New 718 Cayman GT4 4.0 review - all the Porsche you'd want?

This is the new 718 Cayman GT4 4.0, a car Porsche probably doesn't make money from. In this review Jonny Smith struggles to work out why you would pay the £10k extra for a base model 992 911, or the £35,000 extra to join the back of the queue for the Cayman GT4 RS (released on the day of this shoot at the LA Autoshow) when the naturally aspirated, manual gearboxed GT4 is such an exhilarating and satisfyingly simple car to live with.
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The GT4 uses an adapted version of the 911 992 3.0 block, bored out and without the turbocharging. It delivers 420PS (414bhp) and 420nm of torque, but above 4500rpm - right around to 8000rpm is where the difference is felt. You can order the GT4 as a 6spd manual or 7spd PDK, whereas the RS can only be ordered with the latter 2 pedal set up. The GT4 has 50% more downforce than the previous 3.8 GT4 (which was manual only) and is quicker around that big green hell German toll road than the Carrera GT V10 of 2004. It's as quick as the 997 911 GT3 4.0, which was launched 10 years ago and is probably worth double most of our houses by now.
So at £75k you are being offered Cayman practicalities, balance and semi-balljointed suspension/ giant 380mm brakes taken almost directly from the GT3 911. Yet GT3s are far more expensive. And how badly do you want that 2+2 seating arrangement?
The manual GT4 is 1mph faster than the PDK equipped version, but 0.5 sec down o. 0-62. Can you feel it? No. Does seat time in the GT4 make Jonny feel like this is every bit what you'd want from a performance, naturally aspirated sports Porsche? Absolutely. The RS has extra lairy styling, extra lightness and extra power but you have to question whether we really need it. Especially when the price point with this car as tested is so.... well... Bargainous. Relatively speaking.
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Filmed by: Nick Poole www.nickpoolecreator.com/
Editied by: Alex Tyler filmthistyler.co.uk/
Thumbnail by: Matt Tarrant Design matttarrantdesign.com
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Jonny Smith
Creative content maker, car presenter & car pervert for hire since '98
Website: www.carpervert.com
Instagram: / jonnycarpervert
Twitter: / carpervert
CHAPTERS
0:00 Intro
#porschecaymangt4rs #caymangt4review #thelatebrakeshow #718caymangt4rs

[@neiljoseph904]

I’ve seen many reviews of the GT4 since it’s launch, but I think this is one of the best. Unpretentious, honest and professional. I completely agree with Johnny - if you’re going to buy this car for the joy of driving, ease off the options pedal and keep it simple and attainable. Well done Johnny and the LBS team! ✊🏽

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

Neil, hugely appreciate the comment. Many thanks.

[@neiljoseph904]

@ Yes I have, and I prefer Johnny’s review over Matt’s

[@planesailing6919]

@@neiljoseph904 agreed.

[@GeeWebber]

Agreed. Brilliant down to earth review. Really went into the details that the average driver can relate to.

[@celebrityguessinggame]

Or just buy the GTS ;-)

[@timsaxon5825]

Most reviews are in two parts. Stand in front of the car and talk features, then ‘let’s go take it for a drive’. The way Jonny mixes things up makes it such a better experience.

[@stuartknight1]

"it's not just wanky" definitely need to use that more in engineering meetings at work this week

[@burgundyexpress]

I don't think I have ever seen a KZbin video with no dislikes! This says a lot about your refreshing style Jonny - not trying to be a comedian all the time, just informative and entertaining. I can't afford a GT4. It took me 2 years to find a 981 Cayman S with manual box and leather dash; I will never sell it.

[@niklaswejedal463]

I think generally the Cayman is the most attractive non-EV Porsche, no matter what model you go for.

[@scottleech9571]

Absolutely the best review of this .. so in depth and engaging.

[@mell_gif]

There's a real feel of quality, attention to detail and pride when it comes to these videos. Keep this up Johnny, it's a pleasure to watch these ICE reviews 💯 🇬🇧 👍🏻

[@palbrekke9455]

You really made me want one of these now, Jonny! I was lucky enough to be invited to the press launch of the first generation Cayman in Tuscany many years ago, and was blown away by the handling of the Cayman S, but it felt a bit held back by its engine - likely because it HAD to sit below the current 911 in terms of specs and abilities. Now, with the GT4 (and the RS), it seems Porsche is finally letting this car show its full potential :-) I think you hit the nail on the head in your summary - this could be peak Porsche. And you should definitely get one! :-) Great review!

[@cartergarnon6299]

Did you get one??

[@James-semaJ]

Loved the video as always. My favourite thing about you Jonny is that you haven't changed your style of reviewing. Very informative and so relaxed. I watch your old fifth gear content all the time, I love it.

