Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 (2020) - The Best Sports Car in the World

With a Porsche GT model, a very long time can pass between ordering and actual delivery. You practically have to lean on your Porsche salesperson before the car is even officially unveiled just to get hold of one of these coveted street-legal track cars at all. If your order isn't signed on the first possible day, you may well end up empty-handed.

We did our homework, though, and are delighted to have the 718-generation Porsche Cayman GT4 in our fleet after about a year's wait. On the very first drive out of the Porsche dealership it became clear that this mid-engine car has the potential to be the best sports car in the world. It's going to be one of our customers' favorites - we're sure of that.

By the way: we also offer the Porsche GT4 RS as a rental car.

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Improved aerodynamics on the Porsche 718 Cayman GT4

First, the exterior: as is typical for GT models, the design has been noticeably sharpened compared to the base Cayman, with a diffuser, air intakes and a rear wing. Although the elements visually recall the 981 predecessor, Porsche's engineers have integrated numerous aerodynamic improvements.

At the front bumper, a new type of air duct creates negative pressure that pulls air out of the wheel well and thereby generates downforce - 50% more efficiently than on the predecessor. To keep the downforce balanced, the rear axle was optimized as well. The rear wing gained 20% more downforce, while the remaining 30% is generated by the newly developed diffuser. Incidentally, these improvements also benefit the Porsche 718 Spyder, which famously does without a rear wing.

How we specced our Porsche Cayman GT4

Even though it hurts the wallet, we made no compromises and picked all the important extras. That includes the roughly €5,000 (in Germany) full carbon bucket seats (height-adjustable) and the Clubsport package, which also plays an important role at resale.

We also went for the GT Silver Metallic paint, which really makes the black add-on parts stand out. Inside, we opted for plenty of carbon and yellow contrast stitching.

Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 specs: horsepower, 0 to 60 and weight

The rear-wheel-drive, mid-engine sports car is powered by a naturally aspirated 4.0-liter six-cylinder. It makes 414 hp (420 PS in Euro spec) and delivers 310 lb-ft of torque. Power goes to the road via a standard 6-speed manual gearbox - there are currently no other options.

Curb weight is 3,296 lb by the EU standard. The chassis is where things got serious: the front axle comes straight from the big brother, the Porsche 911 GT3. According to the manufacturer, the GT4 accelerates from 0 to 62 mph in 4.4 seconds and needs 9.5 seconds for the sprint from 62 to 124 mph. Our GPS measurements came in slightly worse, at 5.0 and 10.0 seconds.

Still: those numbers may seem unremarkable when you consider that a BMW M2 achieves similar figures at a significantly lower price. But the real appeal of the GT4 lies in its engineering:

• Naturally aspirated 4.0-liter engine
• Mid-engine layout
• Rear-wheel drive
• Manual transmission

Is there any better recipe for ultimate driving fun? Even the Porsche 911 GT3 loses a point here - the mid-mounted engine.

Porsche 718 Cayman GT4: the ultimate driving fun

No current car offers as much driving fun as the 718 Cayman GT4. Every corner, every turn-in and every chance to accelerate becomes an emotional experience. The short-throw shifter is perfectly positioned and invites you to slot in one gear after another – intuitively and with pure joy.

Let the naturally aspirated engine run free, and every turbo engine in the world becomes a side note. With linear power delivery, the engine accelerates all the way to 8,000 rpm, while the sound builds from a deep drone into an ecstatic scream.

In the corners, the GT4 shows what it's made of. After one or two downshifts, the perfect torque is right there, backed up by the auto-blip rev-matching function. With its precise steering, optimal weight distribution and extra downforce, you experience impressive g-forces. The semi-slick tires make sure the rear axle always stays under control - and the next acceleration orgy can begin.

Is that enough to be the best sports car in the world?

Yes. Because what makes the perfect sports car? Acceleration times? Lap times? The best chassis? The best engine?

For us, it's the emotional connection the 718 Cayman GT4 delivers. It gives you the feeling of having dreamed of exactly this car without knowing it.

If you'd like to experience that feeling yourself, you can rent the Porsche Cayman GT4 from us. As a premium car rental company in the heart of Munich, we also offer you Porsche's entire model range.