Porsche Cayman GT4 Buyers Guide

The GT4 version of the Cayman is the car that Porsche should have built from the outset. Unlike the 991 GT3 RS, the GT4 is equipped with a six speed manual gearbox, leaving the driver in ultimate control of the car at all times. The GT4 also has a limited slip differential, an item that was deliberately left off some other Cayman models, to hold it back when compared to 911 models since launch. The crowning glory though is the bolting of the GT3 front end to the mid engined chassis.

Lowered by 30mm with dynamic transmission mounts, mid mounted 3.8-litre flat-six with no PDK transmission in sight make it a refreshing antidote to the latest GT3 RS. The Cayman has always been well-balanced and playful, but the GT4 kicks it up a notch and with it’s limited numbers and strong demand even before leaving the factory has ensured it was an instant collectors car.

REASONS TO BUY A PORSCHE CAYMAN GT4

• Motorsport inspired design and mechanical enhancements make the GT4 truly special on the road and track.
• Focussed driving tool that many see as the successor to the 997 GT3.
• 6 speed manual transmission is now a rare feature on high performance cars.
• Limited numbers worldwide have led to premiums over the Porsche list price.
• The GT4 is one of those cars that will be sought after for decades to come.

FACTORY OPTIONS

The Cayman GT4 comes very well equipped as standard with adaptive dampers (PASM), traction control (PSM), torque vectoring (PVT), active transmission mounts, air conditioning, electric mirrors, electric windows, sports seats. Key options that should be specced from new include Clubsport Package (£2,670), Lightweight Carbon Bucket Seats (£1,907), Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes (£4,997) and the Sport Chrono Package (£1,085). These items will significantly increase the desirability and closeness to the original GT4 philosophy.

There were twelve exterior colours for the GT4. The four solid colours were available at no extra cost.

White (solid colour), Racing Yellow (solid colour), Guards Red (solid colour), Black (solid colour), Carrara White (metallic), Rhodium Silver (metallic), Sapphire Blue (metallic), Dark Blue (metallic), Agate Grey (metallic), Jet Black (metallic), GT Silver (special order metallic), Carmine Red (special order metallic).

There were three choices of seats, Sports Seats (standard), Adaptive Sports Seats Plus and Full Bucket Seats. These could be specced with Red or Yellow stitching at extra cost. The seat belts could also be specified in Guards Red, Silver Grey or Racing Yellow.

BUYERS CHECKPOINTS

No issues have occurred and been publicly reported. Many cars are under a comprehensive Porsche warranty. Speaking to Cayman GT4 owners and dealers, it is clear that the car is thoroughly engineered and very little should go wrong. However this does not mean that you should buy without care, if you are going to invest in a Porsche Cayman GT4 it is recommended to get a full inspection carried out at your choice of Official Porsche Centre.

Engine

Providing all the necessary regular maintenance and checks have been carried out, the engine should provide no issues during ownership. Check that there is no smoke on cold start or under heavy acceleration.

Suspension & Steering

No reported issues with any of the suspension or steering components. The front suspension components are taken from the 911 GT3.

Clutch & Gearbox

No reported issues with either the clutch or manual gearbox.

Brakes

Check the wear on the Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake discs and pads.

Wheels & Tyres

Check that the original alloy wheels are fitted and tyres are in perfect condition. Make sure the tread is even across all four tyres.

Bodywork & General

Check panels thoroughly for any damage and make sure that all the original equipment is present.

Ownership

The recommended service interval is 12,000 miles or annual, whichever comes first.

WHAT THE MOTORING PRESS SAID

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. After a time, it really doesn’t matter that you’re not getting near the GT4’s limits on a good road. The engine is so punchy, the steering so sweet and the gearshift so delectable that it’s easy to get into a delicious rhythm and flow. And on a track? As ‘On the Limit’ explains, it’s better still.

Autocar, 2015

The Porsche Cayman GT4 is simultaneously hugely desirable and hugely frustrating. Desirable, because it’s the Cayman we’ve been waiting for since Porsche first released its mid-engined, closed-roof sports car in 2005 – one developed by Porsche Motorsport.And frustrating because so few will ever get to experience it, their efforts curtailed by limited production, and market forces that are sure to push prices up for the foreseeable future.

EVO Magazine, 2016

With its race-bred suspension, snarling engine, and aggressive aero add-ons, the Cayman GT4 is the track-day toy we always hoped Porsche would build. Lowered by 1.2 inches with dynamic transmission mounts, the 385-hp 3.8-liter flat-six is offered only with an enthusiast-pleasing six-speed manual. The GT4 kicks it up a notch with Porsche’s components pilfered from the 911 GT3 parts bin.

