audipwr1

This is where I am struggling too - I want one but then what do I do with my 997.1 gt3?

Mvez

My point exactly. When you sell it, as others will to get one, 997 prices will slowly come back to earth as availability increases (more-so for RS's), and then everybody wins.

What this car does is effectively squash the whole "you buy a cayman if you can't afford a 911" mantra, which is total hogwash.

This car will have more street cred than any 991 except the GT3/RS, and arguably it will have more "true" motorsport heritage than the 991 GT3 because they will be racing the same motor and share more with the road car, than the 991 Cup does with the 991 GT3.

There is no replacing a GT3RS, in any guise, 996, 997, 991....but this car deserves respect. Haters will hate because it encroaches on their performance, but I personally love it because it shows Porsche knows we still need NA, 6-spd cars.

Spyerx

Many 18" wheels will clear 380mm rotors.
Will they clear the calipers? Unsure. On 997 yes, but 991 uses new caliper design
Will they clear any suspension links or bits? Probably since the stock cayman wheel is an 18" and the rear doesn't use the complex rear-steer multi-link on the 991 gt3.

Mvez

That's what I was thinking, it doesn't seem to have the same huge rear hub assembly which is the problem for the 991's. Seems like we may have a winner on our hands.

GTgears

Agreed. Not everyone is in a position to have both cars, which do have a certain amount of overlap in them. I think there is a middle ground where the 997 GT3 used car customer and the Cayman GT4 new car customer overlap and a number of people will go back and forth on which one to buy. But I think that what we have seen in the last decade is that the Boxster/Cayman line has and can continue to bring in new Porsche owners. Owners who don't know the history and aren't burdened with the baggage of the 911 rear engine mythology.

I personally have never understood rear engine snobbery. Look at Porsche's motorsports history. 718 RSK. 550 Spyder. 904,906,908,910. 914-6. 917. 956/962. 936. And onward into the modern water cooled era with the GT1 and every prototype in the last 10 years. Porsche internally has long recognized the inherent chassis advantage of a midengine vehicle. But long ago they hitched their fortune to the rear engine 911. I'm really glad they didn't kill it in the mid 80's for the front engine water pumpers. That would have been death. But kudos for them for finally coming clean in some way with making the Boxster/Cayman line in the first place, and putting the cherry on top with the GT4. This is a truly spectacular car IMO.

neanicu

Excellent put!

gotgolf52

I was in the hunt for 997.1 GT3 with low mileage and excellent condition for $90k, this GT4 might be the answer for me. I know all about Mezger engine (I own a 997.1TT), but this GT4 tick all the boxes I want in the GT3. I can't wait to get my hand on this Cayman.

johnr265

I think Porsche is definitely blending the two markets. As another data point, I owned a 996 GT3 and then a 997.2 RS. While I loved both, I eventually sold the RS. I picked up a Z/28 over the winter (a monster sledgehammer) and I plan to buy a GT4 (my scalpel) and for the price of one GT3 RS, I get two great fun cars to play with. I realize it's win win. It's no knock on any GT3 or RS. I just like variety and switching between the two really provides an interesting diversity. Each one will plaster a smile on your face and in the end, isn't that the goal in life?

I also have two other friends, both who owned a 997.2 GT3 and both are on the list for the GT4. I do not think it is safe to say these two cars won't be cross shopped.

85Gold

Looked hard at the Z/28 but couldn't pull the trigger. The GT350 is on my list but needs a year in other bands before I decide. The app $40k less is attractive.

Not bring a fool any car I get will have AC and Radio if for nothing else resale value. Like almost all on the forum I have car ADD.

Peter

shotor

If the GT4 was released last year when I was purchasing a GT3, I would have opted for the GT4. Option it out as you want + warranty.

I'm guessing, in the hands of the average DE guy the GT4 will be faster than a 997.2 GT3 because of the mid-engine layout.

997s07

I think there is a lot of logic here. But a 911, with its classic lights, rear engine, Mezger, etc. is different to a Cayman. The Cayman is a better layout for sure, anyone who picks a Cayman GT4 over a 997 GT3, is thinking logically when it comes to balance. But, the classic 911 is chosen by the heart. The fight will be when the heart and brain fight.

blake

What market exactly is Porsche catering to? The GT3 line was begun in 1999 to suit the needs for a more able-bodied "gentleman's weekend track toy" that would be more raw than the "base", GT-styled touring 911 (996+). All was well and good until they came out with the 991 GT3 - and offered PDK ONLY. We've all been through that discussion...

So now they are throwing us a curveball... a manual ONLY in the GT4? Their "model" is not clear.

ilko

Here's my take... Great looking car out of the box, on paper it looks like it will be a great performer. They used all the good pieces from the 991 GT3 parts bin. Except the engine. And that bothers me. A true GT car has to have a Motorsports heart. This car has a "detuned" street 9A1 engine.

That being said, if I had the money I'd place an order for a PTS, full leather, and sport bucket seats GT4. But wouldn't replace either of my current cars for one.

aero997c2s

So based off your above statement the 991 3 isn't a true GT car? I'm extremely excited about this car, having had two GT3s, and now a cayman I can't wait to see what this thing does. My dilemma isn't buy GT3 or GT4, it's buy GT4 or make my current cayman as badass as Mooty's.

Marine Blue

PDK is expected 6 months after the release so it's interesting that they're offering both options here.

While I agree that's it's disappointing that the engine doesn't have track oriented upgrades I think it's worthy to note that the Tudor Caymans run an entire season on one engine and they are bone stock engines. So the 9A1 may be up to the task in stock form, I guess we'll have to wait and see.