Just when the internet thought it couldn’t take any more surprise reveals after Ferrari dropped their new turbocharged 488 GTB and Ford announced the America-bound AWD Ford Focus RS; Porsche decided to chime in and let us know that a Cayman GT4 is on the way! Say whhhaaaatt? We were already drunk in love with the Cayman GTS and now Porsche spins our heads right around (yes two music references in one sentence, high five!) with this new variant.
So, what exactly is the Cayman GT4? Well imagine a Cayman with the 385 horsepower 3.8 liter flat six engine from the 911 Carrera S, then throw in some of the more important bits from the 911 GT3, throw on some bigger brakes and wham! You’re in GT4 country! And if you think the car just looks the part, guess again. Porsche has already taken the Cayman GT4 to the Nurburgring and it ticked off a 7:40 lap time. Not too shabby! Further fanning the enthusiast flames is the fact that the Cayman GT4 will only come with a six speed manual transmission. This is great news for H pattern fans who thought the last Porsche manuals would be found in the latest crop of GTS cars.
For those who really want to get racy, the Cayman GT4 will have a carbon ceramic brake package and carbon fiber bucket seats as options. Those who don’t opt for the carbon fiber bucket seats can expect leather and alcantara adorning the interior. But no matter what all owners will get that big honkin’ fixed wing in the back that screams “I mean business”.
Above all though, one of the best things about this news is that unlike the Ferrari 488 and Ford Focus RS announcements, Porsche has provided pricing and release information. Expect the Cayman GT4 to have a starting MSRP of $84,600 (not counting a $995 destination charge) and look to see it hit dealerships in the U.S. around July of this year. For big beautiful pictures of the Cayman GT4 just click any of the thumbnails. For the official press release scroll below.
UPDATE: Porsche has released the first official commercial for the Cayman GT4! Watch below
Press Release:
News Release February 3, 2015
A new member of Porsche’s GT family
The benchmark in its class: the Porsche Cayman GT4
Atlanta. Porsche’s GT family is proud to announce the addition of an exciting new member: the
Cayman GT4. This is the first Porsche GT sports car based on the Cayman and features
components of the 911 GT3.
Clocking a lap time of 7 minutes and 40 seconds on the North
Loop of the Nürburgring, the Cayman GT4 earns the same lap time as the 2011 911 GT3 and
positions itself as the new benchmark atop its market segment. The Cayman GT4 clearly
demonstrates Porsche’s dedication and passion to continue to promote truly industry-leading
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 while retaining the versatility and everyday utility that are typical of
the two-seater Porsche coupe. Powered by a 385 hp 3.8-liter flat-six engine derived from the
911 Carrera S engine, the Cayman GT4 transmits its power solely through a six-speed manual
transmission with dynamic gearbox mounts. Zero to 60 mph is accomplished in 4.2 seconds; its
top track speed is 183 mph. The chassis – which features a 30 mm lower ride height and a
generously sized brake system – consists almost entirely of components from the 911 GT3.
Ready for the race track: The first Porsche Cayman with added downforce at both axles.
The exterior of the Cayman GT4 highlights it as a member of the Porsche GT family and
provides a clear distinction to related mid-engine coupes. Three pronounced 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 performance capabilities of Cayman GT4 can be
taken even further. Available options include the Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake (PCCB)
system, full bucket seats made of carbon fiber composite, and a custom Sport Chrono Package
featuring a Track Precision app.
The interior of the Cayman GT4 focuses on maximizing the experience of unfiltered driving
enjoyment for both driver and passenger. Standard sport seats, which are upholstered in a
combination of leather and Alcantara®, offer excellent lateral support. The new Cayman GT4
sport steering wheel guarantees ideal control and direct steering feedback due to its compact
dimensions.
Technical aspects of this 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 engineered by Porsche embody the most passionate connection possible
between everyday driving and Porsche’s competition heritage and highlight the sporty core of
the brand: Intelligent Performance.
The Porsche Cayman GT4 celebrates its world premiere in early March at the Geneva
International Motor Show. This vehicle will arrive at U.S. dealers in July 2015. The starting
MSRP for the Cayman GT4 is $84,600. MSRP does not include a destination charge of $995.
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