Talk of a hardcore Porsche Cayman built along the lines of the 911 GT3 dates back all the way to 2009, but since then the closest we’ve got to such a car being launched is 2012’s Cayman R and the more recent Cayman GTS. However, as nice as they are, neither is what you would imagine a GT3-badged Cayman as being. It appears Porsche feels the same way.

Motor Trend is reporting that Porsche will launch a Cayman built to GT4 specifications within the next three years. This means the car will likely be closer to the regular Cayman than the 911 GT3 is to the 911 Carrera, but it should still be more than adequate for motorsport use straight out of the box.

The so-called Cayman GT4 is expected to feature a unique engine--possibly based on Porsche’s next-generation four-cylinder--as well as a quicker shifting PDK dual-clutch transmission, a stripped-out cabin, and a new aero kit. Uprated wheels, tires and brakes are also likely to feature.

Interestingly, the same Motor Trend report also claims Porsche’s next-generation four-cylinder engine will be a conventional in-line unit and not a boxer as widely expected. The magazine also claims Porsche’s next-generation plug-in hybrid models will offer outputs exceeding 700 horsepower. Sadly, there was no mention of a Porsche mid-engine supercar to rival the likes of the Ferrari 458 Italia and McLaren 650S.

The new, be-winged 2015 Porsche Cayman GT4 coupe has been caught testing near the Nurburgring in Germany by CAR magazine's spy photographers.

It's a major change for the Porsche Cayman sports car: the GT4 is due to become the first factory-finished turbocharged Cayman in the model's eight-year history and it's the first roadgoing Porsche expected to deploy the GT4 badge.

Following in the footsteps of the Cayman R - and then some - the forced-induction Cayman GT4 is bound to raise questions with enthusiasts, who are already fretting over the revvy nature of its turbocharged flat-six in forums such as Pistonheads.

CAR understands the engine powering the GT4 is the company's 3.8-litre twin-turbo boxer six, tuned to develop around 450bhp.

Our new scoop pictures of next year's GT4 reveal a surprisingly beefed-up coupe, with aero addenda to make a Cayman R's modest rear spoiler look positively weedy.

A massive track-spec rear wing sits on the Cayman's bootlid to squash the rear of the car into the road at speed, while the front-end spoiler is the most aggressive yet seen on a Cayman.

But the visible changes only scratch the surface of the upgrades going on under the skin to keep the 450bhp Cayman GT4 on the road. Huge extra cooling vents channel more air to the flat six engine and the beefed-up brakes, visible through the new lightweight, five-spoke alloy wheels.

This prototype Porsche Cayman GT4 is fitted with a pretty beefy rollcage and there's a functional diffuser wrapped around the centre-exit twin exhaust pipes.

Porsche is developing the GT4 brand for its junior sports cars, leaving the GT3 and GT2 badging for the more senior 911s.

The 981-spec Porsche Cayman has had its product cycle extended, according to CAR's Zuffenhausen sources, meaning that we can expect a stream of derivatives.

While the previous 987-era coupe had only Cayman, Cayman S and Cayman R versions - give or take a Black Edition special or two - the new model is due to get a raft of spin-offs.

Porsche has already shown the Cayman GTS, which we've driven this summer, and the new GT4 is destined to become the most extreme Cayman yet.

Will it encroach too far into 911 territory? The clue is in the name: the GT4 is designed to be hardcore, but different in character to the more focused 911s.

Feb 3, 2015 @ 6:04 PM

Porsche Cayman GT4 is manual-only, laps 'Ring in 7:40

Head to your dealer in July, people.


By Alex Nunez

Porsche

Here it is, the 2016 Porsche Cayman GT4.

The mid-engined meanie will debut a month from now at the 2015 Geneva Auto Show, and it's already a monster. Its 7:40 lap of the Nürburgring Nordschleife is equal to the time posted by the 2011 Porsche 911 GT3.

Related Gallery
Porsche Cayman GT4 - Photo Gallery


Power comes from a 3.8L flat six derived from the 911 Carrera S. It makes 385 hp, and that power is transmitted to the rear wheels exclusively via a six-speed stick. No PDK here, folks. The lesson of the 911 GT3 has been learned.
Porsche

And yes, duh, it's fast. 0–60 takes 4.2 seconds and the car tops out at 183 mph. Visually, its wicked new aero package alerts the world that this is no garden-variety little croc. And under the skin, Porsche says that most of the chassis components, wheels and brakes included, are stolen directly from the spectacular 911 GT3—R&T's 2015 Performance Car of the Year.

Inside, it's just as you'd expect—driver-focused and purposeful. Naturally, myriad upgrades like the PCCB carbon-ceramic brakes will be available to those who want them.
Porsche

Want one? It goes on sale this July for $84,600, plus a $995 destination charge. We'll see it in person a month from now, so stay tuned for those firsthand impressions.

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 which has components of the 911 GT3. 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.
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.