Finally! Porsche put all the speculation to rest this evening and officially introduced the world to the brand new Cayman GT4. The rumors started so long ago it’s hard to remember just when it all began. I think things started to really heat up when we noticed that you could choose a “Cayman GT4” as one of your model choices on Porsche’s recently updated Porsche Driving Experience Website. From there it seemed like a week didn’t go by without additional spy shots and speculation. Hell, we even went up and down both sides of the story arguing why Porsche should build the Cayman GT4 and why they probably never would. Looks like we were a bit off on that last bit…
The Cayman GT4 At A Glance
We’ll get into the fine details below, but here are some of the more important stats most of you want to know right off:
Introducing The Cayman GT4
Powered by a 3.8 liter flat-6 (derived from the engine in the Carrera S) the Cayman GT4 produces 385 horsepower, comes with Porsche’s Dynamic Transmission Mounts as standard and will go from zero to 60 in just 4.2 seconds (that’s 4/10ths of second faster than the base 911 Carrera and 1/10th of a second faster than the Carrera S). Something to note about those zero to 60 times I just mentioned. That’s with a manual transmission. You know why? Because that’s the only transmission Porsche is offering in this new harder core Cayman? You heard that right. In the Cayman GT4 your only option is to row your own gears through a 6-speed manual transmission. I can hear the Purists shouting for joy.
Ok, so we know it’s quick off the line. What about top track speed? How about 183 mph! That’s 4 mph faster than the base Carrera and only 5 mph slower than the 911 Carrera S. How do you stop all that forward motion? With damn big brakes, that’s how. The Cayman GT4 comes standard with same steel brakes found on the 911 GT3 and if you opt for the PCCB option they’ll be the same as its bigger brother, too.
Speaking of the GT3 the Cayman GT4 makes use of other components from its much bigger brother including almost all of the front axle set-up. Combine this with a 30mm lower ride height than standard Caymans, PASM, 20” wheels shod with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2s and you have the makings of a very imposing set-up.
Check Out The Exterior
On the exterior, the Cayman GT4 wears a much bigger front splitter, larger air-ducts and massive GT wing on the back. Combined, these aero items make the Cayman GT4 the first in the model line to produce down force on both the front and rear axles. Very sticky!
The Interior Of The Cayman GT4
Sport seats are standard and carbon reinforced bucket seats are available as an option. You feel the road via a sport steering wheel designed specifically for the Cayman GT4. Like the 2011 Boxster Spyder, the new Cayman GT4 has pulls instead of door handles (they’re made of leather on the Cayman) and can be ordered with both the radio and A/C deleted if you want an even harder-core track weapon.
Formal Intro And Availability Of The Cayman GT4
The Cayman GT4 will make its world premier this March in Geneva. While it’s fairly unusual for a manufacturer to release details on a new model so far before its premier, Porsche probably felt they needed to control the story with this release vs. letting it leak more so than it has already done.
More importantly, while it’s not a limited edition (like the the 918 is) the Cayman GT4 is a limited production model. This means that Porsche will build as many as the public wants while it’s available. We’re just not quite sure how long that will be. The last significant time Porsche did something like this with anything other than a 911 was with the Boxster Spyder. Its production ran for 1.5 years and it’s thought that somewhere near 2000 were delivered worldwide. Given the utility of the Cayman GT4, and coupe vs. rag-top, our guess is production numbers for the Cayman will be much higher than the Boxster Spyder. If you’re interested in purchasing the Cayman GT4 you can talk to your dealer as early as you want. First deliveries should start at some point in July.
UPDATE: Two Revelations From The Launch Of Porsche’s Cayman GT4
UPDATE: Canadian pricing to start at $96,500
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View Comments (8)
"It’s production ran for 1.5 years and it’s thought that somewhere near 2000 were built worldwide."
Please edit. The first "it's" should be "its"(the second "it's" is correct, meaning "it is"). Add a comma after "years" (to separate the two independent clauses), and what do you mean by "worldwide"? They build them in only one place, right?
Thanks, Frank! Considering how fast we put this out, I'm pretty impressed that's all you found.
Thank you Pepper Girl!
I've been waiting for this (mistakes and 'all..!) ;)
Please Porsche, can you offer a PDK option as well?
Thank you in advance.
No, they will not support retarded people this time...
Ha Ha!
Porsche should offer the option of a 480 HP engine and they need to change the induction air intake up higher like the Audi R8 on the rear hatch lid so the engine won't suck up as much damaging dust into the engine, also Porsche needs to do away with ECU inscription so that the true owner can modify as He, She pleases.
Just purschaged slightly used GT 4.. Love te car but am interested in better radio or sound system. Does anyone have any experience with aftermarket sound systems. I have a GT 3 and the radio really sucks but am ok with that in that particular car but I intend to use the GT 4 as more of a daily driver and occasional track car and am interested in a better sound system. Can anyone give me some advice?