Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 review (2019-2023)
Quite possibly the best sports car money can buy, Porsche’s GT4 variant Cayman is a living legend. Still want that Ferrari? It's just the right combination of 911 engineering and style together with the (relative) affordability and more compact footprint of a Cayman. All this and more in our Porsche Cayman GT4 review below.
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Pros
- Engaging driving experience
- Reasonably affordable (in comparison)
- Aggressive looks
Cons
- Gearing limits usability of power
- Only two seats
Interior
Our rating: 8/10
Tech and features
Because it’s based on a 718 Cayman model that’s a few years old, the GT4 doesn’t get the all-digital technology of Porsche’s latest cars.
But we like that. It means you get an analogue rev counter and speedo, to go with the ‘analogue’ driving experience.
And it means there are buttons below the infotainment system, so things can be adjusted with just a press of this or that. It’s simple, leaving you to focus on the fun bit: the driving.
Performance
Our rating: 10/10
Engines and power
Because the 718 Cayman GT4 uses a flat-six engine (which places its six cylinders on a horizontal plane, if you’re wondering) with no turbocharging or hybrid electrification, so it’s old-school petrol power.
With the manual six-speed gearbox, it provides maximum engagement. You can get an automatic, but we know which we’d go for.
Handling and ride comfort
Then there’s the handling, which is second-to-none. The GT4 is beautifully balanced, and its controls are brimming with feedback, so you feel entirely at one with the machine.
A total of 420hp enables a 4.4-second 0-62mph time, while big, powerful brakes and enormous grip from track-capable tyres mean you can fully exploit its maximum whenever you want.
Practicality
Our rating: 6/10
As a proper two-seater, the Cayman is never going to win practicality awards.
But the GT4’s fixed bucket seats (hashtag race car) are brilliantly supportive, and there are two cup holders folded away (they’re hidden until they're revealed) above the glovebox.
Storage solutions
You’ll also find some space behind the seats for small bags, while the door cubby holes are able to swallow thinner bottles, too.
Boot space
Thanks to the mid-placement of the engine (it’s right behind the driver and passenger), you get a small boot at the back.
But you also get a fairly large boot under the bonnet, which is deep enough to swallow a small suitcase or a couple of squdgier travel bags.
Running costs
Our rating: 6/10
Reliability
Despite being a highly-strung performance car, the 718 Cayman GT4 is – relatively speaking – not an overly complicated mechanical proposition.
That means there’s less to go wrong, so while it’s too new to really know about long-term reliability, we’re optimistic it’ll be good.
Fuel economy
It’s not particularly heavy, either, so while that 4.0-litre engine is never going to sip fuel like a hybrid, it does have a pretty easy job of shifting the car around.
We saw over 30 miles per gallon on the motorway, and high 20s in more mixed driving. Which, given the performance of this thing, is impressive.
The verdict
Interior
8/10
Performance
10/10
Practicality
6/10
Running costs
6/10
The GT4 is a racing car for the road in more than one way. It looks the part, it sounds the part and it goes even better.
If you love proper driving, you’ll be instantly smitten with the GT4.
Dream car? Absolutely.
In fact, after driving the GT4 we’re wondering why you’d ever need more power – or anything more expensive from the world of sports and supercars.
At £75k, it’s a high-end motor. But it feels worth every penny.
Now where’s that lottery ticket?
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