Ah, the endless debate: What is the better Porsche, the 911 or the Cayman?

Some purists would argue that Porsche will never make the Cayman as good out of fear of overpowering the top-tier 911. Regardless, these conversations are about to get much livelier with this new introduction of this Cayman GT4.

Visually, you can immediately see a strong design influence from the GT3.  Just look at its front fascia, rear wing, wheels and lower ride height.

Then there’s the 385-horsepower, 3.8-liter flat-six engine, tucked neatly away in the middle of the car – and it is derived from the Carrera S. And if you are one of those individuals who is bitter because of the fact that the GT3 can only be had with a dual-clutch transmission, then listen up: the Cayman GT4 “transmits its power solely through a six-speed manual transmission with dynamic gearbox mounts.”  Good to go.

Thanks to the extra power, it only takes the Cayman GT4  4.2 seconds to sprint 0-to-60 mile per hour  – which is only a half second quicker than the 340-hp Cayman GTS, and the top speed bumps up to 183 mph.

Furthermore, Porsche claims the Cayman GT4 has run the Nürburgring in 7:40.12 seconds, which is about the same time run by the 2011 911 GT3. Porsche has never offered a precise time for the current 911 GT3, saying only that it’s “under 7:30,”.  And if internet rumors prevail, that the not-yet-introduced GT3 RS has already run a 7:20 time – but is still 20 seconds slower than the C7 Z06.

We expect Porsche to officially reveal this car to the world at the Geneva Motor Show next month – and we are hearing of many 911 GT3 parts underneath, like the chassis that “consists almost entirely of components from the 911 GT3” and that all of its “technical aspects are based on the 911 GT3.”   Also, the options sheet will include ceramic brakes and carbon fiber bucket seats.

This new top-tier Cayman gets to dealerships in the US in July with a starting price of $84,600 before a $995 destination charge.

Article inspiration by: Jonathon Ramsey, AutoBlog

Scroll down for images, and the press release below.

PRESS RELEASE

A New Member of Porsche’s GT Family

The benchmark in its class: the Porsche Cayman GT4

Atlanta, Feb. 3, 2015 – Porsche’s GT family is proud to announce the addition of an exciting new member: the Cayman GT4. This is the first Porsche GT sports car based on the Cayman and features components of the 911 GT3. Clocking a lap time of 7 minutes and 40 seconds on the North Loop of the Nürburgring, the Cayman GT4 earns the same lap time as the 2011 911 GT3 and positions itself as the new benchmark atop its market segment. The Cayman GT4 clearly demonstrates Porsche’s dedication and passion to continue to promote truly industry-leading two-door sports cars in the future – sports cars that are developed at the Motorsport department in Weissach.

The engine, chassis, brakes, and aerodynamic design of the Cayman GT4 are configured for maximum driving dynamics while retaining the versatility and everyday utility that are typical of the two-seater Porsche coupe. Powered by a 385 hp 3.8-liter flat-six engine derived from the 911 Carrera S engine, the Cayman GT4 transmits its power solely through a six-speed manual transmission with dynamic gearbox mounts. Zero to 60 mph is accomplished in 4.2 seconds; its top track speed is 183 mph. The chassis – which features a 30 mm lower ride height and a generously sized brake system – consists almost entirely of components from the 911 GT3.

Ready for the race track: The first Porsche Cayman with added downforce at both axles
The exterior of the Cayman GT4 highlights it as a member of the Porsche GT family and provides a clear distinction to related mid-engine coupes. Three pronounced inlet openings at the front and a large fixed rear wing are part of an aerodynamic package which is systematically designed for downforce. Upon request, the performance capabilities of Cayman GT4 can be taken even further. Available options include the Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake (PCCB) system, full bucket seats made of carbon fiber composite, and a custom Sport Chrono Package featuring a Track Precision app.

The interior of the Cayman GT4 focuses on maximizing the experience of unfiltered driving enjoyment for both driver and passenger. Standard sport seats, which are upholstered in a combination of leather and Alcantara®, offer excellent lateral support. The new Cayman GT4 sport steering wheel guarantees ideal control and direct steering feedback due to its compact dimensions.

Technical aspects of this new GT sports car are based on the 911 GT3. As a mid-engine sports car and a prime example of driving dynamics in its class, it follows the conceptual tradition of such cars as the 904 GTS, 911 GT1, Carrera GT and 918 Spyder.

GT sports cars engineered by Porsche embody the most passionate connection possible between everyday driving and Porsche’s competition heritage and highlight the sporty core of the brand: Intelligent Performance.

The Porsche Cayman GT4 celebrates its world premiere in early March at the Geneva International Motor Show. This vehicle will arrive at U.S. dealers in July 2015. The starting MSRP for the Cayman GT4 is $84,600. MSRP does not include a destination charge of $995.