Base models are often just a starting point, aren’t they? You walk into a dealership with a budget for a standard Porsche Cayman, thinking you’re getting a deal. Then, your gaze drifts to the corner of the showroom, and there it is: the Porsche 718 Cayman Gts 4.0. Suddenly, the allure of 94 more horsepower from a naturally aspirated flat-six engine and a faster sprint to 60 mph becomes irresistible. The monthly payments might stretch a bit, but could you resist? Probably not.
But even with the keys to a Cayman GTS 4.0 in hand, a nagging thought might linger: is it truly the best Cayman, or is it destined to forever play second fiddle?
Reasons to Buy the Cayman GTS 4.0
- A genuine sports car experience
- Raw and unfiltered driving feel
- Lightweight and agile
Drawbacks to Consider
- Engine sound could be more refined
- The manual transmission is incredibly tempting to miss
- Reaching $100k price point with options, yet some features feel basic
Soul Score
9/10
Second place is still on the podium.
2024 Porsche 718 Cayman GTS 4.0 Overview
The Cayman has always projected a serious sports car persona. While the Boxster might cater to top-down cruising, the Cayman, with its fixed roof and mid-engine configuration, feels inherently more focused. This mid-engine layout blesses it with superior chassis balance compared to the rear-engined 911, regardless of Porsche’s engineering wizardry applied to its flagship. For many purists, this balance translates to more driving enjoyment. The availability of a manual transmission (though the PDK is exceptional) and a naturally aspirated engine further enhance its appeal, promising a pure and soulful driving experience.
If the GTS were the pinnacle of the Cayman range, it would be an easy recommendation. However, the existence of the now-discontinued GT4 casts a long shadow. The GT4 was, and remains, a truly exceptional machine. It’s hard not to imagine stretching your budget to reach GT4 levels of performance and track-focused brilliance. Sadly, Porsche ended GT4 production for 2025, meaning the opportunity to own a new one has passed.
This shift in the Cayman lineup elevates the GTS. It’s no longer in the GT4’s shadow; it is the top Cayman. The question now becomes: does the 718 Cayman GTS 4.0 possess enough allure to make you want one?
Performance of the Cayman GTS 4.0: PDK Perfection
While the engine’s auditory character might not be universally adored, the performance metrics speak for themselves. On paper, 394 horsepower might seem modest compared to some rivals, but the Cayman GTS 4.0’s lightweight construction, nimble handling, and direct responses make every horsepower count. You might not pine for the extra power of a Boxster Spyder RS in most driving scenarios, though a touch more akin to the GT4 wouldn’t go amiss.
Engine and Sound
Inside the cabin, the engine’s presence is undeniable. Interestingly, the Porsche flat-six, while iconic, isn’t universally praised. Some argue that BMW’s inline-six engines offer a more refined and pleasing sound.
The GTS boasts a substantial 4.0-liter flat-six, borrowed from the 992 911. It produces 394 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque, slightly exceeding the GT4’s torque figure. This engine thrives when pushed, eagerly inviting you to explore its upper rev ranges. Peak torque arrives at 5,000 RPM, resulting in a slightly subdued low-end response. However, the reward for chasing the 7,800-RPM redline is significant.
As the revs climb, the cabin fills with a raw, visceral scream, accompanied by subtle vibrations. It’s an engaging experience, though perhaps lacking the sheer theatrical drama of a Corvette Z06’s V8. Extended drives in the Cayman GTS 4.0 can be physically engaging, even tiring, due to its demanding power delivery and buzzy engine feel. Yet, that sense of exertion can be rewarding, leaving you feeling like you’ve truly worked for the driving experience.
While the engine is undeniably potent, a touch more refinement in its sound and character wouldn’t be unwelcome. It’s a sentiment that has been echoed about Porsche engines before – potent, but not always the most aurally pleasing.
PDK Transmission
The Porsche Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK) transmission is so flawlessly executed that choosing the manual feels almost like a rebellious act. Almost. In an era where manual transmissions are increasingly rare, the fact that Porsche still offers one in the Cayman, at a (relative to Porsche) reasonable price, is commendable. The manual option undoubtedly amplified the specialness of driving the GT4.
However, opting for the PDK is far from a compromise. It’s a truly exceptional transmission. While it can exhibit a hint of clumsiness from a standstill, once underway, it’s a marvel of engineering. Under hard acceleration, the PDK delivers rapid-fire upshifts with the precision and speed of a machine gun. Each flick of the aluminum paddles provides an instantaneous and satisfying surge of the 4.0-liter engine’s power.
Porsche’s PDK remains the benchmark for dual-clutch transmissions, and its absence will be keenly felt in the inevitable electric future of sports cars.
