Much of the new Cayman GT4’s mechanical make-up seems familiar. The last-generation version had a Porsche GT department suspension overhaul and an aero kit that could develop downforce over both axles.
What it didn’t have was its own atmospheric Porsche flat six, using instead a motor donated by the contemporary Porsche 911 Carrera S. The new engine, more than anything else, is what should make this 982-generation GT4 feel so special, given that the rest of the 718 range switched so controversially to four cylinders three years ago.
New Porsche 718 GT4 and Spyder revealed with 414bhp flat-six
Interestingly, it’s not the 3800cc flat six used by the GT4 Clubsport track car but is related instead to the 3.0-litre turbocharged boxer engines used by the bigger 992-series 911. Porsche confirmed that it’s healthy enough to take the Cayman through the 400bhp barrier for the first time while revving to 8000rpm.
It’s different from Porsche’s high-revving engine mould in that it’s unusually emissions-friendly. It uses piezo direct fuel injection and also has a gas particulate filter. Although that might make us all wonder whether it’ll sound and feel quite as raw as the flat six in a 991-series 911 GT3, I don’t think we need to worry too much.
Porsche GT boss Andreas Preuninger recently told me how much his team concerns itself with the intangible qualities of the driving experience – sound, style of delivery and general sensory appeal in particular. With what has become a very highly regarded entry point into Porsche GT ownership, I don’t think Weissach will have overlooked that dimension.
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Porsche Cayman GT4 2015-2016 review
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But all the 718 should have a
But all the 718 should have a NA flat 6.
FINALLY!!
this looks a lot like the car i wished the 911 hadn't stopped being!
Can we have both?
It should be a matter of choice, both auto and manual should be offered purely for the reason that we all don’t like changing gears one way or other.
Too true.
That's the wisest thing you've ever said Peter. (Although I can't think of anything else).