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

Cheers James, really kind of you. Welcome aboard TLBS.

[@Oldenroadie]

Once again, a stellar review of a stellar piece of automotive design and execution. Love the camera work as well!

[@RickTheSpud]

I love the fact the rear wing is functional and 'not just wanky' ! 😂 Great dynamic real world review.👌

[@stefvds]

Love the passion in your review Johnny! Excellent audio this time too. I think you convinced all of us, this IS a great car!

[@natelasaede8296]

No doubt about it Johnny you always keep it engaging , informative & honest & I love the sheer variety of vehicles you cover.

[@davidsherley2652]

Great review Johnny! I appreciate your emphasis on simplicity - I think that’s the Porsche’s legacy DNA. Also really enjoy your comparisons to the 911 line and where it has gone.

[@mdx9286]

Absolutely brilliant review, mate. Thanks for taking us through the GT4 journey.

[@pintsandcars]

Mate this is one of the best car reviews I have seen! Perfect amount of info. Entertainment and your passion is clear to see! Keep up the good work 🤜

[@antonoat]

Genuine enthusiasm can never be forced, well demonstrated Jonny! Great review of a staggeringly good Porsche👏😀👍.

[@blondkvist2134]

Great review Jonny! Love your laid-back, honest style! All the best! 👍

[@loquek]

Your content is the naturally aspirated manual drive we were all looking for. Thanks for the awesome review, even if I don't get one I was entertained and informed. You're the best!

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

Many thanks. Appreciated.

[@Littlemosslad]

Jonny, you said something that really sang to me: this engine is worth burning fuel for. I totally get it. I think you’ve nailed it there. I’m a big fan of my Golf GTE and my soon-to-be ID.3 and I’ve been kinda wondering why we’d even bother having piston engines anymore, but this car represents why. Cheers matey

[@earlmccowen5197]

I continue to thoroughly enjoy your reviews! What other journalist will sit in the boot to make a point! Priceless! Finally subscribed. Thank you.

[@tturkington4149]

Such a good review Johnny, thank you! Agree with pretty much everything you said. Love the late brake show it is like a real car enthusiast buddy, a car journalist and a car show all rolled into one. If I won the lottery the GT4 would be the one for me too, however in the real world I can't help thinking the Cayman GTS would give you most of the enjoyment for even less cash. Maybe one day!

[@headintclouds3657]

I agree and would even go further with my “real world compromises” and make it the Boxster version too. Roof off perfection.

[@WillProwse]

I have this car. Just bought it last week and it is fantastic. It handles anything I throw at it, sounds amazing and is a rush to drive. Buy it.

[@cecilnoriega7276]

My next Porsche

[@samyb2834]

Congrats!

[@vman992mah2]

Weldone bro. I m still grinding 💪

[@eggbirdtherooster]

Nice man! Do you also have the alcantara wheel? The only downside of a alcantara steeringwheel is that after a while it feels like some fat blokes hairy back, covered in oreo’s.. 😄

[@samyb2834]

@@eggbirdtherooster Ahahahahaha

[@iainlaws5871]

Just sold my 997.2 GT3 - I was going to have a Porker break then watched this, now have a GT4 and no regrets 😁😎👌

[@rjnation5042]

I appreciate your emotion in last few minutes, you showed you care about the future of motoring & it's not all about electric, pile of nuts & bolts with a petrol engine can give pure joy & pleasure, Rj in Oz

[@perstrom632]

Fantastic review! Love your style and blend of knowledge and wit. Keep up the great work!

[@lennartengel1971]

Your review is splendid Johnny, yet again. So eau naturel and on point.

[@simonb7556]

A great review/video. Honest, factual opinions and I like that you use a book for reference. Why waste time trying to remember everything when your notes will suffice. Good work.

[@piersdenney]

Nice one! Great review, super thoughtful and you hit the nail on the head, it’s how it drives, not the stats

[@samharrison8038]

Laughed way more than I should have done at the cut shot to Jonny in the front boot. The beard on jacket head twist sound caught by the mic added another level too. Another great review, Mr Smith

[@stevenwarner7823]

Meticulously prepared and presented. Bravo Jonny

[@garycarr2530]

Your enthusiasm for the Gt 4 comes across loud and clear great video Johnny

[@parvinkukar1259]

Great honest review. I’ve got a cayman base 987 and it puts a smile on face before I even drive, just the anticipation of driving to go a get a pint of milk is enough. If it was my money, I think I’d just go for the Gts, put a rear wing on and save the difference

[@michaelschneider-]

+1... @ 17:00 minutes is a snap-shot of Jonny Smith sitting inside of the Cayman's frunk tub. Needs to be a full-sized poster of The Late Brake Show. .. Someone,, make it happen. .. Cheers, M/S .. Vail, Colorado

[@noelhuggett8745]

Fab car, fab review and fab production, knocked it out of the park again Jonny.

