Porsche Cayman GT4 : Hardcore track-focused coupe spied

The images, captured by CarAdvice’s spy photographers, suggest the German luxury sports car maker is developing a hardcore, track-focused Cayman to headline its compact coupe line-up above the current, range-topping GTS.

The Cayman GT4 prototype takes inspiration from the 911 GT3, riding lower than the standard car and featuring a deep front spoiler, slim LED daytime running lights, huge air intakes and a thin vent at the base on the bonnet.

Typical Cayman design elements remain, including its curved headlights, side air intakes behind the doors, and bulbous tail-lights, though its dual central tailpipes, broad diffuser and massive fixed rear spoiler all mirror those of the 911 GT3.

Rather than getting an uprated version of the Cayman GTS’s 250kW 3.4-litre flat six-cylinder engine, reports suggest the Cayman GT4 could inherit a detuned version of the 294kW 3.8-litre flat-six in the 911 Carrera S.

Porsche’s seven-speed dual-clutch PDK automatic transmission is expected to feature, while a stripped out interior should help cut weight.

CarAdvice first reported about Porsche’s plans to develop a more track-focused Cayman variant early last year when 911 chief engineer Andreas Preuninger said: “Can we emulate the success of the GT3 [with Cayman]? Maybe, I don’t see why not…”

With development still seemingly in its early stages, the Porsche Cayman GT4 is unlikely to appear in final production form before 2015.

Click the Photos tab for more images of the Porsche Cayman GT4 prototype.