PORSCHE 718 Cayman GT4 - 1500 MILE REVIEW - ON THE STUNNING SUSTEN PASS IN SWITZERLAND!

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In this UNSPONSORED video I share with you my opinions on my recently acquired 718 Cayman GT4. This car has been the darling of the UK motoring media since its launch in 2019 but once again the needs of an owner who actually lives with the car have been overlooked in reviews and a lot of the dislikes were a surprise to me even though before buying I'd been watching and reading every single 718 GT4 review.
The hotel tour was an experiment more than anything and was largely done because this hotel was good value and very well located for the passes. There's a more expensive hotel in Andermatt town but you are better off spending the cash on super unleaded.
This video can be divided into the following sections;
0:00 A taste of what's to come
0:07 Graphics by @haslerdesigns
0:10 What this video is about
0:46 Where we are staying and why
1:08 Unsponsored tour of our hotel in case you want to do the same
1:55 Unsponsored look at our hotel room
3:11 What I like about my 718 Cayman GT4
8:05 Please subscribe and don't miss the GT4 1000 road trip video
8:33 The less good things about my 718 Cayman GT4
14:17 Overall verdict and why the Susten Pass is an epic road
16:30 Graphics by @haslerdesigns
PLEASE SUBSCRIBE HERE AND GET ME TO 100K (THANKS FOR GETTING ME TO 50K!)
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[@crointhevette]

Had the same exhaust complaints on my car. All you need is over axle pipes and a valve controller and all your problems are solved. No need for aftermarket catback system. Beautiful car by the way!

[@neilgaydon5430]

Your old GTS was from a different regulatory period. A 718 era N/A needs a new exhaust system with all the nanny'ing removed...watch the Car Guys Spyder. Unbelievable views and roads, Thank you so much for such great quality film footage. It has inspired me to book a trip in my manual F430 which will light up those tunnels with V8 naturally aspirated Pavarotti goodness

[@colinw1591]

Sounded pretty good to me Andrew. Think that engine also has cylinder deactivation under light throttle which can make it sound slightly different to when under load..... 👍

[@volkswizard]

Yes indeed Colin, the cylinder (actually bank) deactivation is very noticeable, there is a bass tone that changes when it switches. It's a bit like the bass line in Gary Numan 'Cars' :)

[@mx5mad]

I've always noticed the scrape marks at the entrance to Porsche Solihull and very carefully crossed that nasty gradient difference between the slope up into the garage and the camber of the road. My 981 GTS used to clear it, but hopefully there is a knack to getting in and out in a GT4, as I'll be getting one soon. Such a shame there's no axle lift for the regular GT4.

[@malcolmscott4150]

Lovely adventure on such scenic roads but I’d want to be the one driving as passengers in right hand countries get to see oncoming traffic very clearly - if wet on cup 2s I’d want more room to catch but sure if winter driving in uk you’d need a set of suitable tyres. With PPF exhausts I think only the soon extinct NA V8s sound good and worry aftermarket options induce other issues. Impressive car and economy and you’ve got a great example 🎯👏🏎

[@jay_petrol]

Thanks for a great car review and travel advice. Having owned both the 981 GT4 and 718 4,0 GTS I’d say you’re spot on and raise important reflections for viewers potentially considering owning any of these cars. I think the 981 and 718 GT4s share the basic common traits. Today I daily a new RS3 and took it to the Austrian alps this summer and am super happy with it. Love your content 👍

[@Stirls]

Great video. Agree about Susten pass….secrets out! Not sure about your review of PDK…it has auto blip and is great for pass work, even when switching to M stick mode. Doesn’t suffer from long gearing as it’s just the 2.7, BUT that engine is probably more fun for the reasons you explained. Your boot is smaller in 718 compared to 981. They obviously must have moved bits around? I have floor mat for 718 that doesn’t fit nicely in 981. Wish I’d removed blind for more space. Doh😅 Will post our Susten tunnel soon….it has a twist at end😮

[@justinbrown7110]

