PLEASE, NO MOREWEISSACH PACKAGES
The next Cayman GT4 draws ever closer. That means speculation approaching fever pitch on forums across the land. Will the GT4 be naturally aspirated or turbocharged? Will it get a detuned version of the latest GT3’S engine?
As it happens, the smart money says the new GT4 will be fitted with a 4.0-litre naturally aspirated flat six that’s essentially a stroked version of the previous GT4’S engine and cranks out around 420hp. But even if you accept that as the most likely configuration, there’s plenty more upon which to speculate. Such as the matter of a Weissach Package.
It would be the first time Porsche has offered a Weissach Package for a Cayman of any kind. Previously, it’s been reserved for much more exclusive cars. It debuted with the 918 Spyder, of course, and typically includes features such as superlight magnesium wheels, titanium bolts, perhaps a carbon-fibre anti-roll bar or two.
Needless to say the Weissach Package doesn‘t come cheap. It was circa £50,000 for the 918 Spyder and north of £20,000 for the latest 911 GT2 RS. Less clear is how much difference it makes to the driving experience. As one online wag put it, the Weissach Package is ultimately, ‘an extra level of differentiation to show you are even more exclusive and considerably richer than thou.’
If the Weissach Package offered something really interesting that had a clear impact on driving character, for instance shorter gear ratios for the Cayman GT4, that would be different. But fancy wheels and some lightweight trinkets that add up to inconsequential levels of weight loss, all at an exorbitant cost? No thanks.
Whatever the truth about the merits of the Weissach Package, it’s likely to be seen on more and more models in future. During the launch circus for the latest 911 GT3 RS, Porsche’s guru for all things fast and focused, one Andreas Preuninger, hinted that Weissach Packages were being considered for ‘other models’.
Critically, he also said take up of the Package on the GT2 RS was remarkably high – over 90 per cent. Given the fairly epic cost of the package and the likelihood of equally large profits, the temptation to cash in on demand for the Weissach Package will probably prove irresistible. Macan GTS Weissach Package? Not next month. But one day? Don’t bet against it.