Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 (2012-16)
The Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 (2012–2016) is a modern performance model that emerged over half a century after the original 718 race cars of the late 1950s and early ’60s. Its nameplate revival draws conceptual lineage from that earlier incarnation, echoing Porsche's mid-engine racing heritage while redefining the Cayman’s performance credentials.
🧬 Historical Roots: The Original 718 (1957–1962)
- The original Porsche 718 was a lightweight, mid-engined race car designed to succeed the 550 Spyder.
- It was built for motorsport dominance, winning events like the Targa Florio and competing at Le Mans.
- Its mid-engine layout and agile handling became foundational to Porsche’s racing philosophy.
🚗 Modern Revival: The 718 Cayman GT4 (2012–2016)
- Porsche revived the “718” name in the 2010s to **honor its racing heritage** while introducing a new generation of mid-engined sports cars.
- The Cayman GT4 was the first Cayman to receive the **GT treatment**, borrowing heavily from the 911 GT3’s suspension and chassis tuning.
- It featured a **3.8L naturally aspirated flat-six**, manual transmission, and track-focused dynamics—echoing the spirit of the original 718.
🎯 Concept & Intention Behind the GT4
- **Reassert driving purity**: In an era of turbocharging and automation, the GT4 was a love letter to analog performance.
- **Elevate the Cayman**: It challenged the notion that only the 911 could be a true Porsche GT car.
- **Bridge past and present**: By naming it “718,” Porsche connected the GT4 to its motorsport roots while showcasing modern engineering.
So while the GT4 wasn’t born in 1960, it was very much a spiritual descendant of the original 718—built to thrill purists and prove that Porsche’s mid-engine platform could deliver GT-level magic.
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Global Popularity
The Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 (2012–2016)** earned global popularity, particularly among driving purists and motorsport enthusiasts. While it wasn’t a mass-market car, its impact was felt across continents.
🌍 Global Appeal & Recognition
- **Strong demand in Europe and North America**: The GT4 was especially sought after in Germany, the UK, and the U.S., where Porsche’s GT models have a loyal following.
- **Limited production, high desirability**: With relatively low build numbers, the GT4 became a collector’s item almost instantly, driving demand in secondary markets worldwide.
- **Track-day darling**: Its analog driving experience and motorsport-derived engineering made it a favorite in club racing and track-day circles across Europe, Asia, and Australia.
- **Cult status**: The GT4’s manual gearbox, naturally aspirated flat-six, and GT3-derived suspension earned it a reputation as one of the most engaging modern Porsches—leading to long waiting lists and strong resale values globally.
🏁 Motorsport & Cultural Impact
- Though not a factory race car, the GT4 inspired the **Cayman GT4 Clubsport**, which became a staple in GT4 racing series worldwide.
- Its success laid the groundwork for the GT4 RS and RS Clubsport, which now compete in over 550 races annually across five continents.
In short, the GT4 wasn’t just popular—it was revered. It proved that Porsche could deliver GT-level thrills in a mid-engine format, and enthusiasts around the world responded with enthusiasm.
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Overview: The Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 (2012–2016) was a landmark model that carried deep strategic and emotional significance for Porsche. It wasn’t just a high-performance variant—it was a statement of intent.
🧭 Strategic Importance
- **Reasserting Porsche’s GT credentials**: The GT4 marked the first time Porsche’s GT division applied its motorsport DNA to the mid-engined Cayman platform, previously reserved for the 911. This was a bold move that challenged internal hierarchy.
- **Reviving the flat-six**: After criticism of the 718’s four-cylinder turbo engines, the GT4 reintroduced a naturally aspirated flat-six, restoring Porsche’s sonic identity and appeasing purists.
- **Expanding the GT portfolio**: It opened the door for future RS variants, including the GT4 RS, and helped democratize Porsche’s track-focused offerings beyond the 911.
🏁 Motorsport & Engineering Legacy
- **Track-ready performance**: With a 3.8L flat-six producing 385 hp, manual gearbox, and GT3-derived suspension, the GT4 was a precision tool for enthusiasts and club racers.
- **Engineering showcase**: It proved that Porsche could deliver GT-level dynamics in a mid-engine layout, offering sublime balance and handling that rivaled even the 911.
🌍 Cultural & Brand Impact
- **Cult following**: The GT4 quickly became a modern classic, celebrated for its purity, analog feel, and driver engagement.
- **Brand halo effect**: It elevated the Cayman’s status from “junior Porsche” to a legitimate performance icon, attracting new buyers and reinforcing Porsche’s commitment to enthusiast values.
In short, the 718 Cayman GT4 was Porsche’s way of saying: “We still build cars for drivers.”
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COMMON FAULTS
The Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 (2012-16) is a fantastic car, but like any vehicle, it has its share of common issues. Here are some of the most frequently reported problems:
1. Transmission Issues: Some owners have reported problems with the transmission, including rough shifting and occasional failure to engage gears.
2. A/C Problems: The air conditioning system can sometimes be problematic, with issues such as water droplets falling on the feet of the driver.
3. Engine Issues: There have been reports of high oil consumption and engine connecting rod issues.
4. Coolant System Faults: Problems with the coolant system, such as a broken coolant cap, have also been noted.
5. Electrical Issues: Electrical faults, including issues with the engine control unit and side mirror selection buttons, have been reported.
If you’re considering purchasing one, it’s a good idea to have a thorough pre-purchase inspection done by a qualified mechanic. This can help identify any potential issues and give you peace of mind.
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Generations
The Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 (2012-16) belongs to the first generation of the 718 Cayman GT4 series. This model was introduced in 2015 and has since seen various updates and improvements.
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Trim Levels
The Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 (2012-16) was primarily offered in a single high-performance trim level, known as the GT4. This trim was designed to provide an exhilarating driving experience with features such as:
• 3.8-litre flat-six engine producing 385 horsepower
• Six-speed manual transmission
• Sport Chrono Package
• Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM)
• Aerodynamic enhancements including a large rear wing and front splitter
• High-performance brakes and lightweight wheels
This trim level was focused on delivering a pure, track-oriented driving experience.
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Production Total: The Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 was introduced in 2015, and a total of **2,500 units** were produced during its initial run. This model quickly became popular among Porsche enthusiasts and driving lovers alike.
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Price New: The Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 was introduced in 2015 with a starting price of around **£64,451** in the UK.
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Main Rivals (Price): In 2015, the Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 had several main rivals in the UK. Here are their approximate new prices:
1. **BMW M2**: Starting around £44,070.
2. **Audi TT RS**: Starting around £49,175.
3. **Alfa Romeo 4C**: Starting around £51,500.
4. **Lotus Exige S**: Starting around £52,900.
These prices reflect the competitive landscape for high-performance sports cars in 2015.
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Recorded in UK 2025
As of 2025, there are approximately **596 Porsche 718 Cayman GT4** models recorded in the UK. This includes both licensed and SORN (Statutory Off Road Notification) vehicles.
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Engine/s
The Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 (2012-16) was equipped with a single engine option:
• 3.8-litre naturally aspirated flat-six engine: This engine produced 385 horsepower and was paired with a six-speed manual transmission. It was designed to deliver a thrilling driving experience with a high-revving nature and excellent performance characteristics.
This engine was a key factor in making the 718 Cayman GT4 a highly sought-after model among driving enthusiasts.
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Performance
The Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 (2012-16) is known for its impressive performance. Here are some key performance figures:
• 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph): 4.4 seconds
• Top Speed: 304 km/h (189 mph)1
• Horsepower: 385 hp from its 3.8-litre flat-six engine
• Torque: 310 lb-ft
The GT4’s chassis and suspension are designed to provide exceptional handling and driving dynamics, making it a joy to drive both on the road and on the track. The car’s aerodynamics, including a large rear wing and front splitter, contribute to its stability at high speeds.
Overall, the 718 Cayman GT4 offers a thrilling driving experience with a perfect blend of power, agility, and precision.
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Spares
You can find spares for your Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 (2012-16) at several reputable suppliers in the UK and Ireland. Here are a few options:
1. Eurospares: They offer a comprehensive range of parts for the Porsche 718 Cayman GT4, including body parts, engine components, and interior parts. You can view their spare part diagrams to find exactly what you need.
2. Stuttcars: This site provides official Porsche PET diagrams and codes for the Porsche 718 Cayman, which can be invaluable for finding the right parts.
3. AutoPartsPro: They offer original car spares for the Porsche 718 at competitive prices.
These suppliers should have what you need to keep your Porsche in top condition.
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Specialists
There are several garages in Northern Ireland that can manage a Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 (2012-16). Here are a couple of reputable options:
1. Porsche Centre Belfast: This is the official Porsche dealer in Northern Ireland and part of the Agnew Group. They provide new and pre-owned Porsche cars, fully supported by Porsche servicing. Their state-of-the-art Porsche Centre is located at 90 Sydenham Road, Belfast, in the heart of the Titanic Quarter.
o Address: 90 Sydenham Road, Belfast BT3 9DJ
o Phone: 028 9038 9999
2. McMillan Specialist Cars: They offer a wide range of maintenance and repair services for prestigious marques, including Porsche. Their experienced team can handle everything from oil changes to engine and transmission rebuilds.
o Address: Unit 10, Plasketts Close Kilbegs Road, Antrim BT41 4NN
o Phone: 028 9335 4911
These garages should be able to provide the expertise and care needed to maintain your Porsche 718 Cayman GT4.
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Racing
The Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 (2012-16) has indeed competed in racing. The GT4 version of the Cayman was designed with enough performance to keep up with supercars and was created with the right ingredients for a successful partner around a race track.
One notable variant is the Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 Clubsport, which combines 425 horsepower with the nimble, approachable GT4 platform. This model has been highly popular in various racing series worldwide, including single-class championships and the multi-class IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge.
The GT4’s racing pedigree and performance capabilities make it a favourite among racing enthusiasts and professionals alike.
Also, the Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 has made a significant impact in the racing world, particularly with its Clubsport variant. Here are some highlights of its racing achievements:
1. Porsche Sprint Challenge GB: The 718 Cayman GT4 Clubsport has been a key player in this series, which supports British GT and BTCC across 12 rounds. The series offers both Pro and Am championships, prize money, and TV coverage.
2. SRO Racing Series: The 718 Cayman GT4 RS Clubsport is homologated and track-ready ex-factory, allowing it to compete in SRO racing series around the world without further modifications. It has achieved lap times that are over two percent quicker than the previous model.
3. Nürburgring Nordschleife: The 718 Cayman GT4 has demonstrated its prowess on this iconic racetrack, achieving lap times more than ten seconds faster than its predecessor.
These achievements highlight the 718 Cayman GT4’s exceptional performance and versatility in various racing environments.
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