We put Porsche’s 718 Cayman GTS 4.0 through a full-day track evaluation at Buttonwillow Raceway (CW13) to measure lap-time performance and explore its handling balance and driver ergonomics on stock street tires.
Our test car was a 2024 Porsche 718 Cayman GTS 4.0 with the 7-speed PDK, Sport Chrono, PASM Sport, and Porsche Torque Vectoring. The naturally aspirated 4.0-liter flat-six is rated at 394 hp and 309 lb-ft, driving the rear wheels through a shorter final drive in Sport Plus. As tested weight was approximately 3,230 lb with a half tank. Tires were Michelin Pilot Sport 4S (235/35ZR20 front, 265/35ZR20 rear) on 20-inch wheels, stock iron brakes and factory alignment.
We ran at Buttonwillow CW13 in 78°F ambient with a light crosswind; track temp peaked at 104°F. Baseline pressures were 30 psi front and 32 psi rear cold, targeting 36/38 hot. Stability systems were set to PSM Sport, and timing was via a VBOX (10 Hz GPS). Fuel was California 91 octane; pads and fluid were fresh OEM DOT 4.
We conducted multiple 6–8 lap stints with cool-downs to keep results repeatable. The Cayman’s best lap was 1:56.8, with repeatable 1:57.3–1:58.2 laps as heat built. Top speed on the front straight reached 131 mph; braking into Sunset stabilized around 114 mph entry. The car gained time through the Esses and Riverside thanks to high-speed composure, giving up a few tenths at Cotton Corners where front-end push appeared as the PS4S heated up.
Consistency was a highlight—lap time spread stayed within 1.4 seconds over a 7-lap run. Handling is classic mid-engine Porsche: neutral at mid-corner with easy rotation on trail-brake, and strong traction off slow exits. Initial turn-in is sharp, though the stock camber lets the outer shoulders do more work under prolonged load; a degree more negative camber would help. Steering is precise with meaningful build-up and minimal corruption over curbing.
Brake performance is confident, with a firm pedal and little ABS intervention; after 18–20 minutes the pedal lengthened slightly but remained stable—track pads and high-temp fluid would extend durability. Driver feedback is superb. The Sport Seats Plus hold you in place without pinching, and the seating position puts the wheel and pedals right where you want them. PDK in Sport Plus calls the right gears and willingly holds to redline; manual paddle inputs are instantaneous.
The engine is linear and eager to 7,800 rpm, making its best power above 5,000. Oil temps stayed at 230–240°F, coolant at 205–215°F, and there were no heat-soak hiccups. Hot pressures settled at 36/38 psi, and fuel consumption during lapping averaged 6.5 mpg. Overall, the GTS 4.0 delivers gentlemanly control with genuine pace on street rubber.
Its 1:56.8 on PS4S is strong, and it feels unflustered at the limit—ideal for drivers building confidence. For frequent track days, add -2.0° to -2.5° front camber, high-temp fluid, and a mild track pad; Michelin Cup 2s should drop 1.5–3.0 seconds. If you value dual-duty civility with real track credibility, this spec hits the sweet spot; hardcore lappers may prefer a GT4.
