Porsche 718 Cayman GTS 4.0: Goodbye, and Thanks for All the Fun

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In simpler terms, The most recent Porsche Cayman model with natural aspiration (not supercharged or turbocharged) performs its last melodious song – and it does so on wet roads in Singapore this time.

Driving a naturally aspirated Porsche in the rain has a movie-like quality: wet roads, somber skies, and sleek parking garages resonating with the echo of a flat-six. The 2025 Porsche 718 Cayman GTS 4.0 isn’t merely an expertly crafted sports coupe; it’s a declaration. It symbolizes the remaining vestiges of that unique driving experience, which is gradually fading away.

During our Test Drive, Porsche Singapore equipped us with a vehicle boasting a delivery mileage, an Agate Grey exterior, sporting low-slung black 20-inch wheels, and featuring red brake calipers visible beneath, along with the “GTS 4.0” insignia subtly embellishing its sides. Over the span of a weekend in Singapore – navigating through heavy rain, city lanes, parking garages on rooftops, and open highways devoid of traffic – it became apparent: the Cayman GTS 4.0 isn’t a farewell; rather, it’s a tribute to its enduring appeal.

The Engine: Naturally Aspirated, Naturally Rewarding

The core of the GTS 4.0 shares the same 4L flat-six engine found in the Cayman GT4, albeit with a slight reduction in power to 394 hp and 309 lb-ft of torque. However, the figures don’t truly convey its essence. What sets it apart is its power delivery. In an era dominated by turbocharged acceleration and electric instantaneity, the GTS provides power in a classic manner – smooth, progressive, and more potent as you press harder. Before 4,000 RPM, it’s calm and suitable for daily driving. Beyond that, it transforms into something different – agile, eager, and filled with spirit. The redline is at 7,800 RPM, a point you’ll want to reach as frequently as possible.

We took a spin in the PDK variant, which seems particularly suitable for Singapore’s traffic conditions, and it was simply outstanding. Its shifts are swift and precisely timed when left autonomous, yet take control yourself, and you’ll find it even more exhilarating. In Sport Plus mode, downshifts deliver purposeful sounds, while upshifts under pressure are smooth and decisive. On wet roads, the engine didn’t feel intimidating, but rather precise, confident, and well-managed. Porsche’s traction control systems work flawlessly behind the scenes, but what truly impressed us was how effortlessly power could be applied even on slippery surfaces.

Handling: Mid-Engine at Its Finest

The chassis of the Cayman is renowned as the benchmark for mid-engine balance, and the GTS 4.0 exemplifies its finest road-adaptable version. In Singapore’s compact urban landscape – characterized by ramp-style exits, irregular manhole covers, sharp U-turns – it demonstrates a nimble agility and exceptional stability. The steering is precise and intuitive, providing just the right amount of feedback to maintain a strong connection with the front axle. It doesn’t overdo or exaggerate – it’s a vehicle that reacts only to your commands, nothing more, nothing less.

It’s important to mention that the GTS demonstrated outstanding performance even in challenging conditions, such as heavy rain. It remained composed without showing signs of distress. The mid-corner stability was maintained due to its adaptive PASM dampers, which enable it to glide over bumps and tighten up swiftly when accelerating. Even on expansion joints and slick painted surfaces, the chassis maintained a high level of communication. This vehicle is not just for leisurely drives on Sundays; it thrives in traffic and can stand its ground during downpours. When the road opens up, it responds with equal parts grace and athleticism.

Cabin: Driver-Centric

Entering the Cayman GTS offers an authentic experience – designed around the driver with a sleek, focused, and intentional feel. The interior of our test model was adorned in black leather and Race-Tex, featuring a steering wheel upholstered in suede and minimalist silver accents on the dashboard. This isn’t a tech-heavy ride. Instead, it boasts a modest central touchscreen (compatible with Apple CarPlay), traditional analog gauges, and an assortment of physical buttons for features ranging from suspension settings to sport exhaust. While some might label it outdated, we see it as refined – streamlined to only the necessary elements, ensuring every button and gauge has a purpose and nothing obstructs the driving experience.

As a gamer, I’ve got to say, the seats in this ride are simply outstanding! They provide just the right amount of support when things get intense on the road, yet they’re comfy enough for long journeys too. The ergonomics feel instinctive, and the view out over the front fenders makes maneuvering a breeze. In terms of practicality, the Cayman’s dual cargo spaces are surprisingly spacious. The front trunk easily swallows a full weekend bag and camera gear, while the rear hatch has just enough room for groceries and daily errands. It may not be flashy, but it sure feels genuine, and in a car like this, that’s what counts.

The Spec: Subtle, Intentional, Timeless

A special charm lies in the design of this specific Cayman model. Painted in a muted Agate Grey metallic, it features satin black wheels, red brake calipers, and an uncluttered shape that complements its personality flawlessly. Unlike some vibrant colors like Lava Orange or Python Green, it doesn’t draw attention ostentatiously. Rather, it fits seamlessly into the cityscape – elegant, assured, and subtle. Interestingly, while it carries a hefty price tag of approximately $354,599 USD in this region, which is about three times the U.S. base price before options ($99,700 USD), it maintains its understated elegance.

In the sleek, dark expanse of a Chinatown parking lot or bathed in the soft radiance of temple lanterns, the car’s color subtly transformed – cool during daylight, warm under artificial light. The scene mirrored the essence of the vehicle: a timeless Porsche, not ostentatious, not contrived. Even the discreet “GTS 4.0” inscription on the lower doors seemed more like a personal signature than a badge – a final mark before the final curtain falls.

The Sign-Off: One Last Chapter Before the Switch

The GTS 4.0 is not merely the final naturally aspirated Cayman; it’s also expected to be the last naturally aspirated mid-engine Porsche coupe. Period. This gives it a sense of importance – historically, emotionally, and in terms of experience.

In the future, the next Cayman model will be electric, and while this isn’t necessarily a negative development given Porsche’s impressive work in EV technology, driving this car serves as a poignant reminder of why internal combustion engines, revving, gear ratios, and engine sounds still hold significance. Experiencing this vehicle in Singapore, amidst unpredictable rainstorms, late-night highways, and rooftop parking lots, made us feel like we were bearing witness to a closing chapter—not the end in a tragic sense, but rather a significant milestone marking an extraordinary journey.

In comparison to future models of Caymans that may be swifter or more proficient, it’s uncertain if they’ll ever evoke the same unique charm. The 2025 Porsche Cayman GTS 4.0 is a distinctive sports car not due to its top speed but because it seems thoughtfully designed. This vehicle is appropriately analog in its characteristics, well-balanced in every aspect, and deeply satisfying to drive. It’s this model that will be cherished – not for its pursuit of supercar performance metrics, but for reminding us what it truly means to connect with the road.

As a gamer, I’d say, “Given the opportunity, grab those keys, hit the road on a rainy evening, feeling the rhythm of your car bouncing off the urban landscape under the cover of night. This is one of those unforgettable experiences.

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2025-04-16 17:26