The new Porsche Cayman GT4 looks fantastic, but will it cannibalize 911 sales?

By Andrew Hard May 9, 2014

Cayman GTS — Image used with permission by copyright holder

Ever since Porsche’s Boxster-based Cayman was released in 2006, it was applauded for its coiled, squat stance, athletic bodywork, and spirited performance. People gushed over the muscular flares above the Cayman’s rear wheel arches, and the fact that its performance could rival a 911 without rivaling its price tag. But that may be changing soon.

Like most Porsches, the Cayman has been offered in several packages throughout the years. The base Cayman slotted just above the standard Boxster’s 237 horsepower in 2006, with the sportier 291 hp Cayman S approaching the 911’s 300-plus hp territory.

Many other Cayman models followed, including 2011’s Cayman R, which featured a new body kit, lightweight 19-inch wheels, and a 330-hp, 3.4-liter flat six. With the optional 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, the $67,250 Cayman R sprinted from 0 to 60 in 4.4 seconds, closely rivaling the 4.2 seconds time set by the $104,250 911 Carrera GTS.

The $76,195 Cayman GTS hit showrooms in 2014, flexing 20-inch alloys, 340 hp and a 0 to 60 time of 4.5 seconds with the dual-clutch. Again, performance figures weren’t far off from the 400-hp 911 Carrera S, which runs from 0 to 60 in 4.3 seconds. The Carrera, though, ran closer to $100,000.

And now, according to a report by World Car Fans, Porsche is planning a more powerful, more expensive Cayman, the GT4.

It will sit atop the Cayman range, a mere stone’s throw from lofty 911 GT3 territory.

Much like the scaly reptile it was named after, the new GT4 will be quick, nimble, and predatory, reportedly featuring a 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox and an upgraded engine. Exact powerplant figures have not been released yet, but if the new Cayman follows the trend, it could rival the new 911 GT3, which runs $130,000 and has a fire-breathing, 475-hp flat-six mounted over the rear axle.

The real question here is, will the new Cayman cannibalize sales of the 911? We won’t find out anytime soon, unfortunately; according to Porsche, the GT4 is due out sometime in the next three years.

(Photo credit: Motortrend)

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