• Auto123 tests the 2023 Porsche Cayman GTS 4.0.
When Porsche designs a car, it is guided by one goal: the pursuit of excellence. When she creates a more innovative version, she is driven by the same ambition multiplied tenfold.
This applies to the GT4 versions of the 718 Cayman, which are aimed more at purists, but also to the tested variant, the GTS 4.0. Every moment spent behind the wheel makes you realize how surgical the settings are, regardless of how they are treated on the road or track.
The question, therefore, is not whether this car is excellent, efficient, on point, etc. We know this is the case. Rather, it is important to understand where it lies on the spectrum. In other words: who is the offer aimed at? Because as incredible as it is, it’s not for everyone.
Technical data sheet of the 2023 Porsche Cayman GTS 4.0
Photo: D. Rufiange
Logo of the Porsche 718 Cayman GTS 4.0 2023
The 2023 Porsche Cayman offer
A quick trip to Porsche Canada’s website will allow you to discover the model’s six variants; Base, Style Edition, S, GTS 4.0, GT4 and GT4 RS.
The first three are powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 300 horsepower (2.5 liters and 350 horsepower for the S variant).
From the GTS version onwards, a 4.0 liter 6-cylinder engine is in the race, with significantly more power (394 hp in the GTS), but above all with the sound that performance enthusiasts are looking for. And Porsche products that are able to inspire those interested in automobiles.
As you have already guessed, even before we get into the options, prices vary tremendously from spectrum to spectrum. Basically, the offer starts at around $81,000 and ends at almost $215,000. Our GTS 4.0 solution had a base price of $98,800, $123,750 with options. I’ll come back to that.
Photo: D. Rufiange
Exterior design of the Porsche 718 Cayman GTS 4.0 2023
The 6-cylinder
The 6-cylinder engine is the heart and soul of the 718 series. When Porsche abandoned it in favor of 4-cylinder solutions in 2016, some gritted their teeth, others cried foul. A Boxster or Cayman without a 6-cylinder is like a Harley-Davidson motorcycle with a Honda engine; effective but distorted.
In 2020, she added it back to the catalog, a bit as if she was admitting she had made a mistake. Sales were down significantly in North America, but you have to look beyond that to fully understand it. In fact, the introduction of a four-cylinder engine into the series opened up the Chinese market for Porsche; A question of taxes on engine displacement and luxury dampened enthusiasm there. And the Chinese clientele is young; very young. This is an excellent thing for the future of the brand when analyzed on a global level.
With the return of the six-cylinder engine in the GTS and GT4 versions, Porsche hopes to regain lost ground in the brand’s more traditional markets.
Photo: D. Rufiange
Porsche 718 Cayman GTS 4.0 2023 green
The Cayman GTS 4.0 2023
Our GTS 4.0 proposal now. Its starting price of $98,800 rose to $123,750 thanks, among other things, to the addition of Phyton Green color ($2,950), Race-Tex leather interior ($2,470), GTS interior ($4,200). US dollars) and the PDK seven-speed automatic transmission ($4,250), racing seats ($6,740), and 20-inch Carrera-style wheels ($1,430).
If the price of these options makes you cringe, you’ve come to the wrong place. Porsche has long offered numerous and expensive options that make each version made unique. The buyer is aware of this and has the means to realize his ambitions.
And the more unique you make your version, the more you invest in its resale value. In fact, the backlog of a Porsche product isn’t just good; he is extraordinary. It’s not uncommon for owners to make a profit by reselling their toys.
Photo: D. Rufiange
2023 Porsche 718 Cayman GTS 4.0 seats
equipment
When analyzing a model, we are always interested in the list of standard equipment and possible additions. With Porsche it’s usually comprehensive, but don’t be surprised if you find that selecting certain groups of options is necessary to benefit from certain features, such as heated steering wheel.
On the other hand, you have a lot of choice, whether it’s multiple wheel designs, interior material combinations, accessories, etc. Let’s assume that purchasing a Porsche vehicle is an experience in itself. The process is part of the “charm”. This is a pleasant moment for the buyer.
However, rest assured. The essentials are there, be it in terms of technology, connectivity or security.
Photo: D. Rufiange
The new Porsche 718 Cayman GTS 4.0 2023
The experience
The experience behind the wheel – for most owners, this is THE main motivation for purchasing.
And the fun begins as soon as you slip in. On our version equipped with sport seats, a very stiff edge made the experience even more dangerous. Even worse at the exit; It took a contortion to free us, much to the delight of those watching. As for the edge of these seats, it is impossible not to rub them when getting in and out; I fear more wear and tear in the long term. As an owner, I would think of a way to protect it.
Well installed in the seat, you will find a perfect driving position that requires virtually no adjustments. Well, there’s no such thing with these sports seats, except from front to back. We feel ready to hit the road…or the track.
Photo: D. Rufiange
Preview of the new Porsche 718 Cayman GTS 4.0 2023
As soon as we turn on the ignition, our senses are awakened by the roar of the mechanics that tickles our backs, the result of a central engine that we practically lean against. A unique sound, a sound that will put a smile on your face every time. Already in the first few kilometers you will be amazed by the precision of the steering, the response of the accelerator pedal and the reaction when braking. If the racetrack is on the agenda, the option of carbon ceramic brakes should be considered. Otherwise, the standard system for the road does its job more than adequately.
The balance is undoubtedly what pleases the most. Whether you move the car from left to right in several consecutive corners or command it to accelerate sharply at the end of a corner, it grips the asphalt impressively.
Photo: D. Rufiange
Porsche 718 Cayman GTS 4.0 2023 wheel
Depending on the road ahead, we can experiment with the suspension settings to achieve more or less firmness, or switch to sportier modes to achieve a quicker response from the mechanical components, a different calibration of the gearbox, etc . And of course there’s manual mode, which lets you control everything using the steering wheel-mounted paddles.
When accelerating or accelerating, we have fun raising the tachometer to 5500 or 6000 rpm, where the exhaust lets us sound its most beautiful symphonies. The sound is unique, inimitable, unforgettable.
The downside is that we are always on the border of illegality. In the second moment you can easily reach 100 km/h, in the third moment you immediately become a traffic offender if you dare to let the tachometer tickle to the limit at 7000 revolutions. Then imagine the fourth, fifth, etc. Long live the highways of Germany.
Therefore, if I owned this car, I would subscribe to a race track to be able to fully legally use the capabilities of my car. And I would choose it with a manual transmission. As enjoyable as the PDK box is, the pleasure is not the same without the synchronized playing of hands and feet that requires the presence of a third pedal.
Photo: D. Rufiange
Dashboard Porsche 718 Cayman GTS 4.0 2023
The last word
The Caryman GTS 4.0 is a truly exceptional car and cannot be displeased. If this is the case, you are not in the right place or address. Although buying a Porsche is a unique experience and process, it is important that you take your time to make the choice that is right for you.
Give yourself this time; You’ll have twice as much fun watching what happens next.
Photo: D. Rufiange
The rear of the Porsche 718 Cayman GTS 4.0 2023