Porsche 718 Cayman GT4

2022 Porsche 718 Cayman GT4

Porsche sports cars from the 50s and 60s were renowned for being nimble and light with modest power outputs and for punching well above their weight. Fast forward to the millennium years and their renowned 911 had not only increased significantly in power, but weight and size too, although these would also be considered compact today alongside a current 992.

The launch of the Boxster with a convertible roof and latterly the Cayman as a coupe, arguably readdressed the balance of a compact and simple Porsche sports car. However, the company were always smart in ensuring these models would not compete with their top dog, the 911, in terms of outright performance. Whilst they won universal praise for being complete all-round sports cars, of course many wondered how well one might measure up against the 911, if fitted with a decent motor in the rear. The answer came in March 2015 with the launch of the 981 Cayman GT4, fitted with a 380BHP flat-six and suspension components borrowed from its bigger brother the GT3. Of course, Porsche ensured that the hallowed 911 GT3 was still the master of the track for a lap time, but for many, the GT4 was now the better road car. The concept was distilled further in 2019 with the launch of the 718, with an increased capacity to 4.0 and power upped to 414 BHP, the 718 GT4 was now able to turn in a Nürburgring lap time to match the 4.0 RS 997 and 12 seconds quicker than its predecessor.