2020 Porsche 718 Cayman GT4

Exterior

Porsche took all the aero features of the old GT4, with certain updates, and mixed them with the 718 Cayman’s new styling cues

As expected, the new GT4’s exterior design is a mix between the previous Cayman GT4 and the facelifted 718 Cayman. Specifically, Porsche took all the aero features of the old GT4, with specific updates of course, and mixed them with the 718 Cayman’s new styling cues. Up front, highlight includes a slightly wider front end with a new bumper with larger vents.

The bumper has a more aggressive design, while the splitter suggests that you’re looking at the Cayman’s 911 GT3 equivalent. The new central outlet improves both downforce and cooling and makes the 718 Cayman GT4 recognizable as the most track-capable model in the range. The GT4 also features the new bi-xenon headlamps, and it can be ordered with the optional units with four-point DRLs.

The new rear diffuser increases downforce by around 50 percent compared to the old model

Onto the sides, the wider wheel arches and beefed-up side skirts are complemented by the new character lines above and below the side intakes and the revised door handles. On the GT4, the air intakes have new blades with a bespoke design. A set of 20-inch wheels unique to this model round out the GT4’s profile.

Much like the standard 718 Cayman, the GT4 changed dramatically around back. It sports new taillights with 3D LEDs and four-point brake lights, as well as the vintage-looking black strip with integrated "Porsche" lettering. This feature was first used on 1990s 911 Carreras and looks absolutely gorgeous on the Cayman.

The wing and aggressive diffuser that make the GT4 stand out in the lineup sport minor changes for improved performance. Down below, the exhaust pipes sit further apart, and the center diffuser is a bit more aggressive. This element increases downforce by around 50 percent compared to the old model. The manually adjustable rear wing was redesigned, while the taillights are not tinted.

Interior

Porsche offers full bucket seats or electrically adjustable 18-way Adaptive Sport seats

Just like the exterior, the interior of the 718 Cayman GT4 benefits from all the upgrades that Porsche introduced on the standard supercar three years ago, including a revised dashboard with new A/C vents and an updated instrument cluster. GT4-specific upgrades are quite numerous, starting with the GT Sport steering wheel wrapped in Alcantara and fitted with a black marker at the 12 o’clock position. It also features a shorter gear lever for a more direct feel when changing gears.

Both the shifter and the lower section of the dashboard are wrapped in Alcantara for a race-inspired look. The Sport Seats Plus package comes standard and adds sportier seats with raised side bolsters. The seating surfaces are covered in Alcantara, just like in true-blue race cars. Porsche also offers full bucket seats or electrically adjustable 18-way Adaptive Sport seats.

Brushed aluminum trim replaces the usual black surfaces, but you can opt for carbon-fiber inserts.

The air conditioning and the Porsche Communication Management (PCM) system with Sound Package Plus are fitted as standard. The infotainment system can be upgraded with features like navigation, including Porsche Connect, and Apple CarPlay. You can also opt for body-colored seat belts, door pull loops, and contrast stitching.

Drivetrain

Porsche made a surprise move and equipped the Cayman GT4 with a 4.0-liter flat-six engine

This is where things become a lot more interesting, mostly because the Cayman GT4 features an unexpected engine. When Porsche redesigned the 718 lineup in 2016, it discontinued all naturally aspirated engines, leaving the Cayman with a pair of turbocharged, flat-four units. The base model features a 2.0-liter unit, while the Cayman S and GTS have 2.5-liter mills. The general consensus was that the 2.5-liter flat-four in the GTS would be upgraded for GT4 duty, but Porsche made a surprise move and equipped the coupe with a 4.0-liter flat-six. This is the biggest engine ever mounted in the Cayman!

Described as a new engine, so it doesn’t share too many internals with the mill in the 911 GT3, this flat-six cranks out 414 horsepower and 309 pound-feet of torque. That’s an extra 34 horsepower over the previous Cayman GT4, while torque remains unchanged. When it comes to performance, the new GT4 needs 4.2 seconds to hit 60 mph from a standing start, which is identical to the old model. Top speed, on the other hand, increased from 183 to 188 mph.

The flat-six cranks out 414 horsepower and 309 pound-feet of torque

The GT4 is obviously the most powerful 718 Cayman in the current lineup. The GTS, powered by a 2.5-liter four-lat, cranks out 361 horsepower, which accounts for 53-horsepower deficit. However, because the GTS had a turbo engine, it benefits from a bit more torque. Rated at 317 pound-feet, the GTS features an extra eight pound-feet. When it comes to speed, the GT4 is quicker than both the manual- and PDK-equipped GTS model. However, the GTS with the PDK and Sport Chrono package is a tenth-second quicker.

Impressively enough, the Cayman GT4 is almost as powerful as the latest 911. In Carrera S trim, the twin-turbo, 3.0-liter flat-six generates 444 horsepower, only 30 more than the GT4. Torque is notably higher though at 391 pound-feet, a solid 83 pound-feet more than the Cayman GT4.

Although it’s not exactly a fair comparison, the new Cayman GT4 boasts more power than the 997-generation 911 GT3. Offered between 2006 and 2009, this 911 came with 409 horsepower and 299 pound-feet on tap.

The Cayman GT4 features a six-speed manual suspension and there's no option for a PDK

The 4.0-liter flat-six mates to a six manual transmission. Yes, Porsche maintained the Cayman GT4 as an enthusiast car and kept the PDK gearbox away from the coupe. The old Cayman GT4 had a six-speed manual too, but this new transmission features an Auto Blip function that automatically matches gearbox and engine speeds during a downshift. This feature can be activated or deactivated at the touch of a button.

