We spent a full day lapping our handling circuit to see how the 2024 Porsche 718 Cayman GTS 4.0 performs when pushed. Here’s how the naturally aspirated mid‑engine coupe handled heat, tire wear, and consistency under real track conditions.
Our test car was a 2024 718 Cayman GTS 4.0 with the 7‑speed PDK, Porsche Torque Vectoring with a mechanical limited‑slip differential, and PASM sport suspension. The 4.0‑liter flat‑six is rated at 394 hp and 309 lb‑ft (317 lb‑ft with PDK), spinning to a 7,800‑rpm redline. As tested curb weight was 3,145 lb with half a tank. It ran on Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires (235/35R20 front, 265/35R20 rear) and the standard iron rotors with red fixed calipers.
Testing took place on our 2.1‑mile, 13‑turn circuit (80 ft elevation change) at 72–77°F ambient, dry track, and a light 5–8 mph crosswind. We set cold pressures at 30/32 psi (F/R), with hot pressures stabilizing around 36/39 psi after three laps. Driver aids were in Sport with PSM partially relaxed; damper setting in Sport, transmission in Sport Plus, and the car on 93‑octane pump fuel. Performance headline: best lap 1:31.2, with a five‑lap average of 1:31.6 and a 0.4‑second spread—excellent repeatability.
For context, that’s quicker than our recent BMW M2 by 0.8 s on the same rubber and within 3.9 s of a 992 GT3 on Cup 2s. Launches to 60 mph averaged 3.8 s with a 1‑ft rollout, and 60–0 mph braking measured 100 ft. Data traces show strong mid‑corner speed and short time‑to‑throttle at corner exit. Handling is the star.
The Cayman rotates cleanly with a brush of trail brake, settling into mild, neutral balance mid‑corner. At turn‑in, steering weight builds naturally and the rim chatters over surface changes, giving useful front‑end feel for a modern EPAS system. Power down is tidy: the mechanical LSD and PTV mete torque without upsetting the chassis, allowing precise throttle modulation to trim line. On the 200‑ft skidpad we recorded a steady‑state 1.04 g, limited more by outer‑shoulder heat than by damping control.
Thermal management is robust. Over three 20‑minute sessions, oil peaked at 258°F and coolant at 211°F, with no power derate. The brake pedal stayed high and linear; no fade was felt, though the outer edges of the front pads showed mild glazing by day’s end. Expect the PS4S to be the limiting factor for advanced drivers—outer shoulders wore quickly at factory camber.
A “track” alignment (about −2.0° front/−2.2° rear) and a 200‑tw tire would unlock more lap time. PDK mapping is superb in Sport Plus, downshifting accurately under braking and holding gears at exit. Fuel consumption averaged 8–9 mpg on track. Driver interface is spot on: seating low with excellent lateral support (Sport Seats Plus), upright sightlines to apexes, and pedals placed for fine brake modulation.
The ride in pit lane is busy in Sport, but compliance over curbs is well controlled—no secondary bounce. Verdict: the GTS 4.0 trades headline power for precision, and on a technical circuit that pays dividends. It’s fast, consistent, and confidence‑inspiring out of the box. Frequent trackers should budget for camber, pads, and more track‑focused tires; everyone else will appreciate the car’s rare blend of response and durability.
If you value feel and repeatability over brute speed, this is the sweet spot in Porsche’s lineup.