Great series of travel videos. I wish to use the car in similar way to you so the Alfa chap below would despise me. Question for Kate really. Is it too loud and uncomfortable on long motorway journeys? I test drove a gorgeous silver GT4 and was surprised how compliant it was but my over whelming impression was how loud it was. I thought my wife would hate it (she didn't like me driving my 987.2 fast but was happy to be in). Is the GTS 4.0 much quieter or only a little? I have driven one but all i remember is it was more exciting than 991.2 4s i tried on same day. and that i had to try a GT4. I probably only 'need' (first world problem, obvs) a GTS but i just love the look of GT4 - and its a GT4! (tried to negotiate on the car and someone 'deposited' it while i dithered

[@volkswizard]

I've just asked Kate and she recalls that it was pretty comfortable and not too loud on that trip and she didn't really notice any greater discomfort than in my 981 Boxster GTS during the Venice trip 3 month earlier. A big caveat is that my GT4 has the standard seats, the buckets would be too much both in how awkward they are regarding entry and especially egress but also their unyielding carbon structure means none of the compliance you get a in a standard seat which I am pretty sure would tip the car into being too uncomfortable. The ride is a bit crashy at slower speeds but as the speed and loading increase it starts to get more compliant but the roads in Europe are generally smoother than here. 718 GTS and GT4 exhausts are not that noisy due to having to comply with stricter drive by noise regulations but this particulary engine does sound quite thrashy in the cabin at certain rpms but it's not a deal breaker and the fact it's behind you helps as the noise is being whisked away by the slipstream. Go for GT4, it's very special and not much more than the already brilliant GTS.

[@justinbrown7110]

Thanks for reply from both of you. Buckets definitely not for me as i like drive lying down according to my wife :)

[@gurpreetsarang8929]

Nice video. Interestingly my Boxster 25 4 litre doesn’t have as much engine chatter at low revs and generally sounds better than your GT4. I saw from other you tube videos that Porsche introduced some changes for later model years 🤷‍♂️

[@kjdewolff]

Very nice! I stayed in that hotel last year on a road trip with the 964. Lovely hotel and you forgot to mention the excellent swimming pool with a view over the mountains! Prefer the sound of the GTS over the GT4 though

[@volkswizard]

I did feel bad for not mentioning the pool as at the time of filming I'd not been in it, it's amazing, never seen a hotel with one that big before!

[@andrewmcivor42]

It's funny, but i actually prefer the sound of the Cayman! Probably because it doesn't crackle & pop, but that's very subjective (& wouldn't bother me in the slightest). I am only a lottery win away from owning a Cayman GTS (it's probably more of a "Grand Tourer" than the GT4 & is plenty for me, i know my limits!). Your GT4 is mightily impressive as a GT car though, i thought it might be too much of a track focused machine, but it's truly impressive. Said this in a previous comment, but (new & if money was no object), id pick a Cayman GTS over any of the current 911s (although I might be able to squeeze the dog into the back of a 911🤣)

[@VK6AB-]

The reason the park brake doesn't come on automatically is because if it did this after a track session, it could lock the brake pads onto the rotors (due to heat). About 30% of GT car owners have tracked their cars and the idea behind a GT3 or GT4 is they are genuinely track capable and have that design use in mind along with road use. I always find it slightly odd when someone buys a car designed for track enjoyment and then complains about it having not taken it to the track. The gear ratios as an issue are way overblown. 😀

[@stevecade857]

Perhaps it should have the option to toggle with the cars modes. Track mode and auto handbrake is disabled with a warning icon on the dash once in neutral and stationary. Any other mode and auto handbrake is enabled. The electronic handbrake location on Porsches is bad ergonomics tbh. Out of sight, out of mind and not the easiest to find sometimes.

[@volkswizard]

But it's the same on all of them from base model upwards. Even on a GT car it's going to be more useful to have it come on automatically as the times when this will be useful will outweight the times immediately after being on track when the driver can choose to take it off manually anyway. By your own stats 70% of owners don't use them on track so why gear it towards the minority? Regardless, in this day and age it should be configurable by the driver. When Golf 7 launched it didn't automatically apply EPB but a few model years later they perfected the logic. When I come off track in my Clubsport S or leave it in storage for longer periods, I just flick it off.

[@VK6AB-]

@@volkswizard Perhaps Porsche aren't for you?

[@MegaRockeman]

"The gear ratios as an issue are way overblown." I own a 718 GT4 and agree 100%. I think it's mostly just something car journos say because they can't think of any thing else to say. You forget about it almost instantly upon driving the car in any real scenario. And for the racing I do, which is the only time I really notice the ratios in any real way, they are well chosen.

[@VK6AB-]

@@MegaRockeman Exactly, they are used to driving cars with the redline set at 6000 RPM not 8 or 9 thousand. 😀

[@nickwavehighfidelity7651]

I enjoy your videos but please try to keep at least one hand on the steering wheel! In the UK the view is that generally both hands should be on the steering wheel "unless one hand is performing another critical task, such as changing gear or operating the indicators.” Taking both hands off the wheel to wave them around whilst making a video is not a critical task. 🤣

[@MacellaioNero]

If you're not intending to use the car on track you have no real need for the Cup2 tyres because you'll never be routinely getting them up to temp and chasing the grip limit on the road. You just can't achieve the speeds needed to do so safely or legally. Swap to Pilot Sport 4 S tyres, you absolutely will not notice the lower theoretical grip limit during road use, they don't need as much heat to reach optimal use temp, they'll last longer, their wet grip performance is industry leading for a performance tyre, and they're even far cheaper. I was actually shocked you're on Cup 2s, brilliant tyre, but not at all the best choice for weekend/daily road use or the touring shown here.

[@itsjustaname777]

Assuming it doesn't have an OPF/GPF there's a lot you can do aftermarket wise to make it sound lovely.

[@richardbaron2948]

That opening location is absolutely bloody stunning mate!! Love the car too.

[@grahamatsea3575]

I guess the subdued exhaust note is because of petrol particulate filters.

[@danielhoughton5373]

All 718 GT4 and GTS4.0 were hit by EU regulations that Porsche had to obey. Increasing noise, emissions and particulate rules were in place. Porsche can't not follow rules. Hence the HUGE aftermarket exhaust availability. Kline, Akrapovich, Cargraphic etc. Plenty to choose from and most will make it sound better.

[@jonfrench7133]

Great content been looking forward to this. Totally the right choice, pinky was a near miss. Just treated mine to a little more front end PPF and ceramic top up so ready for a proper road tip

[@VK6AB-]

Based on this review, I suggest you buy a car more suited to your needs rather than wants. 😀

[@jimrooney9926]

Andrew, your videos are getting better and better. Truly awesome roads and scenery. Car sounded a lot better in the last segment of your video👍

[@718GT4RS]

That 4.0 makes a lot of chatter. They all do. As for the sound, petrol filters have killed the sound, stick a aftermarket exhaust system on. My 981 Spyder exhaust was pure symphony. My 4RS sounds incredible, but only on the inside.

[@flyinghedgehog3833]

Bit underwhelming.. Great scenery!

[@user-gg3oo2hc7w]

Great video! I stayed at the same hotel literally a week before you! We had a view of the building site and cranes. I have a 718 Spyder in an identical spec and share your pros and cons! Thanks again

[@JamesSmith-fm3ry]

Can someone tell me what justifies the price on a GT4? Twice the price of a standard cayman, similar to a 911?!?!

[@volkswizard]

It's only a smidge dearer than the standard Cayman with a six cylinder engine. A nearly new one is the same price as a well used 991 911 GT3 with which it shares its front end. It's a lot more focused than any non-GT3 911, it's also mid-engined which the 911 isn't (apart from the 2019 911 RSR racing car which Porsche Motorsport decided worked better with the Cayman's mid engined layout rather the traditional 911 engine out back format) .

