The Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 Clubsport is a track-only version of the 718 Cayman developed for customer use. It replaces GT4 Clubsport that Porsche introduced in 2015 and represents a notable update over the outgoing model. Unlike its predecessor, it's offered in two distinct versions: Trackday and Competition. The GT4 Clubsport Trackday was built specifically for amateur racing drivers that like to spend weekends at the race track without participating in FIA events. The Competition model features a more complex suspension system, and it's a direct replacement for the old GT4 Clubsport, as it is eligible for GT4-spec competitions in Europe, North America, and Asia. According to Porsche, the new race car features improved driveability, and it's capable of quicker lap times.

2019 Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 Clubsport

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2019 Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 Clubsport
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

- Sporty front bumper - Splitter - Quick-release front hood - Race-spec wheels - Rear spoiler and wing - Big diffuser

Up front, it's the bumper that sets the coupe apart. Instead of the narrow vents with horizontal slats, the Clubsport models sports larger outlets onto the sides and a wider trapezoidal opening in the center. It also features a big splitter below.

Porsche also uses different headlamps on this model, while the front hood has quick-release pins. There's also a race-spec tow loop on the front bumper.

Onto the sides, the Clubsport looks identical to its road-going sibling. Porsche revised the vents on the rear fenders, most likely to improve airflow, and added motorsport-spec wheels, but other than that, the Clubsport is pretty much a standard Cayman.

Porsche made a few notable changes around back, starting with the diffuser. The aerodynamic element was redesigned entirely. Not only bigger, it's also split into two distinct elements, each incorporating a large, round exhaust pipe. The engine lid now features a spoiler, as well as a big wing on top.

Specifically, the doors and the rear wing are made of an organic fiber mix sourced primarily agricultural by-products such as flax or hemp fibers and feature similar properties to carbon-fiber in terms of weight and stiffness. The rest of the body is made from aluminum-steel composite, a common material for Porsche vehicles.

2019 Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 Clubsport exterior dimensions

Total length

4,456 mm

Total width

1,778 mm

Total height

1,238 mm

Wheelbase

2,456 mm


Interior

- Standard production dashboard - Bespoke center stack - Race-spec instrument cluster - Quick-release steering wheel - Welded-in roll cage - Single race-spec seat - Six-point harness

The dashboard is identical, but Porsche opted for a carbon-fiber lower section. It also replaced the infotainment screen in the center stack with a motorsport-specific console that includes various buttons and switches.

The standard instrument cluster was also replaced with a new screen with simpler operation and graphics. The shifts are displayed in the center, while other performance numbers are shown on each side. The standard steering wheel is also gone, replaced by a motorsport-style wheel with a flat bottom. Other race-specific upgrades include a welded-in safety cage and a racing bucket seat with a six-point harness.

These features are offered in both variants of the Clubsport, but each of them sports additional extra. The Trackday model for instance also features an air-conditioning system, a rescue hatch in the roof, and a fire extinguisher.

Drivetrain

- 3.8-liter engine from the 911 - 425 horsepower - Dual-clutch transmission - Locking rear differential

This is where the GT4 Clubsport really stands out compared to the road-legal Cayman. While the standard model is available with two flat-four engines, the Clubsport hides a flat-six under the hood. And it's not the 3.4-liter unit that powered the previous Cayman S. Instead, Porsche went with a race-bred 3.8-liter flat-six from the 911.

Similarities with the old Clubsport continue in the transmission department. The new race car also features a six-speed dual-clutch gearbox, as well as a mechanical locking differential to the rear.

On the other hand, the new GT4 Clubsport is a bit heavier than its predecessor. Tipping the scales at 2,910 pounds, it carries an extra 44 pounds.

These specifications are identical for both the Trackday and Competition trims, but the two cars have different features in the suspension department.

2019 Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 Clubsport drivetrain specifications

Engine

Aluminum six-cylinder mid-mounted boxer engine, rigid mounting

Displacement

3,800cc

Stroke

77.5mm

Bore

102mm

Max. power

425 HP @ 7,500 RPM

Max. torque

313 LB-FT @ 6,600 RPM

Compression ratio

12.5 : 1

Transmission

Rigidly mounted performance-based 6-speed PDK-gearbox (DCT, dual clutch transmission)

Weight

1,320 kg (2,910 lbs)


Chassis, Suspension, and Brakes

The GT4 Clubsport is ready to tackle any race track out there thanks to a lightweight strut suspension taken from the 911 GT3 Cup. It's height, camber, and track adjustable at all corners and includes optimized stiffness, double shear mounting, and high-performance spherical bearings.

You can also deactivate the ABS, ESC, and traction control systems in the Trackday model.

Both models are equipped with race-spec, steel brake discs measuring 15 inches front and rear. The Competition version also comes with a brake balance system that adjusts the bias infinitely between the front and rear axle. The integrated air-jack system enables fast pit stops.

Pricing

Pricing for the Cayman GT4 Clubsport starts from €134,000 plus country-specific VAT. Expect to pay around €160,000 in almost every European country. For this amount, you'll take home the Trackday version. Opt for the Competition variant and pricing starts from €157,000 plus VAT. That's around €190,000 including VAT.

Needless to say, the GT4 Clubsport isn't cheap, but it's significantly more affordable than other race-spec sports cars.

Competition

The GT4 Clubsport is raced since 2016 in a wide variety of FIA-organized events and the new-generation model will continue in the same competitions. Expect to see it the GT4 European Series, British GT Championship, Pirelli World Challenge, and the Blancpain GT Series.

Privateers that will buy the Clubsport will face a healthy lineup of GT4-spec cars. Most of them are raced in the British GT Championship as well, but this series also includes the Jaguar F-Type SVR GT4, Ginetta G55 GT4, and Toyota GT86 GT4.

Moving over to the Pirelli World Challenge, the GT4 Clubsport will also go against the Chevrolet Camaro GT4.R, Ford Mustang GT4, and the Panoz Avezzano GT4.

Conclusion

Although not as popular like race cars from other companies among privateers, the GT4 Clubsport can brag about a successful racing career since 2015. The new GT4 Clubsport will most definitely continue this legacy and, given the upgrades, it should give the competition a good run for their money. The cool thing about this new-generation car is that Porsche also offers an option for amateur racers in the Trackday version. It's a bit more affordable, it has a simpler chassis, but it's a good proposition if you want to hit the track without becoming a professional racing driver.

Further reading

Read our full review on the 2017 Porsche 718 Cayman.

Read our full review on the 2018 Porsche 718 Cayman GTS.

Read our full review on the 2016 Porsche Cayman GT4.

Read our full review on the 2016 Porsche Cayman GT4 Clubsport.

Read our full speculative review on the 2020 Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS.