance more than the quantity – even if it lags a 911 GT3 on both”. This is a quality over numbers kind of car. Sure it is quick but as Dan suggests, it is not that fast. Like other reviewers Dan loves the six-speed manual but laments the long gearing.

On the ride and handling side, Dan calls the GT4 “sublime”. As sweetly-balanced as a standard Cayman, but response and grip are increased by a rather large notch over even a Cayman GTS. Given how much we loved the GTS thats a big compliment.

[row]

[column size='1/2']

The Good

[/column]

[column size='1/2']

The Bad

[/column]

[/row]

More: Read the Full Review

---

Car & Driver – “infused with GT3 goodness”

“It’s a Cayman with the 911’s engine for base-911 money”. Many have heralded this as fratricide. But here’s why the Grand Cayman won’t kill the 911: Not many GT4s will be made, the GT4 is manual only, and 911s sell because they are 911s.

[quote cite='Tony Quiroga' align='right']You’re flooded with information about the surface, the tires, and the available grip[/quote]

Unlike the other journalists, Tony Quiroga from Car and Driver talks about the fact that you have a 3.8-liter flat-six out of the Carrera S that is humming along, mere inches behind your head. With a 90 decibels peak sound he says the sounds is nothing but awesome (our words, not his).

Not surprisingly, Tony mentions the GT4s achilles heal: “we’re not at the redline very often. First and second gears are incredibly tall—second is good for nearly 80 mph”. His assessment is that the GT4 becomes a little less fun to just run around town in and we happen to agree. Car and Driver spends some time comparing the GT4 to the amazingly competent Cayman GTS. The GT4 “meas­ured a zero-to-60 time of 4.1 seconds, identical to a manual Cayman GTS we’d previously tested. Beyond 60, though, the GT4 pulls away from the GTS. By 110 mph, it’s a second ahead. In the quarter-mile, the GT4 posts 12.3 seconds at 117 mph”. Car and Driver wanted to see a little more performance from the ultimate Cayman.

While straight line might not make Tony happy, he says that the chassis in the GT4 makes all the difference in dynamics, with the “GT4’s chassis eagerness and steering feel are infused with GT3 goodness. At speed, it’s almost as if the electric power steering is completely unassisted. You’re flooded with information about the surface, the tires, and the available grip.”

[row]

[column size='1/2']

The Good

[/column]

[column size='1/2']

The Bad

[/column]

[/row]

More: Read the Full Review

---

Top Gear – “Jack of all trades, master of fun”

[quote cite='Top Gear' align='right']it has its priorities on sensations, not speed[/quote]

Top Gear immediately lets us know why the GT4 won its car of the year honors by saying that “excelling on both road and track is a rare quality, but sometimes a special car comes along…” and you guessed right that the Cayman is that kind of car.

The team at Top Gear describes their perfect car and says that the GT4 ticks all the boxes. Rather than going into lots of the details like we did with the other publications, we’re simply going to let them describe their perfect car:

…“has its priorities on sensations, not speed, so you can get away with one of those quaint old gearboxes that requires limbs, not fingertips, to operate. It’ll have a low driving position, but the car isn’t preposterously, intimidatingly wide. It’s going to need to keep you busy too, so you’ll be after rear-drive and a turbo-free engine that doesn’t generate torque like talent shows create music, wrapping it up soullessly and cramming it out of the door as quickly as possible”. 

That sounds like a Cayman GT4. 

[row]

[column size='1/2']

The Good

[/column]

[column size='1/2']

The Bad

[/column]

[/row]

More: Read the Full Review

---

Car Magazine – “It never seems to run out of revs”

Georg Kacher is one of our favorite automotive journalists. His honest, seat of the pants combined with technical know-how explanation of cars is pretty unique.

[quote cite='Georg Kacher' align='right']its note is the stuff goose pimples are made o[/quote]

Georg dives straight into the things that make the GT4 different from  the rest of the Cayman range. From “extra bodywork, along with the unmissably lofty wing at the rear” and “rear suspension’s changed too, now featuring ‘helper’ springs to pre-load the main springs under full rebound, and it’s attached to new 20-inch wheels with seriously fat, seriously grippy Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres”. For those not steeped in Porsche technical details, the Cayman GT4 gets some tasty Porsche 911 GT3 tech (front axle and suspension, wheel bearings, ball joint mounts, shock absorbers, front tires and optional carbon-ceramic brakes).

Does it all work?

“For starters, there’s the engine. It never seems to run out of revs, and when it eventually does, chances are you’re about to run out of road. With the mid- to high-end shove of a big bore V8 but the spine-tingling soundtrack of a flat six, it hits its stride at 4000rpm and revs freely and eagerly until the redline at 7800rpm – at which point its note is the stuff goose pimples are made of.”

So Car magazine has a now familiar verdict, this is one really is quite special car. “Its rare combination of huge grip and traction yet involving, intuitive handling make this car a remarkable drive, even by Porsche standards. Is it really worth £9k more than a Cayman GTS? In a word, yes.”

[row]

[column size='1/2']

The Good

[/column]

[column size='1/2']

The Bad

[/column]

[/row]

More: Read the Full Review

---

The Cayman GT4 is Perfect For…

Every car guy will love the Cayman GT4 but it isn’t perfect for every use case or buyer.

The Cayman GT4 is a future icon that will hold its value. The upside is that this is a solid investment. They (as of mid 2018) were still trading at well over the original sticker price and had held steady at that price range for over a year (yes, I spend way too much time looking at used GT4s for sale). This is good news if you are looking for a sports car that is a limited edition model that will depreciate very little over time. You won’t go wring picking up a GT4 if your goal is a solid investment.

