The popularity of track days and amateur racing is at perhaps an all-time high, with seeming countless versions of track-prepared options out there. Back in the 1970s, there were basically no track-ready options available. Even when supposed track-derived cars arrived in the 1980s, they wouldn’t hold up to hot-lapping for very long. But today you can pop down to your Porsche, Audi, Aston Martin, Ferrari, and even Bentley dealer and walk out with a full factory prepared race car. The Porsche model which traditionally has carried this flame was the 911, first with the RS models followed by the GT3. But they’ve gotten hugely expensive, and Porsche has another popular track platform in the Cayman. Recently gussied up for track duty in the GT4 model everyone is swooning about, the Cayman is better prepared than ever to take on your favorite track. And by track, for many that means garage, waiting for the model to appreciate. But Porsche also released a full turn-key race version of the Cayman to the public this past year. With a mid-mounted 385 horsepower 3.8 flat-6, motivation wouldn’t be a problem. Porsche ups the track-bias with the 6-speed PDK, a factory roll cage, gutted interior and lightweight aluminum/steel hybrid panels, 15″ 6/4 piston brakes, and a slew of GT3 bits. You could even get a 26 gallon endurance fuel tank. But unlike the normal Porsche factory race cars, this fully-prepped GT4 Clubsport would run out the door at $165,000:
Tag: Cayman
We haven’t featured Porsche’s Cayman GT4 in a while and since this is probably my current favorite offering from the marque – I’m going to ignore the 911R for now – I wanted to revisit one of these. Since they became available it hasn’t been difficult to find a GT4 for sale second-hand and prices have unsurprisingly been pretty high. Most have virtually no mileage. This one is a little different: it’s an auction so we may have a better shot at a more reasonable price and this has a couple thousand miles on it. Nothing significant, but well past break-in. In that regard it qualifies much more as a used car than most of the others. The real distinguishing feature of this GT4, however, is the color. I have seen very few in Guards Red. I’m not sure why that would be the case since it’s a standard color, but for fans of Guards Red – and a car like this really begs for a color like this – this GT4 may serve as a pretty nice opportunity at a lightly used example.
CLICK FOR DETAILS: 2016 Porsche Cayman GT4 on eBay
2 CommentsIn my write-up of the new GT3 RS, I mentioned the Cayman GT4 as a useful alternative for those seeking a traditional manual in their performance car now that Porsche has decided the GT3 RS will no longer come equipped with one. So why not have a look at the new GT4? Like the GT variants with which we are all so familiar for the 911, the Cayman GT4 takes aim at the track. It uses the 3.8 liter flat-six from the 911 Carrera S with 380 hp, sources much of its stiffer suspension from the GT3, and drivers must accept some compromises to refinement and everyday usability in the name of less weight. Those weight savings are countered by weight gains from much of the more stout components on board meaning the GT4 comes in at nearly the same weight as the Cayman GTS. In appearance, the GT4 is clearly distinguished from its siblings by a front fascia akin to that of the GT3 and GT3 RS, its lowered ride height, more pronounced rear air inlets, and a rear wing. Suffice it to say, no one will confuse the GT4 for a standard Cayman. And, of course, the only transmission on offer is a 6-speed manual.
CLICK FOR DETAILS: 2016 Porsche Cayman GT4 on eBay
2 CommentsThe cynic might remark that the Porsche Cayman R is exactly what the Cayman could, and should, have been from the very beginning if Porsche hadn’t neutered it so as to protect the 911. The optimist might simply look on with joy and celebrate the arrival of a Cayman that has been allowed to flourish. Whichever side you’re inclined to lean toward the result is the same: the Cayman R is a fantastic machine that sharpens and hones all of the Cayman’s edges to provide a driving experience to rival any other car in the Porsche stable. Including the 911. Of course, there exist iterations of the 911 that can easily handle a Cayman R (though the new Cayman GT4 looks to close that gap considerably), but those 911s cost significantly more money. At a starting price of around $67K the Cayman R represented a very nice value for Porsche enthusiasts and even the most die-hard 911 fan could no longer turn his nose up in disdain. I always have liked the Cayman even if it lacked those 911 quirks that made Porsche’s leading light so revered. It was a relatively light and compact car blessed with impeccable balance and enough power to quickly get you into trouble. It definitely could have been better, but that didn’t mean it wasn’t good. With the R, the model had finally begun to approach its zenith and show its true form. The example here is a Carrera White 2012 Porsche Cayman R, located in Indiana, with 18,300 miles on it. While the R was available with a 6-speed manual this one has had the PDK 7-speed automatic transmission selected. It’s not my ideal choice, but depending on your intended use that transmission can make sense. It’s faster, if arguably less fun and less engaging.
CLICK FOR DETAILS: 2012 Porsche Cayman R on eBay
Comments closedI really like the concept of the Cayman. Mid-engined, manual gearbox, rear drive and a lighter chassis are a return to the roots of Porsche – the Auto Union Grand Prix cars first designed by Ferdinand Porsche in the 1930s. Dynamically, it’s hard to fault the Cayman, too – on track, they’re simply magnificent, dispatching corners and straightaways with ease, rippling pavement in braking zones. I was lucky enough to spend some time on track in a then-new ’09 fully loaded S; it immediately put you at ease, the capabilities of the chassis left plenty in reserve even when you entered corners at seemingly inappropriate or inadvisable speeds. Fit and finish-wise, they’re a Porsche through and through; beautiful paint, striking wheels, and luxurious interiors. The soundtrack is pretty great, too. One area that I’m not convinced? The looks; some look great, while others look slightly out of proportion to me. One great upgrade that you can do that really makes the Cayman look more purposeful, though, it to equip the front end with big-brother 911 GT3 items. The result is much more aggressive, and paired with some racing graphics, a huge rear spoiler and the right bits inside, you’ve got yourself a budget Cup car: