2019 Porsche Cayman GTS 4.0 (982C) 4.0L 6MT (400 HP)

Vehicle Overview

While the previous Cayman GTS was an upgraded version of the base model of this moniker, the 4.0 was based on the track-ready GT4 variant of Porsche’s smallest coupe.

Many customers complained about the third generation of the Cayman, the 982C, because it had a turbocharged flat-four instead of a naturally aspirated flat-six, as its predecessors. However, German automakers had to make that switch due to emission regulations. Then, when the time was right, and the technology evolved, it squeezed a six-cylinder powerplant carried over from the 911 Carrera S, albeit without a turbocharger, into the engine bay. It was offered in the Cayman GT4 and the Boxster Spyder. But those two versions were too hardcore for daily or long travels. They were stiff and had almost no sound-deadening materials, making a conversation inside the cabin nearly impossible. The GTS 4.0, on the other hand, wasn’t that focused on performing on a track. It was built to create memories on public roads, especially the winding ones.

At the front, the 2019 Porsche Cayman GTS 4.0 featured triangular headlights with a black background. Below, an aggressive front bumper stretched forward resembled the one installed on the GT4, albeit in this case, the black trims on the apron were specific to the GTS 4.0. In addition, the automaker added a lower lip spoiler that enhanced downforce on the front axle, albeit not as significant as on the track-oriented version of the car.

From its profile, the low-slung Cayman GTS 4.0 boasted a racy look but without any exuberant parts. Its 20-inch black alloy wheels and the same shade air intakes placed behind the doors were also unique to the model. The automaker also tried to create a car with a distinct personality, so it included black posts for the door mirrors. Depending on the market, a set of clear or orange turn signal lamps adorned the front fenders, placed between the bumper and the wheel arches. At the back, the automaker installed a set of smoked taillights visually connected via a black trim sporting the Porsche lettering. Unlike the previous GTS, based on the 2.0-liter Cayman, the more potent version featured the same valance and side-mounted sports exhausts as the GT4.

Inside, the automaker focused more on technology and comfort than on track-oriented amenities. It featured regular, chromed door handles and many Alcantara-covered areas. Fronting the driver was a specific instrument cluster where a red dial for the center-mounted tachometer flanked by the speedometer on the left and a 4.6-inch round color display on the right. The automaker placed a seven-inch touchscreen on the center stack for the infotainment system, which supported Apple CarPlay connectivity. This could be upgraded from the standard sound system to a Bose or a Burmeister one.

Behind the cabin, Porsche installed a 4.0-liter naturally aspirated engine borrowed from the 911 Carrera S. It was paired with a standard six-speed manual, while a seven-speed automatic (dual-clutch) PDK gearbox was available at extra cost. Thanks to the Sport Chrono package, which included several aids, the 2019 Porsche Cayman GTS 4.0 was suitable for a day at the track, and still be able to take its driver back and forth from there.