The body is lowered by 30 mm versus the standard Cayman
Hannah Gordon gets behind the wheel of the Porsche Cayman GT4
What is it? Just when you thought a Porsche Cayman couldn’t get any better after last years unveiling of the GTS they reveal the GT4. The Porsche Cayman GT4 is the closest a Cayman has ever got to the iconic Porsche 911 and is also the first Cayman to wear a GT badge.
Who is it aimed at? The Porsche Cayman is a superb car in standard form but the GT4 variant is a completely different beast. Boasting a hugely powerful engine and racing technology this car has become a serious weapon on both the road and track. The GT4 is aimed at people who are complete petrol heads who enjoy their driving and don’t care much for the economy figures.
And Styling? The familiar Porsche Cayman shape remains with a few bodywork changes, firstly there is that huge rear wing that dominates your rear view mirror when driving. This rear wing and the added lip on the front spoiler are not just aesthetically pleasing they do improve downforce. The front end has been lengthened and has additional vents to aid cooling to the radiators, whilst the ride height has been dropped by 30mm.
Under the bonnet? The GT4 uses a slightly de-tuned version of the flat six, 3.8 litre engine that is used in the Porsche 911. It produces 385 BHP and can get to 100kph in an astonishing 4.4 seconds with a top speed of 295 kph. With the GT4 the only option is the 6 speed manual gearbox which aims to keep the track day enthusiasts happy. The GT4 is happy to rev and hits its peak power at 7400 rpm, its a great performer when paired with an enthusiastic right foot.
The Cayman GT4 is powered by a mid-mounted, 3.8-litre flat-six engine with 385 hp (283 kW) produced at 7,400 rpm, which is derived from the 911 Carrera S engine.
What about inside? Inside the GT4 isn’t much different to a regular Cayman and the sports seats are very good at keeping you in place when sweeping through a corner and the swathes of Alcantara on the seats and steering wheel are classy. The SportDesign steering wheel is 10mm smaller in the GT4 and the gear lever is in an ideal location for slick gear changes. The interior and cabin quality are excellent and the layout is easy to manage, within the comforting sports seats the Cayman GT4 is a pleasing car to be sat in. Incredibly for a car capable of moronic speeds there is room for a bit of shopping, the front and rear of the car equal to around 425 litres of space.
On the road? The Cayman is a rear-mid engined car that drives its power through the rear wheels and this set up provides excellent balance and driver dynamics. This car, although inherently a GT and bound for the track days, it doesn’t feel too harsh on the road going surfaces I experienced, and the drivability and satisfaction achieved from the perfectly set up steering and suspension make this an all round brilliant car. Availability of the Sport button just tightens up the GT4 ideally for a flat track, the Sport exhaust button should be on constantly, the sound is so addictive.
What about Safety? Porsche have incorporated driver and passenger airbags that inflate in two stages depending on the severity of the collision. Also included is Porsche Stability Management (PSM) which maintains stability even at the limits of capability and works alongside the ABS, Electronic Stability Control and Traction Control. Ceramic brakes are also available as an option to give better braking performance.
What are my Options? Standard equipment is good on the GT4 and includes bi-Xenon headlights, sports exhaust, Sport Chrono Pack with dynamic engine mounts, leather/Alcantara interior trim, sports seats, 20-inch alloy wheels, Porsche Torque Vectoring (PTV) with mechanical rear limited slip differential, a universal audio interface offering MP3 connectivity, air conditioning. There are also plenty of options available for the GT4 from the Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes (PCCB) to the Sport Chromo Package but be warned they are expensive and the cost of the GT4 can quickly mount up.
Will it break the bank? Buying a Porsche Cayman GT4 is certainly not about how many miles per gallon you can get, this is a car made to be driven hard and the infectious sound and response certainly makes you drive the GT4 as it was intended, fast. But a combined fuel economy of 10.3 litres/100km or 27.4 is stated, in reality on a brisk Sunday drive you will find it even more thirsty. The CO2 output is 238 g/km which puts it in band G and a yearly motor tax of €2,350 . On the plus side Porsche’s keep their value very well and the GT4 should be no exception.
So the Verdict? On track or road the Porsche Cayman GT4 excels, its comfortable to an extent, fast, loud, extremely fun to drive and is one of the best all round GT cars I’ve ever driven. There is also 425 litres of luggage space which means a weekend away with two bags is easily achievable. The Cayman GT4 was so hotly anticipated by Porsche fans that even before its showing at the Geneva Motor show it had sold out. That means if you want to get your hands on one you will have to wait until one comes available on the second hand car market, but I can’t imagine any owner giving up their new GT4 just yet.
Why you’ll buy one? Driving Dynamics; Practical; Engine
Why you won’t? Running Costs
Watch our video review below
Porsche Cayman GT4
Engine: 3800cc
Max speed: 295 kph
0-100 kh: 4.4 seconds
Emissions(Motor tax) : 238 g/km (€2,350)
Model price range: from €119,594
No of Doors: 2
Euro NCAP : 5
Fuel type: Petrol
Fuel Economy (combined cycle): 10.3 l/100km (27.4 mpg)
Boot Capacity Seats up: 150 litres front, 275 litres rear
Length: 4438 mm
Width: 1817 mm
Height: 1266 m
Wheelbase: 2484 mm
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Hannah Gordon
7th December, 2015
