Cayman GT4 Looks The Part in Martini Livery
Vintage Porsche racing aesthetics combined with performance upgrades improve the near-perfect 981 Cayman GT4.
The 981 Cayman GT4 is just about perfect as it leaves the factory. Mounted amidship is a 3.8-liter flat-6 normally used in the iconic Carrera S. For use in the GT4 the engine produces 385 horsepower. That’s 15 less than the same engine that was used in the 911- but still enough to give the GT4 plenty of straight-line performance. Then there’s the matter of an old-school 6-speed manual transmission option, a limited-slip differential and even a front suspension lifted entirely from a 911 GT3. The 718 GT4 may be the latest and greatest Cayman but the 981 GT4 will surely go down in history as one of the best driving Porsches made. Of course like all cars, perfection is a relative thing. Even something as wonderful as a 981 Cayman GT4 has room for improvement. The GT4 pictured here is a perfect illustration of that theory.
The 2016 Cayman was built for a customer by forum sponsor Fabspeed Motorsport and features a distinctive Martini-racing livery inspired by historic Porsche race cars. It’s the same approach used by this Rothmans-inspired GT3 we featured here. The Cayman also features a host of modifications that bring the performance to an even more impressive level. That exterior treatment though is definitely the high point of the build. The distinctive blue and red over a white car is absolutely stunning. The famous livery was used on a list of cars that includes the 911 RSR, 934, 935 and 962 vintage racers. Pictured below is the famous “Moby Dick” 935/78, one of the most recognizable Porsches to wear the Martini colors. As this Cayman proves, the look can also be applied to great effect on modern Porsches as well.
The Cayman’s colorful exterior is backed up by Fabspeed’s GT450 Race Performance Package that unlocks more performance from the Carrera S 3.8-liter engine. The GT450 package includes a Valvetronic exhaust, race headers, an IPD Competition intake plenum and better flowing BMC F1 air filters. The engine’s ECU has also been treated to a GT450 Expertune reflash performed with a Cobb Accessport.
It’s not surprising that this GT4 is intended as a track car. In order to make it more stable at high speeds Fabspeed also bolted on their GT4 “wing risers” for added downforce. Inside the Cayman is a GMG roll bar as well as Schroth Racing harnesses to keep the occupants safely in place. This is definitely one Porsche that can back up its dramatic exterior with plenty of performance.
Photos: Fabspeed