Porsche Cayman GT4

Das Fahrzeug im Detail

When Porsche first debuted the Cayman in 2006, it was lauded for its good looks, predictable handling characteristics, and all-around fun-to-drive nature. A frequent winner of automotive magazine group tests, enthusiasts everywhere loved the Cayman. Still, people wanted Porsche to offer a step above the Cayman S. The 911 was flush with variants aimed towards track use, daily driving, and grand touring. Yet, the Cayman was only granted the base, S, and for a limited time, the R-all of which were down on power compared to the 911 and less focused than enthusiasts hoped. However, nearly ten years after its introduction, Porsche delivered. The Cayman GT4 was launched in 2015 and featured a variant of the Carrera S 3.8-liter Flat-6, a track-tuned suspension, manual transmission, and bodywork with increased downforce. As soon as the car went on sale, driving enthusiasts everywhere began scooping them up and pressing them into track and canyon duty.

This 2016 Porsche Cayman GT4 is the perfect example for enthusiasts who want to enjoy mid-engine Porsche performance on the road and the race track, thanks to a few well-selected modifications. Sold new at Circle Audi Porsche in Long Beach, CA, this GT4 has been under the care of two California owners from new and shows 13,785 miles at the time of cataloging. Finished in White, the car is fitted with satin black finish wheels, that sit in front of steel brakes with red calipers. The car sits a bit lower than stock, but is not so low as to be annoying around town, and the standard front marker lights have been swapped out for a set with clear covers.

One of the major arguments among GT4 owners is whether the carbon shell sport seats or power adaptive seats are the best fit for the car. Although the comfier chairs may be better if you are using the GT4 daily, the carbon buckets found in this car make every drive feel like an exciting event and are far superior on the track. They are upholstered with black leather outers and Race-Tex centers and are complemented by red stitching and seatbelts. Speaking of seat belts, a GMG rear half cage has been fitted and comes with a Schroth Racing harness installed for the driver – although the standard seatbelt is still present and functional. The center console lid has been optioned in Race-Tex, as have the steering wheel, shift boot, and door cards – all of which is accented by additional red stitching.

Sitting in the middle of this Cayman GT4 is a 3.8-liter all-aluminum flat-6, rated for 385 horsepower and 309 lb-ft of torque. This direct-fuel-injection engine is notorious for its reliability and is known to stand up to significant track use without skipping a beat. A number of high-quality upgrades were carried out mechanically – none of which drastically changed how the car drove, but they did improve the experience. An IPD Intake Plenum is paired with a larger 82mm GT3 throttle body to free up the intake, and catless competition headers are fitted to allow the exhaust to flow more freely as well (stock exhaust is included). As with all GT4s of the 981 generation, the only gearbox available was a solid-feeling 6-speed manual – this car underwent the 3rd gear recall under the prior owner, and at that time, a lightened flywheel was fitted. The GT4’s suspension sits 30mm lower than a standard Cayman, and the chassis receives numerous additions from the GT3, like PASM, Porsche Torque Vectoring, and a limited-slip rear differential. This example sits even lower due to some signifcant suspension modifications that include Swift springs, 991 GT3 camber plates, RSS toe links and RSS caster pucks. When all of these are combined with a custom track alignment, this GT4 has clocked an astonishing 1:35 lap around Laguna Seca. Thanks to its mid-engine layout, the GT4 is well known for being a much more neutral car than the rear-engine 911 at the limit and a far more approachable car on track for most drivers.

The Cayman GT4 is really one of those cars that, once you drive it, you realize that it may be the only sports car you need in your life. This one presents very nicely and is well set up for use on the road or the track, and is sure to provide tremendous amounts of fun behind the wheel.