What's all this about?

Porsche is giving us yet another focused iteration of the Cayman, this time called the GT4.

Is it just a new bells 'n' whistles package like the Cayman GTS, or is it actually a proper 'GT' Porsche?

The latter. Porsche says the Cayman GT4 has inherited a large proportion of its chassis components from the 911 GT3, while the car is also fitted with the 385hp 3.8-litre flat six from the 911 Carrera S. This is a serious bit of kit.

OK, what does that mean in terms of performance?

It means the Cayman GT4 is what could be described as 'blistering'. The benchmark stats of 0-62mph and top speed are 4.4 seconds and 183mph respectively, being half a second quicker and 6mph faster outright than the next model in the hierarchy, the aforementioned GTS. However, the GT4 can lap the Nordschleife in 7 minutes 40 seconds; put into rapid 911 terms, that's three seconds quicker than the 996 GT3 RS and not far off the time of the 997 GT2 RS. Which had 620hp, just to remind you...

I'm not sure about the looks, though. Can you have it without the rear spoiler?

No, as that's part of a comprehensive aerodynamics package - including the three large intakes at the front - which ensures this is the first Cayman with genuine downforce on both axles. The fixed rear wing is reminiscent of the 2001 987-era Cayman R, so we don't mind it too much, and as you can option up things like carbon ceramic brakes, full carbon fibre bucket seats, a custom Sport Chrono Package with a unique Track Precision app and a Club Sport Package, we think the GT4 looks about spot on.

Club Sport? Now that sounds good.

It certainly does, as it brings back memories of the fantastic 968 Club Sport of 1993 to 1995. Porsche hasn't yet confirmed precisely what the letters CS will stand for when applied to the GT4, but you can bet your bottom dollar it will broadly mean stripped out and lighter for an even more intense drive. And probable future classic status into the bargain, too.

Any more technical gems you can share?

The GT4 rides 30mm lower than any other Cayman, it has a six-speed manual transmission with dynamic gearbox mounts, and, er... it can return 27.4mpg and 238g/km CO₂. As if you're interested in that sort of thing.

I'm not. When can I buy one?

The Porsche Cayman GT4 will be premiered at the Geneva Motor Show in a few weeks and is available to order in its homeland now, with cars arriving at dealers at the end of March. No word on when it will spread to other markets but we can only pray it will be a lot, lot sooner rather than later.

Matt Robinson - 4 Feb 2015