Project Description
Hannah | 2016 Porsche Cayman GT4
Hannah – 2016 Porsche Cayman GT4
The first Porsche Cayman GT4 that came out in 2016 is considered as one of the best trackday car made by Porsche. It received the 3,8 L naturally aspirated from the 911 Carrera S – 991 (slightly detuned to 375 hp) and the front suspension of the GT3 was basically carried over. Like its predecessors, the new 718 GT4 ports a naturally aspirated flat 6, especially borrowed from the 911 Carrera S although in this case the engine has been heavily modified (displacement increased from 3,0 L to 4,0 L and deletion of both turbochargers).The Cayman is about 100 hp less powerful than the GT3, but also 100 kg lighter, which can compensate the power shortage on race track circuits.It is the perfect car for track days and rally on curvy European roads. Compared to the GT2, GT3, and the RS versions, it is a much easier car to drive fast thanks to its central engine configuration that brings an ideal weight distribution.More compact, lighter and better balanced than its 911 brothers, the GT4 is feels natural and is very rewarding when driven fast on track.
The geeky stuff
Hannah is based on a high-performance GT chassis on which is placed a 385hp flat six engine placed in a central position, naturally aspirated, which starts at 4,750 rpm and where the peak torque of 420 Nm sticks you to the seat, but it really attacks around 7,400 rpm when it delivers its 385 hp (0 to 100 km / h in 4.4 sec). It is paired with a 6-speed manual gearbox, an option focused on driving pleasure and increasingly rare in new sports cars and supercars, the latter being automatic or semi-automatic. Hannah is probably the most spectacular of the Cayman range. More powerful and lower than a 911 Carrera, but also lighter than the GT3 of 100 kg (1451 against 1354 kg), these specifications to the GT4 keep a prodigious handling, while combining a certain strength of character in its driving.It’s simple : the GT4 is built for action and performance.Active shocks, moreover, only know two settings: Normal, which is tailor-made for the bumpy Nordschleife, and Sport, which is great for a smooth GP circuit. There is no comfort mode and no Sport Plus calibration.In addition, it is equipped with an adjustable fixed spoiler, a front splitter, a large side air intake and massive 380mm ceramic disc brakes cooled by the front air vents.Hannah also shares her DNA with the GT3; we find 20-inch forged rims, the entire front axle system of the GT3 991 phase 1, 245mm tires at the front and 295mm at the rear and finally very similar aerodynamics and lines.
The GT4 is truly synonymous with sport and competitiveness.
Driving It
However, it is not totally cut out for time trial (manual transmission requires), but rather for driving, fun, and raw sensations of stripping like Porsche has always been able to do. The GT4 still has a small peculiarity; it has a latest generation steering wheel which is not fitted with any button to emphasize the simplicity of the car and the driver’s field of vision. Only 3 counters are needed. The speedometer, tachometer and a small digital screen. It shows how much Porsche cared about driving pleasure before luxury and ultimate performances. On the aesthetic side, the interior remains surprisingly elegant and plush with its yellow stitched black leather and the Alcantara that adorn the passenger compartment, in accordance with the yellow roll bars. Note the few carbon fiber touches on the buckets and the central aisle which affirm the sporty and “track-ready” aspect of the GT4. Despite these incredible performances, the GT4 remains an easy-to-drive machine, you don’t have to be a seasoned racing driver to quickly understand its behavior and tame its horses.