[@13asingh]

I recommend an aftermarket midpipe and a valve controller system to keep them open. That's all you need to have amazing an amazing exaust on the GT4

[@paulgarrad1581]

You forgot to mention the noise from the building work right next to the hotel! Susten and Nufenen are two my favourite roads anywhere.

[@volkswizard]

If it had been noisy on our side I'd have mentioned it but yes Reussen is one big building site thanks to Egyptian cash.

[@jonfrench7133]

oh and thank OPF for no ear blood

[@eddie275a]

Great video and I agree with you on pretty much all the points you've raised. 👍 Did you consider the 981 GT4 at all as that sounds epic compared to the 718 GT4?

[@volkswizard]

I didn't consider 981 GT4 during this purchasing process because when you consider the cost vs the age, the 718 wins hands down and even being a young car it's still easy to get it wrong and you'd have to be very lucky to get a fresh 981 GT4 at any price. Also 718 is apparently a lot faster and I don't like the back of any 981 including GT4 with those massive lights. You can fix the exhaust a lot more easily than all the above. It remains a mystery how Dan Prosser could find 981 and 718 sound similar from inside the cabin when he did the back to back Pistonheads comparison.

[@eddie275a]

@@volkswizard - interesting reasoning. Although I don't think it's that difficult to find a good example of a 981GT4 (many of the owners don't seem to drive them as much as keeping them looking pristine) - there are generally fewer around (there's at least double the amount of 718 GT4s). Either way, they're both phenomenal cars to own and drive. Five years into mine and every drive is still like the first. Keep on enjoying yours and look forward to seeing more of your adventures with it.

[@philipguacci6452]

Did your wife enjoy the ride. Passengers sometimes get car sick from motion. I hate backseats, I always got sick. Front passenger seat makes me squirm also. But the car and scenery was magnificent. Cheers Andrew.

[@volkswizard]

Thanks Philip. She was OK actually. We were talking about the passes today and it was only the Furka Pass that made her nervous as it's quite tight and some guy in a 997 coming the other way must have been distracted when he saw me with a 997 behind, he hit the kerb on nearside and nearly bounced across the carriageway into us.

[@andrewbarnard6935]

Great cars, I forgot about the annoying handbrake. It shocked me how comfortable they are, even over bumps, with buckets. The dampening must be amazing. Long gears did bug me, especially during running in period. Enjoy the car

[@SC-xy7cn]

How long was your break in period? I’m annoyed at how long it is

[@danielrussell446]

Hi Andrew a great video fabulous scenery and a great car what’s more to like! I love the new Porsche love the colour and always liked the 911 and those types of Porsches so easy for me! It sounds and looks great sorry to hear about the splitter and I agree about the illogical handbrake position it’s amazing how manufacturers seem to want to hide them and make them hard to use! Hope you are both having a great time what an experience! All the best to you both Daniel

[@duncanwood4313]

Cracking video Andrew! It sounds pretty good at full chat! Maybe an exhaust will help improve it even more!

[@volkswizard]

Thanks Duncan. They do sound OK at full chat but the earlier cars sound amazing at part throttle but nothing that can't be fixed:)

[@4liter]

Complains about two trunks in a sports car 😂 LORD😊 Noise is easily fixed with Flat6 or similar over axle pipes and BMC filters. Gearing is tall, but same as 991.2 GT3 manual. No one ever complains about it in that car.

[@geewiz38]

So many great passes in Switzerland - Susten is brilliant. Interested in what after market exhaust you finally choose

[@volkswizard]

I'd say Susten is my favorite with Nufenen (which I didn't have time to revisit this time). Furka is a bit narrow and rough at times and Grimsel isn't that scenic.

[@ballra]

The train passing was the icing on the cake for that scenery shot 🙏🏼

[@volkswizard]

That was good but the train going up into the mountains via the cog wheel line was even better, it looked like that red train but was at a crazy angle (for a train). The Swiss do trains very well.

[@Aaron_mk2]

That view from the hotel 👌 we did some of these passes a few weeks ago in my partners TT, amazing 😁

[@volkswizard]

Hope you enjoyed it! TT would work well there

[@p.k.7111]

Can you no lift shift it?