The downside with this kind of collector car is that the more miles you pile on the more chance you miss out on making money (or not losing money). The other downside is that this car is way too good to sit in a garage collecting dust. We would happily take a small hit on residual value in order to enjoy what really is one of the greatest cars of our generation. And ultimately that’s who this car is perfect for. It is for that car person who wants to get out once a week and enjoy shifting their own gears and revving the engine all the way to 8,000 rpm with the windows open and enjoying a chassis that is the best in the business. It is a car to be enjoyed.

Alternatives & Rivals

This is the hardest part of our deep dive into the Cayman GT4. Here we are trying to find rivals to a limited edition Porsche Motorsports icon that we thought would never be built. Our competitive set is pretty obvious because we focused on a few key cars that we’d personally consider if we were in this market.

[row]

[column size='1/2']

Porsche 911 Carrera S

It is impossible to beat a Carrera S for everyday usability and sporty prowess at the same time. It looks great, is absolutely brilliant to drive and it is pretty practical (you can even put two kids in the back seats). Downsides are that they are a dime a dozen these days and they aren’t exactly cheap. You would opt for the Porsche 911 over the Cayman GT4 because you want a fast sports car that you can use every day and need some practicality. Spec-wise, stick with a Carrera S or if you can swing it go for the Carrera GTS. While the current 991.2 is a solid choice, don’t shy away from the naturally aspirated 991.1 models.

Learn More

[/column]

[column size='1/2']

Lotus Evora

The Lotus Evora 400 is finally great. With its bulletproof 400hp supercharged V6 engine and the best chassis in the business, it is the closest true rival to the GT4. The 0-62mph sprint time is right inline with the GT4 at 4.1 seconds so this car can definitely hang. While it doesn’t sound as good as the Cayman, it has better midrange punch thanks to that supercharged motor that easily makes up for it. The Evora is a little bit better at the day to day than the GT4 with its (Lotus magic) supple ride. Handling is also impressive and Lotus has also fixed a lot of the gearbox gripes we had. Quality is also up in the last few years.

Learn More

[/column]

[/row] [row]

[column size='1/2']

Cayman GTS

The Porsche Cayman GTS is a car you buy because you can’t quite stomach the price of a Cayman GT4. It is great to drive, really quick and even has a decent amount of space. The new 718 Cayman has boatloads of torque but we hate the lack of charisma in its turbocharged four engine. We’d buy a used 981 Cayman GTS with a naturally aspirated flat six and manual box.

Learn More

[/column]

[column size='1/2']

991.1 Porsche GT3

Porsche’s own 999.1 911 GT3 is a good place to start as a rival to the Cayman GT4. While the GT3s still trade for $20k more in the U.S on the used car market, lets not forget that this is a GT3 and that’s a whole other level to the GT4. It’s more powerful, faster, louder and a genuine race car in road car body. Is it worth the premium over the GT4? In our minds yes. If you want the ultimate, this is it.

Learn More

[/column]

[/row] [row]

[column size='1/2']

Nissan GT-R

Press the Nissan GT-R accelerator and you feel more than raw power these days. The 565-hp twin-turbo V6 may be massive in strength but the GT-R is now a little more refined and that means it goes from brutally quick sports car to usable every day without needing back surgery every six months. We always loved the GT-R and all these years later it is still such an experience every time you step behind the wheel. The GT-R is a very engaging sports car that defies physics. While it lacks the GT4s dynamics and purity it is an adrenaline hit that delivers every single time. Loads of fun.

Learn more

[/column]

[column size='1/2']

Audi R8

The alarmingly fast Audi R8 V10 Rear Wheel Series is the supercar you’ll want if you find the standard model’s grippy four-wheel-drive system dampens your fun. The rear-wheel-drive Audi R8 V10 RWS is lighter and more challenging to drive than the four-wheel-drive model it is based upon, but on slippery roads it has the potential to catch out the unwary. If you’re used to driving the regular Audi R8, sitting in the RWS model’s driver’s seat will be like settling down in your favorite ergonomic office chair – assuming your office chair has a huge engine strapped to the back of it.

Learn More

[/column]

[/row]

Others Rivals:  Jaguar F-Type, Aston Martin V8 Vantage, Mercedes AMG GT, Chevrolet Corvette Z06

---

Our Final Verdict

The Porsche Cayman GT4 isn’t just a great car, is one of the best cars I have ever driven. I want one. It isn’t the fastest in a straight line and it isn’t the fastest around a track but it feels special and perfect and is more than fast enough. With the right balance of speed, feel and intimacy it has oozes that specialness you expect of a limited edition Porsche Motorsports car like this but at the same time it is approachable and not at all intimidating. You fall for the GT4 the minute you get in and drive a few miles and as the time passes it gets better and better. The manual gearbox is a gem, the motor is epic, the steering is full of feel and the whole package just works together so well. This is a future icon and my favorite Porsche ever.

---

Find A Cayman GT4 for Sale

If you are anything like us now is about the time where you start to searching for a used Cayman GT4 to buy. To save you some time you can click on our recommended providers below to search GT4 inventory. Please note that we do not have any relationship with the companies below and simply provide them to make life a little easier. If you’re based in Europe or other regions let us know which local marketplaces we should add to our list below.

[row]

[column size='1/2']

[/column]

[column size='1/2']

[/column]

[/row] [row]

[column size='1/2']

[/column]

[column size='1/2']

[/column]

[/row]

 

 

[button style='accent' url='https://www.supercars.net/blog/porsche-cayman-gt4/' fullwidth='true']< Back To The Beginning[/button]