[@scottnewlands628]

What makes this review so damn good, is Jonny is one of us, he's not racing driver. He doesn't hang the tail out on a track to show how much better he is than us, he tells you about the car in real world scenarios. His narrative shows us we don't have to be intimidated and think we'll all end up in a tree, and we can enjoy the analog thrill of a piston car while we can. OTSOT

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

Cheers Scott.

[@jacksimpson3189]

Possibly the best review ever, Johnny keep the content coming please 👌

[@BaconSandwich72]

What a relief to see a Jonny Smith review of my current favourite attainable (ish) Porsche. You want to watch yourself Jonny, you're becoming a go-to for down to earth, unpretentious reviews.

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

Thank you v much! Welcome aboard TLBS.

[@fishbert17]

Nice review, Jonny. If I had the money I would buy one like a shot. All the performance anyone needs, restrained styling, great soundtrack.

[@RykovskyA]

Great review. Thanks for sharing your passion

[@jamessheehy4895]

Made me want one now! Superb video

[@philkelly4732]

Great review Jonny!

[@thedownshiftchannel]

This sits right up on my possibly stainable dream car list! It ticks all the boxes

[@tonymartin5444]

Fantastic review!

[@jaysweetman2483]

My 5 year old Cayman GTS still makes me smile. Fabulous machines indeed.

[@funkyfin3023]

Thorough, informative and passionate review. I want one of these with a basic spec not the RS.

[@Cheapsh0t247]

Typically brilliant greatly informative review as always Jonny

[@mikesbikestoyswalkley2232]

Brilliant review. I now want one!

[@Cymrunsw]

Love your down-to-earth, no-bullshit review and rationale on why a Cayman is better than a 911 on country roads. You're up there with Henry Catchpole in delivering quality motoring journalism. Would love to see you review an iconic Caterham 7

[@mec-tec]

Nice one Jonny, I think that's a superb car, also I like the simplicity side of things, there's something to be said for pure simple driving pleasure 👍👍 MEC

[@krimbolina]

Loving yr work JS, keep it coming 👍

[@fairmonthotel]

I LOVE THE PASHION AND THE GOOD FUN SPRIT OF YOUR VIDEOS keep on keeping on regards

[@HawkMillFarm]

Nice to see you review something current modern and sporty, no risk of putting you in any pigeon hole. Loved it, keeping it fresh. I'll still have a 911 for the cabin space, my 991.1 has the lovely sounding 3.8 NA at around 400hp and is my peak Porsche.

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

Thanks David, appreciate that.

[@davecoussens9801]

Simply ace review Jonny 👏👏👏

[@SrikkanthG]

No idea why I watch reviews of Cars I cannot buy but for the first time, some one explained all the version of Cayman in a very layman terms. Thanks a ton for that.

[@richardwatts6653]

Great review , I very nearly bought one but went for a V10 R8 manual with a proper handbrake and no turbos . Keep up the great work 🙏😍

[@nls8520]

Not even 30 seconds in and you have me interested in this review well done, subscribed.

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

Why thank you v much. Welcome on board TLBS.

[@brendankeenanFF]

If you’re going to deliver accurate and thoughtful reviews like this, I’m just going to have to like and subscribe.

[@JBOsurf]

Fantastic review Jonny! As per my comments on your Insta, now please do a video on the 981 GT4 with carbon buckets. Even more visceral, better sounding, better clutch feel...and...CHEAPER! They are a total bargain at the moment...they won't be for long...Thanks again for your excellent content on this channel and on Smith and Sniff.

[@joncox9098]

Great video. Thanks

[@SirLoinOfsteak85]

I think that's possibly the best looking Porsche yet. Were I to have that kind of money to spend on a new car, that would be top of what I'd want. Great review Johnny!

[@nigelwaller6171]

Excellent review......lovely practical weapon to take for a blast. Sleeping beasts in a garage that are easily woken up.

[@magnus2025]

What a masterpiece rewiev ❤ I completely agree with you Johnny that 911 is starting to get too big for the fun roads as little brother is the fun option Thank you for this time ........ masterpiece ❤

[@Vtinoco]

Great review 🔥🔥🔥

[@johnj2983]

Always a pleasure watching your reviews Jonny. My testicles are currently enjoying a 981 Cayman S (Manual). The GT4 is next.

[@darrenpointer5673]

Great work Jonny as always! I like the way you presented the car pervert bottle cubby hole and a wave of the hand 😁

[@andrewhurstcars]

Great car. Some of these GT4 are being advertised at over list, so not quite a bargain yet. Perhaps the last 4.0l GT4 Cayman if the next model is electric only.