Steering and Chassis Dynamics
The chassis is the soul of the Cayman GTS 4.0 – arguably one of the finest ever created. Porsche’s steering feel is legendary, and the Cayman’s system is no exception. It’s remarkably direct, brimming with feedback, and possesses a welcome heft. The power assistance feels minimal, demanding driver input and engagement – a positive attribute in a sports car. After experiencing the numb steering in many modern BMWs and Volvos, the Cayman’s system serves as a stark reminder of how crucial steering feel is to the driving experience.
Weighing just over 3,100 lbs, the Cayman is remarkably light and agile. Its mid-engine layout and low center of gravity contribute to exceptional chassis balance. Both the front and rear ends feel equally planted, never overwhelming the driver. Combined with the communicative steering, the Cayman provides an intuitive sense of control and predictability. It might not be the most extreme, g-force generating sports car, but its handling is perfectly calibrated for real-world driving enjoyment.
Even without the optional Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM), the GTS delivers a remarkably composed ride. It strikes a perfect balance between firmness and compliance, never feeling punishingly stiff, yet avoiding any unwanted float or wallow. Factor in its lightweight nature, and the Cayman GTS 4.0’s “soul-o-meter” reading soars.
You might have always aspired to own a 911, but the Porsche 718 Cayman GTS 4.0 is arguably the superior handling sports car.
Brakes and Stopping Power
The Cayman GTS 4.0’s braking system is as meticulously engineered as the rest of the car. The red brake calipers peeking through the 20-inch wheels provide a subtle visual hint of the car’s performance capabilities.
Six-piston front calipers and four-piston rear calipers clamp down on ventilated discs (carbon ceramic brakes are not offered). The brakes offer superb feel and modulation, inspiring confidence and allowing you to quickly become comfortable exploring the car’s performance limits.
The Porsche 718 Cayman GTS 4.0’s performance is defined by balance. It’s fast, but not brutally so. It’s grippy, but not to the point of feeling detached. It provides a level of chassis feedback that surpasses 99% of modern cars, and the cars that offer more typically come with a significantly higher price tag. In some respects, the Cayman GTS 4.0 represents a compelling value proposition, while in others, it requires some justification.
Ultimately, stepping into the Cayman GTS 4.0 is guaranteed to elicit a smile. Just try to avoid parking next to a GT4 RS; that car occupies a performance realm of its own.
Living with the Cayman GTS 4.0: Practical Sports Car?
Interior Space and Practicality
If interior space is a concern, the Cayman GTS 4.0 might surprise you. Compared to some sports cars, like the Toyota Supra, which requires a rather undignified entry maneuver, the Cayman is surprisingly accommodating.
The Cayman’s cabin is easy to access, and offers ample headroom, even for taller drivers wearing helmets. The seats are supportive and well-shaped. Porsche’s optional carbon fiber bucket seats, while visually striking and costing around $6,000, are only moderately comfortable. The standard sport seats offer a better balance of support and comfort.
The Cayman features both a rear trunk and a front trunk (“frunk”), providing surprising cargo capacity for a mid-engine sports car. It’s certainly practical enough for errands or even a weekend getaway. However, be mindful of the Cayman’s 573-pound weight limit, especially if you plan on carrying passengers and luggage.
One minor ergonomic quirk is the placement of the instrument dials behind the steering wheel. Regardless of seat and steering wheel adjustments, the tachometer can be partially obscured, particularly for taller drivers. Nissan addressed this issue decades ago on its Z cars by mounting the dials directly to the steering column, ensuring they moved with the wheel. This minor visibility issue might be an annoyance for some Cayman owners.
Fuel Efficiency
The Cayman GTS 4.0 achieves surprisingly good fuel economy for a high-performance sports car, especially considering its naturally aspirated engine.
It achieves better mileage without forced induction than many turbocharged sports cars. While comparing a lightweight sports car to a heavier vehicle like a BMW M4 might seem unfair, the principle remains: less weight equates to reduced power requirements, less complexity, and ultimately, better fuel efficiency.
The Cayman GTS 4.0 delivers a combined fuel economy of 21 MPG. Opting for the manual transmission might slightly decrease this figure. Overall, the fuel economy is commendable for a car in this performance category.
Interior and Technology of the Cayman GTS: Spartan Focus
Porsche’s marketing tagline, “There is no substitute,” rings true when it comes to driving experience. However, if you’re seeking a luxurious interior experience, the Cayman GTS 4.0 might fall short of expectations.
Spartan Interior or Focused Design?
The interior of a Porsche can feel somewhat like a collection of interchangeable Lego bricks. Gauges, buttons, seats – many components are shared across the Porsche model range. While this modular approach is common in the automotive industry, inside the Cayman GTS 4.0, aside from a small “GTS” badge on the shifter, the cabin could easily belong to any Porsche model.
