Porsche adds new member to GT Family with Cayman GT4

The Porsche Cayman GT4 is powered by a 3.8-litre flat-six engine with 283 kW, which is derived from the 911 Carrera S. Photos / Supplied

For the first time, Porsche's GT badge will grace the body of a Cayman, with Porsche announcing that the Cayman GT4 will debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March.

This is the first time Porsche is introducing a GT sports car based on the Cayman which also uses components of the 911 GT3. A lap time of 7 minutes and 40 seconds on the North Loop of the Nürburgring positions the Cayman GT4 as the new benchmark at the top of its market segment. It also makes a clear statement that Porsche will continue to promote radical two-door sports cars in the future - sports cars that are developed at the Motorsport department in Weissach.

The engine, chassis, brakes and aerodynamic design of the Cayman GT4 are configured for maximum driving dynamics; yet the top model still retains the versatility and everyday utility that are typical of the two-seat Porsche coupe. It is powered by a 3.8-litre flat-six engine with 283 kW, which is derived from the 911 Carrera S engine. Its power is always transmitted by a six-speed manual gearbox with dynamic gearbox mounts. The Cayman GT4 accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 4.4 seconds; its top speed is 295 km/h. The car's NEDC fuel consumption is 10.3 l/100 km. The chassis - which features a 30 mm lower body position and a generously sized brake system - consists nearly entirely of components from the 911 GT3.

Upon request, buyers can have the Cayman GT4 equipped even more comprehensively for sporty use. Options include the PCCB ceramic brake system, full shell seats made of carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP), a custom Sport Chrono Package with the unique Track Precision app and a Club Sport Package.

The interior of the Cayman GT4 is designed so that the driver and front passenger can experience unfiltered driving enjoyment. They sit on sport seats, upholstered in a combination of leather and Alcantara, which are distinguished by very good lateral support. The new GT4 sport steering wheel guarantees ideal control and direct steering feedback due to its compact dimensions.

Technical aspects of the new GT sports car are based on the 911 GT3. As a mid-engine sports car and a prime example of driving dynamics in its class - it follows the conceptual tradition of such cars as the 904 GTS, 911 GT1, Carrera GT and 918 Spyder.

GT sports cars from Porsche embody the most passionate connection possible between everyday driving and the race track and thereby the sporty core of the brand: Intelligent Performance. Four out of five drivers of Porsche sports cars with this classification also use them on the race track.

Image 1 of 11: The Porsche Cayman GT4 usess components of the Porsche 911 GT3. Photo / Supplied

The Cayman GT4 will premiere in early March at the Geneva International Motor Show.