[@brendanmcateer5827]

Great review. 👍

[@h12st_d63]

Your videographer had some real fun with this one, great cinematic’s at the beginning 🔥👌🏻

[@DSM911]

Outstanding review.....

[@rtw9655]

Great review. Agree, it’s a keeper!!

[@jamescollinge3291]

Great road test, I get the feeling if "Richard Porter" was to do an article on Jonny it would be based on Jonny falling in love with a car as they took bits away from it. No buttons on steering wheel, love it. Smaller wheels, love it. No indicators, love it. No bonnet, love it.

[@sq1rlsqu4d]

I really like the way you put these reviews together; bit of driving, bit or reading from your notebook (trademark Jonny), interesting opinions. Good stuff. I'm no fan of the 911, but the 718 Cayman is a cracking thing. Even at the equivalent of about £226,000 before options over here in my neck of the woods 😱

[@keithockenden7719]

I am fortunate and grateful to own a 718 GT4, also lucky enough that to run a new 992 Turbo Cab, give me the GT4 anytime, they are such a precision machine, look awesome, sound great and explode your senses. Well done Jonny, great honest review of an absolute stunning road going and track car, your summary of the overall ownership balance is spot on!

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

Many thanks for watching Keith. Great car choices too.

[@philippendlebury4518]

Brilliant review and very likeable bloke. Nice one.

[@thomasteger7334]

Splendid review. I now want one!

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

Me too. Many thanks!

[@iansmith7387]

Great review JS , all the points made also apply to my car , the 981 GT4 , an amazing sports car.

[@icsunonove72]

This review deserves my comment. It's just sensible and bloody good, a bit like the car, but somehow even better.

[@ianmuir7746]

Great Review😀

[@grimsanchez5928]

Awesome video and amazing car 🔥

[@stephenswift9868]

I’d have it in some kind of colour (probably green) but apart from that I’d have it as is! I agree the 911 is getting too big; perhaps Porsche can at least freeze the size for the next iteration? I love the enthusiasm Great video!

[@gavinmillington1094]

I think it would look great in silver. Great review Jonny.

[@petesplaneta9340]

Brilliant review. Definitely made me want to drive one of these and reminded me of some of the joy of driving piston cars. Still sticking to EVs though, but a good reminder!

[@bigboost2641]

Loved the review and car!! Spotted it was filmed near Swindon Wanborough Lambourne area. 😎

[@jim_bocho]

Thanks for the review (must have missed it when it came out 🤔)! Love the enthusiasm put into these without losing focus on the facts. Probably would lean towards the GTS, don’t need even that, definitely don’t need more. Only observation would be the in car and walk-around bits do repeat themselves… repeatedly 😉

[@AbandonEarth911]

Thanks Jonny superb review, i might have a look at the pdk GT4.

[@Leon2W]

Absolutely loved this review Jonny! I agree that this might just be peak ICE road car. I have a 987 Cayman S myself and I get a smile on my face just thinking about driving it.

[@thedrivebygg]

Just stumbled across your channel, nice to see you back reviewing cars, in a human way. 👍

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

Welcome aboard TLBS Graham.

[@amphilbey]

Great video Jonny, feels like this and cars such as the Aston V12 Vantage are ones to keep and then hand down to the children and grandchildren one day

[@craigbeamer9611]

Very funny..great vid..love the one liners.

[@greggScutum]

Thank you for sending a little bit of that Porsche driving engagement emotions through this episode. Well spent 25 min :)

[@janlindblom6570]

Thanks for a really nice video! I bought one today.

[@CS21dude]

Being a 4.0L GTS owner, I’ve seen every video on it and the GT4 / Sypder - I really enjoyed your take on it. Nice video, subscribed.

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

Many thanks, welcome aboard TLBS

[@global_nomad.]

smashing review....thank you.....might prefer the GTS...would have to drive both to know, but as you say, at this moemnt in history you would want the peak package and this may well be it.

[@StandingUpForBetter]

Well done. I LOVE this car. I am not going to lie; I was really disappointed the RS did not come with a manual option. Because of this, the GT4 with a 6-speed manual is the Porsche for me. BTW your comment about how wide modern sports cars and super cars are getting is on point. This is not an issue on the race track but with everyday driving and car that takes up 2 lanes of traffic is not fun to drive. This is what I am a fan of this GT4, along with the Honda Civic Type R, the Mazda Miata, the Toyota 86 and the upcoming Nissan Z.

[@The63Jazz]

Nailed it with this one Jonny.

[@trompolystudio]

Love this video. 5:04 is the exact question I asked myself.

[@chrisd635csi]

Bloody excellent review, for some reason reminded me of 'Grand designs' style presentation but on a car, really engaging! Special vehicle that Porsche

[@mat9516]

Nice one - interesting review

[@rickj8859]

Good review ...