Originally Posted by Whoopsy

If one only put away the bias that the 911 is the top dog and 'should' be faster.......

911, with the rear engine layout, takes time to get used to, and is rewarding once one get the hang of it. Doesn't means it's the best layout for going fast, but it is what most Porsche owners are used to.

The Cayman/Boxster had always been the 2nd class citizen in the line up, handicapped engine output, handicapped gearbox, etc. It was never given a fair fight.

The GT4RS is the closest thing to a 'fair fight' against a 911. Same engine as a GT3, with a bespoke gearbox. Tire sizes are still a compromise but at least it's close enough for people to compare mid engine vs rear engine sort of fairly.

Having driven almost every single model Porsche made, which includes all generations of 911s, all generations of Cayman/Boxster, same with Macans, Cayennes, Panamera, Taycan, 924, 944, 968, 928, CGT and 918. Only road cars I haven't is the GT1, 959, 356s, 550 Spyder and the 914 ( never will, completely not interested in the ugliest Porsche ever and it's not even a proper Porsche, but that's another long topic for some other time). I really think the GT4RS is the best from Porsche up to this point in time, yes, even better than the 992 GT3, just because of the mid engine layout and much much better gearing. 992 GT3 is just simply over rated and the GT4RS under rated.

If I were to only be able to keep 3 Porsches ever. #1 would be the 918, there will never be another more complex car made, technology tour de force. A 911 turbo S, any generation, as they are the pinnacle of all around sports car of their respective generations, and the 3rd car might as well be the GT4RS, alternative would be a 959, or a GT1. That's how highly I think of the GT4RS.

Originally Posted by greatfox315

If Porsche truly wanted the Cayman to dethrone the 911, they’d give it multilink rear and double wishbone front suspension.

Originally Posted by SToronto

Not sure he’s saying Porsche is trying to dethrone the 911 with the Cayman. It’ll forever be just under the 911 GT product. So there’s no truly.

it’s a 718, it is what it is. Another product line with its own specifications. That sits below 911. Always will in my opinion. Unless 911 GT product goes end of life.

it’s a strange narrative when people speak of the « Cayman Complex ». As if Porsche is intentionally handicapping it to prevent it from leading the sports car lineup within the brand. Or that they are forgetting to add the right parts to have it beat 911 GT product.

Originally Posted by SToronto

Not sure he’s saying Porsche is trying to dethrone the 911 with the Cayman. It’ll forever be just under the 911 GT product. So there’s no truly.

it’s a 718, it is what it is. Another product line with its own specifications. That sits below 911. Always will in my opinion. Unless 911 GT product goes end of life.

it’s a strange narrative when people speak of the « Cayman Complex ». As if Porsche is intentionally handicapping it to prevent it from leading the sports car lineup within the brand. Or that they are forgetting to add the right parts to have it beat 911 GT product.

Originally Posted by SToronto

Not sure he’s saying Porsche is trying to dethrone the 911 with the Cayman. It’ll forever be just under the 911 GT product. So there’s no truly.

it’s a 718, it is what it is. Another product line with its own specifications. That sits below 911. Always will in my opinion. Unless 911 GT product goes end of life.

it’s a strange narrative when people speak of the « Cayman Complex ». As if Porsche is intentionally handicapping it to prevent it from leading the sports car lineup within the brand. Or that they are forgetting to add the right parts to have it beat 911 GT product.

Originally Posted by thuggo

I find it hard to believe they "forgot" to add on a better suspension setup.

Originally Posted by jmartpr

It does have improvements over all previous Cayman/Boxsters...but if you are referring to giving it multi-link and double wishbone (like the 992 GT3) that would require a whole redesigned uni body as the 981/982 can't be adapted to that suspension setup.

Originally Posted by jmartpr

It does have improvements over all previous Cayman/Boxsters...but if you are referring to giving it multi-link and double wishbone (like the 992 GT3) that would require a whole redesigned uni body as the 981/982 can't be adapted to that suspension setup.

Originally Posted by thuggo

And yet there's an aftermarket multilink rear setup available...if Porsche wanted to do it they could have.

Originally Posted by greatfox315

Porsche have demonstrated that, if it truly matters to them, they can engineer a bespoke suspension geometry for a single model.

Originally Posted by jmartpr

Agreed....the mid platform is just another product designed to offer choice inside their lineup.
From the start the plan was to offer something a bit more affordable so the design of all generations and models follow this. It is what it is.....a great car never the less.

Originally Posted by greatfox315

I 100% believe it is intentional on Porsche’s part. They are masters at extracting every cent possible from their clientele. The hierarchy justifies the higher prices for the 911 models and the 718/Cayman is a stepping stone to get there. I totally agree that if they could kill off the 911, it would allow the 718 to go full-fat.

However the 911 is too iconic, and the 718 is not, so that is highly unlikely. What is more likely is for the 718 to go electric, and the 911 to go mid-engine (a la RSR) to take it to the next level of capability.

All that is really tertiary, though. The GT4RS is supremely capable, enjoyable as an experience, and is worthy of all the praise it has been lauded with. Even more to the point, the GT4RS plays a unique role in Porsche’s lineup. It straddles the line between serious and fun, placing an inordinate amount of weight on driving pleasure without chasing ultimate lap times. It is the Caterham of Porsche sports cars - the hedonist’s choice.

Originally Posted by jmartpr

and then you have a GT4RS that cost more than the 992 GT3......blowing all their model structure and probably creating a mess on the production line.
Again....it is, what it is and we should be glad they actually did this car. They even finally addressed the gearing problem.

Originally Posted by SToronto

Yes, an absolutely fine car! Having had GT4 and GT3 with both of the current ones coming soon as well. I thoroughly enjoy both but to put it simply the feel of GT4 is just so tight on track, with ease. The small cabin adds to the experience. Hoping to replace the 4 with 4RS next year...while keeping the Touring.

Originally Posted by greatfox315

Some claim the Cayman is not a “real Porsche”. It’s also interesting that your disdain for the 914 is so high, yet you have no qualms about driving a 924, originally and Audi project with and Audi engine - another car claimed to be not a “real Porsche”