10 Exotic Cars the Porsche Cayman GT4 Beat Around the Nrburgring
The Cayman is Porsche’s latest model to get the GT treatment. This new high-performance sports car packs serious punch thanks to an engine that’s borrowed from the larger 911 Carrera S.
The new Cayman GT4 features a 3.8-liter horizontally opposed six-cylinder powerplant that comes with a stable of 385 horses. Ensuring maximum driver involvement it’s paired exclusively with a six-speed manual transmission.
Now before you get into a donnybrook with your computer screen or start cussing out the following list we realize there are a ton of variables at play with published lap times. Circuit length, weather conditions and more all play a part, but the important takeaway here is just how fast the new Cayman is.
Dodge Viper SRT-10 – 7:50.00
This Porsche is faster than a Dodge Viper from the middle of the last decade. This super snake’s 8.3-liter 10-cylinder engine was a total monster, putting out more than 500 horses, but that’s still not enough to outpace the GT4. Technology marches onward and cars keep getting faster, about 10 seconds quicker in this case.
Cadillac CTS-V – 7:59.00
The Viper is a crude beast, the wildest of automotive animals that will bite your hand off the second it catches a whiff of fear. Conversely the Cadillac CTS-V is a feature-laden luxury car, though one that knows how to compete with the world’s best. In fact this wreath-and-crest cruise missile is credited with running the ‘Ring in less than 8 minutes, a figure that comes courtesy of a 556-hp, supercharged small-block. Still, it’s way off the GT4’s time.
Audi R8 V10 – 7:44.00
The Audi R8 is one of our favorite supercars, especially the V10-powered model, though it may soon fall out of favor now that the Cayman GT4 has been announced. This 525-hp, all-wheel Auto Union blitzed the Nordschleife in a claimed 7 minutes 44 seconds.
Porsche 911 GT3 RS – 7:47.00
Not even Porsche’s legendary 911 is safe from the Cayman. The GT3 RS model from circa 2004 defeated the Nürburgring in 7 minutes 47 seconds, a full 7 seconds off the GT4’s elapsed time.
Pagani Zonda S – 7:44.00
Exotics also fall prey to Zuffenhausen’s latest performance monster. The Pagani Zonda S from 2005 is slower than the Cayman GT4 and it brandishes Mercedes AMG power!
Lamborghini Murciélago LP 640 E-gear – 7:48.00
The GT4 is also fleeter than a 2007 Lamborghini Murciélago. This Italian super-machine is equipped with a 6.5-liter V12 cranking out something like 640 hp. If you’re counting, the Lambo has twice as many cylinders, a boatload more power and all kinds of other exotic goodies.
Chevrolet Corvette C6 Z06 – 7:42.99
The little Porsche that could is also powerful enough to trounce a previous generation Chevy Corvette … Z06. Yes, this new GT4 has the cojones to beat a 505-hp American performance car from just a couple years ago. That is a pretty amazing feat.
Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano – 7:47.00
Goliaths from Audi, Lamborghini, Chevrolet and Cadillac have all been slayed by Porsche’s David and now it’s Ferrari’s turn to go down in flames. Believe it or not the Cayman GT4 is faster than a 599 GTB Fiorano, which ran the ‘Ring in 7 minutes 47 seconds. This car features a 6.0-liter V12 that delivers a claimed 612 hp.
BMW M3 GTS – 7:48.00
The BMW M3 has been a certifiably cool car since its introduction way back in the mid-1980s. Over the decades this performance stalwart has gotten better and better. Of course one of this breed’s best was the GTS model from 2010. It featured an up-sized 4.4-liter V8 engine with 444 horses, a retuned chassis, fancy brakes and much more. Regrettably for Bimmer fans, in spite of all that Le Mans-grade hardware this M3 still falls to the Cayman GT4.
Ford GT – 7:40.60
Ford’s GT supercar is a favorite of enthusiasts around the world and why shouldn’t it be? It’s got handling, power and heritage few vehicles can match. With a supercharged, rear-mounted 550-hp V8 it is seriously quick, though Porsche’s GT4 can supposedly snake its way around the Nürburgring in less time. The GT trails by six-tenths of a second.
Born and raised in metro Detroit, Craig was steeped in mechanics from childhood. He feels as much at home with a wrench or welding gun in his hand as he does behind the wheel or in front of a camera. Putting his Bachelor's Degree in Journalism to good use, he's always pumping out videos, reviews, and features for AutoGuide.com. When the workday is over, he can be found out driving his fully restored 1936 Ford V8 sedan. Craig has covered the automotive industry full time for more than 10 years and is a member of the Automotive Press Association (APA) and Midwest Automotive Media Association (MAMA).
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C6 Z06 went back after engineer practiced more and ran 7:22 ..
What makes Porsche legend is that you can daily drive a GT4 its built to last. Drive the 10 listed daily and well I'm sure you too will understand why Porsche is the greatest vehicle brand in the world.