Porsche 911 GT4 R revealed – the Cayman is dead and Porsche needs a replacement racer

Porsche has unveiled its replacement for the track-only Cayman GT4 Clubsport racer, and since there is no new Cayman GT4 from which to build a racer, it has had to pivot and base it on the 911. Meet the new Porsche 911 GT4 R – and no, that’s not a typo.

The Cayman GT4 was both a successful one-make racer and a popular choice across various international GT4 series, with Porsche claiming the class is one of the fastest growing segments in global customer motorsport. Since Porsche entered the class in 2016, it has built more than 1,500 Cayman GT4 race cars. Unsurprisingly, Porsche does not want to lose what is now a healthy revenue stream.

So the 911 GT4 R is the answer, and as you would expect, it does represent something of an upgrade compared to the Cayman, with a wider track width and more power. It also benefits from the extensive development already undertaken on the Cup cars.

It retains the 911 GT3’s high-revving 4-litre flat-six, still capable of producing up to 512bhp and 347lb ft. However, the car’s outputs can be carefully managed based on series regulations and the Balance of Performance system. As delivered in GT4 racing spec, with 53.7mm airflow restrictors, it is pegged back to 426bhp. Power is sent to the rear wheels via a sequential six-speed paddle-operated dog ‘box. By contrast, the Cayman GT4 Clubsport is fitted with a smaller capacity 3.8-litre mid-mounted engine, sending 419bhp through a six-speed dual-clutch PDK transmission.

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Regulations also dictate changes to the chassis, with wheels that are one inch narrower, now bolting up to the hubs via a five-bolt pattern, rather than with centre-locks. The dampers are dual adjustable, while Porsche offers springs with three rate options. The brakes are Brembo steel discs per series rules.

Output and weight of GT4-class racers are all subject to Balance of Performance technical regulations, but the general recipe is low downforce, modest power output and a weight figure in the region of 1,300kg. Much of the car’s body and aerodynamic set-up is borrowed from the 911 Cup car. This includes the adjustable rear wing, which can be manually switched between eleven positions.

Expect to see the Porsche 911 GT4 R make its racing debut in the 2027 motorsport season. UK buyers will be charged £228,386 plus VAT.