There are positive aspects. The steering wheel, wrapped in carbon fiber trim, is perfectly sized, though perhaps a bit slippery. Soft-touch leather adorns many surfaces, and an Alcantara headliner adds a touch of premium feel. The overall ambiance is more refined than in some competitors. Features like a Bose sound system, adaptive sport seats, and the Premium Package (including folding mirrors) provide essential comforts.
However, certain omissions are notable. There’s no sunroof or heated seats available. Apple CarPlay integration is absent, and while the small infotainment screen is less distracting, Porsche’s navigation system feels outdated and clunky, making the Cayman GTS 4.0’s technology feel somewhat behind the times. The “Graphite Blue” leather option is so dark it’s virtually black, and the predominantly black interior can feel somber. Blank buttons scattered throughout the cabin serve as constant reminders of omitted options.
While the interior can be customized with brighter colors and upgraded materials (as seen in the GT4 review), achieving a truly luxurious feel requires significant investment in Porsche’s extensive options catalog. The base interior can feel underwhelming for a car approaching a $100,000 price point, and even more so when optioned beyond $110,000.
Exterior Styling of the Cayman GTS 4.0: Subdued Sportiness
Porsche’s design philosophy extends to the exterior, with shared styling cues across models from the 911 to the Cayenne and Macan.
This design consistency works particularly well on the Cayman, which arguably possesses the most harmonious proportions in the Porsche lineup. The test car is finished in classic Carrera GT Silver Metallic paint. Considering Porsche’s Paint-to-Sample program can cost upwards of $30,000, the $650 upcharge for this metallic paint feels like a bargain. The silver wheels are a welcome departure from the ubiquitous black wheel trend.
However, the Cayman GTS 4.0’s exterior styling is relatively understated. Without the “4.0” badges, only keen-eyed Porsche enthusiasts would distinguish it from a base four-cylinder Cayman. The GT4 boasted a prominent rear spoiler and more aggressive bumpers, giving it a distinct visual identity. The GTS features unpainted black plastic trim elements, which, while common on sports cars, lack the premium feel expected at this price point.
Alternatives to the Cayman GTS 4.0
For buyers considering the Porsche 718 Cayman GTS 4.0, other compelling sports cars warrant consideration. These might include the BMW M2 Competition, Alpine A110, or even higher-spec versions of the Mazda MX-5 Miata or Toyota GR86 for those prioritizing a more analog driving experience at a lower price point. For those willing to spend more, the Porsche 911 Carrera or Chevrolet Corvette Z06 become relevant alternatives, each offering a different blend of performance and character.
Final Verdict: Is the Cayman GTS 4.0 Worth It?
The Porsche 718 Cayman GTS 4.0 occupies a unique position in the sports car landscape. Porsche has announced that naturally aspirated engines will be phased out of the Cayman and Boxster lineup in the near future, making the current GTS 4.0 a potentially last-of-its-kind offering. For those who value the visceral experience of a naturally aspirated flat-six engine and the purity of a mid-engine sports car, the 2025 model year might be the last opportunity to buy a new Cayman GTS 4.0 in this configuration.
Rating the Cayman GTS 4.0 is complex. It delivers exceptional performance and one of the most rewarding sports car driving experiences available. It fulfills many Porsche enthusiasts’ dreams. However, to truly equip a GTS 4.0 to your desired specification, the price can easily escalate to $120,000 or beyond. At that price point, alternatives like a Chevrolet Corvette Z06 or even a base Porsche 911 become viable options. While the 911 might not offer the same level of pure driving engagement as the Cayman, it carries greater social cachet and avoids any perception of compromise.
But for drivers who prioritize driving purity over social validation, who value backroad thrills over Sunday morning car shows, and who seek “a” Porsche rather than “the” Porsche, the 718 Cayman GTS 4.0 holds immense appeal. It’s a car designed for selfish enjoyment, best experienced on an empty road, far from distractions.
So, did this review convince you to choose a Cayman GTS 4.0 over a base model? Perhaps. And maybe, being the “second-best” Cayman isn’t such a bad place to be after all.
2024 Porsche 718 Cayman GTS 4.0 Specifications
VEHICLE TYPE
Mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive, two-passenger, three-door coupe
PRICE
Base: $95,200
As tested: $112,230
POWERTRAIN
4.0-liter naturally aspirated flat-six
394 horsepower @ 7,000 RPM
317 lb-ft @ 5,000 RPM
Seven-speed dual-clutch transmission
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 97.4 in
Length: 173.5 in
Width: 70.9 in
Height: 50.2 in
Curb Weight: 3,166 lbs
FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/city/highway: 21/19/24 MPG