[@volkswizard]

I don't think so but if I get a press car GT4 I will try it :)

[@p.k.7111]

@@volkswizard hahaha right answer

[@kagisomogoshane5094]

Nice Video like wise ......I still don't understand how car enthusiasts insist on buying manual cars ..... they are horrible on long distance trips

[@focus3303]

I ve done the Col de turini up through to Stelvio.....awesome drive 🙏

[@trigganometry168]

What an amazing country definitely a must visit. Too bad I can’t bring my Cayman with me at a reasonable cost.

[@p.k.7111]

Beautiful country, incredible roads and yet worst county for any petrolhead.

[@MatW1234]

Was eyeing up this car at Saxton, glad to see it’s being used. Picking up my own guards red car tomorrow ❤

[@georgeyung3546]

Lovely video. Switzerland is amazing country. Looking forward for the 922.2 porsche to come out

[@tonyjazz4073]

Great video/production and content info. Car was ok too!😂

[@kieran2744]

Think it was a jcr exhaust Shmee put on his GT4 and made world of difference if I remember correctly

[@volkswizard]

You are correct but I don't trust influencers who get stuff FOC or are even paid to promote stuff, to tell you the full story. It might sound good but is it boomy when cruising for example? JCR stuff is great but JCR is a racing driver so need convincing it will work on the road before forking out a not insigificant sum :)

[@kieran2744]

Completely understand, hopefully you get chance to get out and hear a few different systems to make a decision. Are you leaning initially to anything at the moment?

[@cayman2lambo2025]

My 22 GT4 shows what’s behind me.

[@whathasxgottodowithit3919.]

Great video as always Andrew

[@tonyosullivan2382]

Brilliant video 👌 definitely an aftermarket exhaust needed. Looking forward to the next one 🤙

[@volkswizard]

Thanks so much Tony, big edit needed to shape 3 days of footage into 1 or 2 videos but looking forward to revisiting the trip as feels like a dream now

[@tonyosullivan2382]

@@volkswizard I can imagine. It looked absolutely stunning 👌 came across really well on screen.

[@rayborg7378]

Every car no matter what will have its flaws . Having said that this Porsche has to be one of the few cars I would consider of buying its that good.Finally when cracking on the rain is never ideal is it.There are few ones like Vic Elford in this world.

[@NicktheBuffer]

Appreciate the location sharing! So cool to see you in a GT4 😊

[@volkswizard]

Thanks Nick, not sure how it would go down on the channel so appreciate the feedback. Not sure who inspired me to go to the Susten Pass back in 2012 but Henry Catchpole's F40 story made me go back, only took 9 years! www.evo.co.uk/ferrari/f40/13946/ferrari-f40-across-the-alps-inside-evo-video

[@kriskalpa]

FWIW, it's a different beast to the Boxster GTS. GT4 is more like a racecar. The GTS is probably more suited to your needs and requirements, and half the price! Thank you for making the video great to see and will try it myself next year.

[@anthonyanderson9737]

Perhaps investigate whether possible to stop the cylinder deactivation to make it sound better when cruising

[@mn8398]

Switched with the Stop Start system. So isn't on at all in Sport and Sport Plus modes and can otherwise be switched on the button. Only operates 1600-3000rpm at fairly constant torque of around 74ft/lb of load on the GT4 anyway, so rarely evident.

[@Scalbow95]

Im sure theres plenty of premium aftermarket performance exhausts

[@volkswizard]

There are but waving goodbye to (extended) Porsche Warranty is the issue

[@BenB91]

Need to get an aftermarket exhaust fitted. Speak to Litchfield

[@Fractal379]

Excellent timing - Good job! 🍺

[@volkswizard]

Thank you kindly!

[@garys7828]

its a cool car in my view😃

[@richardsayer1533]

The wait was worth it….great footage! 👊🏻

[@volkswizard]

Glad you enjoyed it Richard!