Porsche also added a sport exhaust system for a throatier exhaust note, but the big news is the track-bred Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) system with adaptive dampers. PASM lowers the ride height by up to 1.2 inches compared to the standard model and allows manual adjustment of camber, toe, and anti-roll bar settings.

Porsche claims that the new Cayman GT4 will lap the Nurburgring more than 10 seconds faster than its predecessor

The 718 Cayman GT4 comes standard with a mechanical limited-slip differential with Porsche Torque Vectoring (PTV). The ABS, electronic stability (ESC), and traction (TC) control systems have been specifically calibrated for this car, while ESC and TC can be switched off in two stages.

The front axle is borrowed from the 2018 911 GT3, while the rear axle is a specific design. The brakes also comes from 911 GT3 and measure 15 inches front and rear. The optional Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake (PCCB) system features larger rotors that measure 16.1 inches in the front and 15.3 inches in the rear.

Porsche claims that the 718 Cayman GT4 is capable of lapping the Nurburgring track more than 10 seconds faster than its predecessor. The old model lapped the ’Ring in 7:40 minutes, so the new GT4 should complete the track in less than 7:30 minutes. If this benchmark becomes reality, the 718 Cayman GT4 would be quicker than the 991-gen 911 GT3 and just a tad slower than the 991-gen 911 GT3 RS.

Prices

The 718 Cayman GT4 retails from $99,200. That’s a whopping $14,600 more than the old model. Compared to the 718 Cayman GTS, the GT4 commands a solid $18,500 premium. The GT4 is also $8,100 more expensive than the base Porsche 911 Carrera, but the premium makes sense given all the track-prepped upgrades. For reference, the almost similar 718 Spyder is $2,900 more affordable.

Competition

Lotus Evora GT430

Since 2009, Lotus has been giving the Cayman a good run for its money with the Evora. For 2019 the Evora might be a bit long in the tooth, but the Brits have updated the sports car with a new body shell and a more powerful engine, making it a suitable competitor for the Cayman GT4 . The updated supercharged, 3.5-liter V-6 is now capable of 410 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque, more than enough to pose a threat to the GT4. The extra grunt also enables the Evora GT430 to hit 60 mph in just 3.9 seconds and top out at 186 mph. Those not keen on rowing their own gears, the Lotus comes with an optional automatic transmission. This race car for the road is available for around $90,000, a sticker that makes it a bit more affordable than the 718 Cayman GT4.

Read our full review of the 2018 Lotus Evora GT430.

Alfa Romeo 4C Spider

Alfa Romeo’s first mass-produced vehicle to arrive in the U.S. since 1995, the 4C is a milder proposition to the Cayman GT4. Unlike the Porsche, it carries a much smaller, turbocharged, 1.75-liter four-banger rated at "only" 240 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. Though it’s less powerful than the base Cayman, the 4C Spider is quite quick in a straight line, needing only 4.6 seconds to reach 60 mph from a standstill. Alfa Romeo discontinued the coupe version of the 4C, but the Spider has a proper top that turns it into an authentic coupe. The Alfa 4C might not be as track-focused as the Cayman GT4, but it’s significantly more affordable at $66,900.

Read our full review of the Alfa Romeo 4C Spider

Conclusion

Though the Cayman GT4 is arguably the hottest compact sports car around, it’s hard not to dream about a more powerful version, especially since the first GT4 is long sold out. That dream just became reality with a new Cayman GT4 that combines everything Porsche has learned while developing the new 911 GT3 with the advantages of a mid-ship configuration. And the end result is a tremendous race car for the road. Moreover, the fact that the GT4 retains a flat-six, naturally aspirated engine gives us hope that not all Porsches will go turbo in the future.

• Love it
  • The lightest, most powerful Cayman ever
  • Manual transmission
  • 911 GT3 underpinnings
  • 414 horsepower!
• Leave it
  • It’s expensive

Further reading

Read our full review on the 2019 Porsche Cayamn GT4 Clubsport.

Read our full review on the 2017 Porsche 718 Cayman.

Read our full review on the 2018 Porsche 718 Cayman GTS.

Read our full review on the 2016 Porsche Cayman GT4.

Read our full review on the 2016 Porsche Cayman GT4 Clubsport.

Prosche 718 Cayman GT4 on Monza

Spy Shots

May 10, 2019 – 2020 Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS Still Testing on the Nurburgring

March 27, 2019: Production version Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 caught testing at Nurburgring

August 20, 2018: Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 caught testing one last time

May 15, 2018 - Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 caught testing at Nurburgring

February 13, 2018 - Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 caught playing in the snow

November 15, 2017 - Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 caught testing once again

Update History

Updated 03/27/2019: Our spy photographers caught the production version 718 Cayman GT4 testing at Nurburgring.The car is expected to make its world debut at the 2019 Goodwood Festival of Speed.

Updated 05/15/2018: Our spy photographers caught the upcoming Porsche Cayman GT4 out for a new testing session around Nurburgring. Porsche is rumored to unveil the new Cayman GT4 in autumn at the 2018 Paris Motor Show.

Updated 02/13/2018: Our spy photographers caught the upcoming Porsche Cayman GT4 out for a new testing session during cold winter conditions. New details suggest that the GT4 will be unveiled on March 6, at the 2018 Geneva Motor Show.

Updated 11/15/2017: Our spy photographers caught the upcoming Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 out for a new testing session - and as you can notice, the exhaust pipes have moved out a few inches on each side.

Updated 05/09/2017: Our spy photographers caught the upcoming Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 out for a first testing session.