2020 718 Cayman GT4 Is Stiff on the Street, Stellar at the Track
Focused GT4 version of the 718 Cayman has the power, sound and performance to make its hard suspension worth the sacrifice.
The fundamental idea behind the original Porsche Cayman, making a midengined, rear-wheel-drive coupe that’s smaller and more nimble than the 911, was great.
In fact, the entry-level Porsche sports car is still around after 15 years, albeit as the 718 Cayman. As MotorWeek‘s recent road and track test shows, the 2020 version of the hardcore 718 Cayman GT4 improves upon that greatness.
The flagship of the 718 Cayman line sports a number of performance improvements and upgrades that separate it from its less aggressive siblings. The GT4 sits more than an inch lower to the ground than the standard Cayman on a suspension that’s 911 GT3 at the front and a special setup in the back.
Thanks to its aero hardware, including its substantial fixed rear wing, the GT4 has 50 percent more downforce. It has the power to back up its racy looks, too. There’s a naturally aspirated 4.0-liter boxer 6-cylinder engine with 414 horsepower and 309 lb-ft of torque between that big wing and the passenger compartment. With its new sport exhaust, the big 6 sounds just as good as its numbers look. According to MotorWeek host John Davis, “The whole setup is so gloriously responsive, it makes us want to start a campaign to ban all turbo engines.”
The major downside to the GT4 is that it “can be a little uncomfortable at times, the stiff suspension consistent with the rather hard seats.” However, that kind of ride quality is to be expected of almost every dedicated performance car. Ultimately, it’s a small price to pay for the GT4’s performance on the track, its natural environment.
MotorWeek opened up its GT4 tester at the Summit Point Motorsports Park in West Virginia. On the drag strip, they clocked a 0-60 time of four seconds flat and finished the quarter mile in 12.3 seconds going 115 mph. Out on the curvy road course, the GT4 impressed with its linear power delivery, superb balance and responsive steering.
Of course, the GT4 does have its limits. It’s not a vengeful machine if you exceed them, though. Davis says, “While the rear end will break loose, it’s in an easily controlled and predictable manner, helping you rotate through a corner, not slide around it.”
The 718 Cayman may be the entry level to Porsche sports car enjoyment, but the athletic GT4 model seems to make that a thrilling place to be.
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