[@jonathonbrett-qn1ic]

Fantastic car beautiful scenery:) enjoy

[@davidhall7744]

Love a road trip video 😉🚗

[@RickGTI2019]

Yeah, I could put up with the negativity of a Porsche any day ! Great road trip, thanks. RickGTI….. 🌴🇺🇸

[@johnmorrison27]

That was brilliant thank you 👍

[@volkswizard]

Glad you enjoyed it John, thanks for watching

[@DRDELTS]

JCR Exhaust.. +50bhp and a proper sound, problem solved.

[@Birmingham_racing]

I know life isn't always this good but those roads and views in a cayman it doesn't get much better right now

[@terminatedphil]

Flip your 718 GT4 for a 981 GT4 and save some cash.

[@volkswizard]

No chance - it's hard enough to buy a decent 718 GT4, 981 only a bit cheaper and many will be tired by now

[@pauldavies7251]

​@@volkswizard"tired" Jesus what a silly comment, it's not a golf hit that a boy racer has been driving,

[@terminatedphil]

@@volkswizard I would suggest you test drive one and take it from there. Are you still in Switzerland? I could help you out with a 981 GT4 😊

[@Redducati1199]

My 2016 27k mile 981 is far from tired! Still feels tight as a drum and scalpel sharp, Plus is sounds utter epic.@@volkswizard

[@BenB91]

Did your Boxster sell?

[@jamest5149]

On CUP 2, keep below 70mph if there is any standing water, the risk of aquaplaning goes up massively over 60mph and its almost like a switch after 70 mph… don’t ask how I know 🩳 💩😱 otherwise they stand up to normal driving in cold conditions well and get better as heat is introduced to be able to push… but just cruise in the wet and keep top speed below 70mph!

[@volkswizard]

Great advice, thanks James 👍

[@jamest5149]

If you can get an a wet track and quiet day or driver education day you can then push and find the limits, they are a bit edgy until they get some heat but offer immense grip even in the wet but the lack of tread depth from new let alone 1/2 worm means puddles and standing water is ‘interesting’ with snap over or under steer depending which axle is aquaplaning. Just be aware below freezing temperatures can cause cracking and damage to the tyres so a second set of alloys with dedicated winter tyres (or all seasons if they do them In the right size) makes real sense if you are going to use the gt4 all year 👍

[@peterbest5938]

Cracking video 👍

[@volkswizard]

Thanks Peter 😁👍

[@johntraynor1992]

Change the tyres to Pilot Sport 4S

[@volkswizard]

I know a lot of people do that but I'd like to keep it authentic/original as it's not a daily and become a better driver instead

[@davidcross47]

Yeah, doesn’t sound so good, doesn’t look so good, not convertible, not so safe, ridiculous spoiler, it looks like you’re fighting it rather than enjoying it, and it costs twice as much. But it’s clearly not twice as good. I’d rather have the GTS all day long. Sorry.

[@volkswizard]

It's really only the sound that's an issue. I don't really miss the convertible thing and it's often too cold on the passes anyway, even at the height of summer, I prefer the looks (as ever this is subjective). No it's not twice as good but some of that premium is because it's newer and lower mileage and signficantly tighter and fresher as a result.

[@GreenMeanie76-jp8bp]

A stone wall on one side and a sheer drop on the other in a beast of a car. Yikes!

[@volkswizard]

Watching the footage back it does look scarier than it was, what's less obvious is the road salt which reduced the grip levels more than you might think, hence why I nearly outbraked myself on the way down on a right hand corner. I assume it's so cold first thing up there that it can ice up (which is much worse than a bit of salt!).

[@ivanb3303]

Its a GT3 motor enjoy and Drive

[@tluehrig]

Only the GT4 RS has the GT3 engine...

[@ivanb3303]

@@tluehrig My Bad :)

[@Alfa-23-ARAC]

You really seem to have missed the point, Porsche make GT products for people who can drive, most of what you don’t like about the GT4 is irrelevant to people who can drive and enjoy driving. Can’t believe you publish this video and share the moment you nearly force the black SUV into the scenery. Stick with the golf, probably safer for you and the rest of us.