2019 Porsche Cayman GT4 (982) 4.0L 6MT (420 HP)

Vehicle Overview

Porsche finally introduced a flat-six engine behind the Cayman’s cabin when it launched the GT4 road-legal version of a car that received FIA’s credentials to compete in the GT Series.

Creating a vehicle to suit certain requirements from the World Motorsports Organization was something that Porsche has done several times in its history. As a result, it considered creating a track-ready but still road-worthy vehicle based on the Cayman. However, the base or the S version of the car couldn’t meet the requirements, so the car manufacturer made something to satisfy its customers: it installed a flat-six engine behind the Cayman’s cabin. Furthermore, it adapted the suspension and the brakes from the 911, and then it created a unique aerodynamic package where the main focus was on performance, not on aesthetics, which resulted in a 50 percent higher downforce than on a regular Cayman.

The front of the Cayman GT4 grabbed a lot of attention from the carmaker’s styling department. It featured a distinct bumper extended forward to create a longer nose for the low-slung coupe. The headlights above it were new and sported a black background, making the four-dot LED daytime running lights look brighter. In addition, the high and low-beam lamps sported a chromed case around them. Lower, on the apron, the automaker made bigger air intakes. The one in the middle cooled a radiator while those from the sides were needed to cool the brakes, especially when the car was driven hard on a race track.

From its profile, the 20-inch light alloy wheels combined with the lowered suspension made the 2020 Porsche Cayman GT4 look mean. A few details differentiated it from the rest of its stablemates. The door mirror caps and the air intakes behind the doors were body-colored. Furthermore, the automaker added embossed GT4 lettering on the side scoops that helped to feed the engine with air. However, the most striking visual upgrade of the car’s exterior was the massive wing mounted on the tailgate. It was fixed but manually adjustable. Below, on a black trim that visually connected the taillights, the car manufacturer added Porsche lettering in a satin-chromed finish and the GT4 badge underneath it. Finally, this version had a unique exhaust system, with two pipes installed on the outer sides compared to those from the regular Cayman. They were integrated into the rear diffuser.

Inside, customers found a racy ambiance, depending on the options. Regardless of those, all GT4 Caymans came with pull-straps instead of door handles to save some weight. The center console offered customers just a few buttons related to the sports exhaust, the traction and stability control, and the stiffer suspension setting. At the same time, the driver fronted a three-dial instrument cluster. Customers could also get the car with power seats or carbon-fiber bucket seats with Alcantara center and black leather.

Behind the cabin, the automaker installed a four-liter flat-six engine carried over from the 911 Carrera S, albeit without the turbocharger. It was paired with a six-speed manual or a five-speed automatic. Thanks to the car’s 50/50 weight distribution, it could handle better than most other Porsches produced in those years.