MOTORING STAFF
PORSCHE’S latest 718 Cayman and 718 Spyder have been unleashed and the pair are more potent than ever, while also catering – strictly, and unapologetically – for purists. Say hello to the GT4.
No turbochargers here, nor a PDK gearbox option, just a pure unfiltered Porsche driving experience.
These new entry-level models in Porsche’s GT portfolio are powered by a high-revving, 4.0-litre flat-six engine that produces 309kW at 7 600rpm and 420Nm from 5 000rpm. Its redline, if you’re wondering, begins at 8 000rpm.
Normally aspirated does not mean archaic in the GT4, as this engine employs a special direct fuel-injection system with Piezo injectors – a first for a high-revving engine.
Power goes to the back wheels too, the good old-fashioned way if you ask us, through a six-speed manual gearbox.
Against the clock, the hard-top and the drop-top are good for a 4.4 second 0-100km/h sprint, according to Porsche, while top speeds are listed at 304km/h for the Cayman GT4 and 301km/h for the Spyder GT4.
As members of the GT family, the pair come with a raft of track-honed aero, chassis and braking tweaks and both weigh an identical 1 420kg.
A 30mm-lower stance, standard with PASM (Porsche Active Suspension Management) damping, was specifically designed for track use too, and Porsche Torque Vectoring with a proper mechanical rear LSD is also part of the package.
Act now and your GT4 can be tricked out from the factory with a yummy Clubsport package that includes a rear roll-bar, a hand-held fire extinguisher and a six-point driver’s harness.
Large aluminium monobloc fixed-calliper brakes were also designed for track driving, but those wanting a further edge can opt for GT4-specific ceramic composite anchors.
But the proof of all of that is in the lap-time pudding, where the 718 Cayman GT4 is more than 10 seconds quicker around the Nordschleife than its predecessor, according to its maker.
The new 718 Cayman GT4 and the 718 Spyder GT4 are due to reach South African showrooms in the first quarter of next year.