2016 Porsche Cayman GT4 is Ready to Commit Fratricide [w/ Video]

Since the introduction of the original Cayman a decade ago, Porsche has – so the story goes – been obscenely vigilant in making sure this Boxster-based coupe was always a step or three behind the more established and more profitable but dynamically inferior 911 in terms of overall performance. After all, what’s the point in having a halo car unless you’re also selling a cheaper one that’s just as good? Now, however, Porsche has decided to lengthen the Cayman’s leash considerably, and the engine-behind-the-rear-axle partisans are sweating bullets.

The 2016 Porsche Cayman GT4 is, if you haven’t figured it out by now, to the regular Cayman and Cayman S as the 911 GT3 is to the 911 Carrera and Carrera S. That means more oomph from behind the seats courtesy of a 3.8L flat-six rated at 385 horsepower (making it the largest and most potent engine Porsche itself has ever installed in a Cayman), sharper handling thanks to a cornucopia of suspension and brake components borrowed from the aforementioned 911 GT3, and a far more aggressive exterior by exclusive fascias, side air scoops and a fairly massive fixed rear wing. Oh, and in contrast to the PDK-only GT3 (and Turbo/Turbo S, for that matter), the GT4 will only be available with a real-deal 6-speed manual transmission.

Is the Cayman GT4 really mighty enough to give more extreme versions of the 911 a hard time? Well, the company says 0-60 mph blasts will take 4.2 seconds, while the speedometer supposedly won’t go past 183 mph. U.S. deliveries are scheduled to begin in July, with list prices starting at $84,600 (plus a $995 destination charge). Be sure to stock up on popcorn before then, because this family feud will be one for the ages.

Source: Porsche