Car and Driver, 2015

MODEL EVOLUTION

2005 – The Cayman S was unveiled at the September 2005 Frankfurt Motor Show. The S suffix (for Sport) indicated that this was a higher performance version of a then unreleased normal model. That model, the Cayman, went on sale in July 2006. The Cayman and the second generation Boxster roadster shared the same mid-engined platform and many components, including the front fenders and trunk lid, side doors, headlights, taillights, and forward portion of the interior.

2009 – A facelifted version of the Porsche Cayman was introduced in February 2009. The engine’s displacement was increased from 2.7 litre to 2.9 litre. The Porsche Tiptronic S automatic gearbox was replaced by the 7-speed PDK dual clutch transmission for the new model. A limited slip differential is now a factory option.

2012 – The second generation Cayman was unveiled at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show. The new car was available in both standard Cayman with a 2.7 litre engine, and as Cayman S with a 3.4 litre engine. Both versions are available with either a 6-speed manual or a dual-clutch 7-speed PDK transmission. Upgrades included a new body, a longer wheelbase, a wider front track, and a redesigned interior that matches the firm’s contemporary 911 models.

2015 – The Cayman GT4 was introduced, using a revised and slightly de-tuned version of the 3.8-liter flat-six engine from the 911 (991) Carrera S. The GT4 is available only with a 6 speed manual transmission and weighs 1340 kg. It has a vented front bumper to improve cooling for the additional radiator, with a lower lip as well as a fixed rear wing for providing downforce. Compared to the standard Cayman, it features a 30mm lower ride height, upgraded brakes from the 991 GT3, a limited slip differential combined with Porsche Torque Vectoring, and Porsche Active Suspension Management with dampers derived from the 991 GT3. A Club Sport Package is also available, featuring a rear half roll cage, preparation for a battery cut off switch, a fire extinguisher and a six point racing harness.

PARTS ANALYSIS

Below are the parts prices for the Porsche Cayman GT4 sourced from Genuine Autoparts UK, with the exception of the tyre prices which are sourced from Blackcircles. All prices should be used as a guide only. Prices from Official Porsche Centres and specialists may be different to those quoted.

Parts will be readily available for a long time and while the GT4 is still in warranty owners will just have to pay for wear items. Areas where costs are high include the clutch, dampers, springs, brake discs, exhaust, rear tyres, alloy wheels, alternator, lights and starter motor. The brake components listed below are based on the the steel brake option, ceramic brake discs and pads are around ten times those quoted. It is recommended that you get a full inspection carried out before buying.

Drivetrain

Clutch Kit £582

Front Wheel Bearings (each) £89

Rear Wheel Bearings (each) £89

Suspension

Front Dampers (pair) £1,090

Rear Dampers (pair) £1,010

Front Springs (pair) £410

Rear Springs (pair) £428

Brakes

Front Brake Pads (pair) £126

Rear Brake Pads (pair) £137

Front Brake Discs (pair) £440

Rear Brake Discs (pair) £315

Exhaust

Manifold (each) £1,160

Silencer (each) £1,350

Tailpipes £655

Wheels

Front Tyres – Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 (pair) £565

Rear Tyres – Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 (pair) £812

Front Wheels – 20” Alloy Wheels (each) £780

Rear Wheels – 20” Alloy Wheels (each) £920

Other Parts

Alternator £1,288

Oil Filter £35

Headlight unit (each) £1,191

Rear light unit (each) £731

Starter Motor £686

BUYING ONE

Prices for non Clubsport Package cars start at around £90,000 and go up to £110,000 for un-registered Clubsport Package cars. Most cars on the market are non Clubsport cars, which is keeping the market buoyant for those rarer, more desirable cars. Our advice is to buy a Clubsport Package GT4 as these will likely appreciate the most and remain sought after.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Engine cylinders / capacity	6 / 3800	Carbon Emissions CO2g / km	238
Power bhp / rpm	380 / 7400	Miles Per Gallon	27.4
Torque lb ft / rpm	310 / 4750	Wheel & Tyres Width / Sidewall / Diameter	245 / 35 / 20 295 / 30 / 20
Max Speed mph	183	Weight Distribution Front : Rear	45 : 55
0 – 60mph seconds	4.2	Track width Front / Rear	1539 / 1533
0 – 100mph seconds	9.0	Wheelbase	2484
Weight kg	1415	Transmission	6 speed manual
Power to Weight Ratio	269	Drivetrain Engine position / Driven wheels	Mid / Rear
Dimensions Length / Width / Height	4438 / 1817 / 1266	Price New GBP	64,451
Years Produced	2015 – 2016	Number Produced worldwide	~2,500

Read our Porsche Cayman GT4 Investment & Owners Experience Article: click here

View our Porsche Cayman GT4 Picture Gallery: click here

Buy MotorStars Magazine #30 which contains our full 16 page article about all aspects of buying, owning, the factory options, available colours, technical specification, part prices for the Porsche Cayman GT4: click here