My 718 GT4 got even more responsive and sounds much better after replacing the OEM over-axle pipes (which contain the GPFs) with aftermarket free flowing over-axle pipes. Picks up a bit of power too. I also have the carbon fiber light-weight bucket seats and have never once been uncomfortable but perhaps that’s because I had zero expectations of it being nearly as comfortable as the 991.2 C4S that I traded in. Glorious car that I don’t plan to ever sell.
For me, no auto review is complete without the narration of John. I remember waking up on the weekend to watch Motor Week and learn ab all the new cars. Nostalgia ✌🏻
I never was a Porsche guy until I found out about this car. The performance, balance and that sweet shifting manual is everything I want in a supercar. BTW it looks good too. In the electric future rowing my gears with 3 pedals is something I am going to miss the most and Porsche really knows how to design a manual gear box so you can keep your flappy paddles supercars. Give me this Porsche 718 GT4 and I am set. Well done Porsche. Well done. Keep up the great work Motorweek!
This driver-focused purism is almost unique. A normally aspirated engine, a manual gearbox and a perfect tool for track day fun. Porsche may be the last brand to remember that it decides its future. In prioritising the individual's freedom to choose, compete and decide his personal path to the exclusion of the technocrats' domineering demand to conform and follow orders, it serves its customers and the cause of essential human joy, not oppressive officialdom dictating unquestionable fashion-think through the medium of centrally controlled corporations.
When will Motorweek give equal time to Lotus and review the latest Evora GT? Equal (or slightly better) performance, similar price tag, and in my view, better looks.
I actually have an Evora 400 (very similar to GT) and a 718 GT4 so I’d love to see them test an Evora as well. The Evora is such a unique and underrated car..... and in my opinion even slightly more fun to drive, but I do love the Porsche too
Here's the problem with any Lotus, they don't age well. Porsche for the most part when your talking about their cars are timeless. The other problem with the Lotus is that they take a extremely reliable 300 horsepower toyoda V6 and modify it so that it produces 416hp, but in the same breath they take away the Toyota reliability. Whereas with all porsches their in house motors and there is reliable as a finger sewing machine. Lotus has experienced a lot of customer complaint due to the reliability. In their 3rd nail in the coffin for Lotus they are just put together with a battle do mentality. Their interiors are dreadful they all squeak rattle and just don't quite have that put together quality. Why with the Porsche you get a completely meticulously put together interior in build quality that Lotus just isn't capable of.
@@shepleonard8695 Well Shep, I'd love to know where you get your information. I know of no pattern failure issues with the Toyota sourced powertrain in the Evora. Please tell us where Lotus "takes away" the Toyota reliability. Certainly better than the IMS bearing mess of the recent Porsche past. Not sure what a "battle do" mentality is. My Evora GT has a nicely put together interior. No fit/finish issues and no squeaks/rattles in a year of ownership. It's well finished in exposed C/F, leather and Alcantara. Simple and very functional. Have you sat in a current model Evora? I doubt it, because it is anything but "dreadful". Is the GT4 better equipped inside? Probably, but my Evora has a small glovebox, a few small cubbies and a cupholder that is virtually inaccessible to the driver. Perfect for me because I don't need to drink a Starbucks while I drive in the canyons. I have no need for excessive electronic and "comfort" gizmos. I have not driven the GT4, but my understanding is the current Evora has equal if not better performance, with a similar pricetag. Of course styling is subjective, but to me the Porsche jellybean shape is very tired. My Evora certainly garners more attention than most Porsches, at least in my area.
@@mooreracer Just go on to any Lotus forum and you can read what people are saying, not only that just look at past Lotus. Reliability is it something you say when talking about a Lotus. The steering rack is prone to wear They tend to wear quicker than on other makes and models Under tray Some have reported that the under tray can often come loose • ECU malfunctioning or failing • Engine and engine cooling system failure What you have to understand is what Lotus does to a Toyota engine. They don't change anything internally. Then they slap a supercharger on it. This is a no no. Anyone who builds engines that are turbocharged or supercharged know you have to go in and change the internals to make it run reliably. If I were to buy a Lotus it would be at an Elise, far less complex and easier to work on.
@@shepleonard8695 I'm a member of both major Lotus forums. Again, I know of no common engine failures with the 3.5L Toyota V6 in any of the Evoras, the early NA cars or the later supercharged ones. Early cars had some steering rack issues, as well as weak clutch master cylinders. But if we're going to compare "issues" between early models of the Boxter/Cayman and the Evora, these relatively minor issues pale in comparison to the catastrophic engine failures caused by the Porsche IMS bearing. As for the Elise, it's certainly a great car, but it has more engine related issues than the Evora in my understanding, as Toyota had issues with excessive camshaft wear on the 2ZZ-GE engines. Is a '73 914 more reliable than a '73 Europa? Probably, but who cares? Is the Evora GT as "refined" as the Cayman GT4? Probably not, but some of us don't think a sports car needs to be refined. And I change my own oil with a $6 Toyota filter element and 6 quarts of 0W-40 synthetic oil. As I mentioned in my original post...come on Motorweek. Give us a head to head comparison of the Evora GT and the Cayman GT4.
Love everything about the car... but why did they not go quad exhaust? I know I’m being picky but the back end just doesn’t look right with that exhaust set up?
For the price of this car, it doesn’t compare to the Corvette, at least in acceleration. That’s a lot of money. That’s my issue with Porsche is money per $, maybe if I drove one I would change my mind.
My issue with Corvette is the QC. I have had 6 Z06's, from C5 to C7. 2 have been bought back on the lemon law and ALL OF THEM had some sort of issues. Corvette is great performance wise, but they fail at quality. I have the SS 1LE now and Camaro does QC much better than Corvette. While the SS 1LE is a great package, it's higher center of gravity and weight keep it from being a direct replacement from a Corvette or GT4 as a pure sports car.
@@TRZ0612 I only had 2 Covettes. A 1977 Corvette and have a 2016 Corvette Z06 (that I bought new). I have had little trouble with the Z06, though the traction is dangerously awful. My Z06 is a garage princess and ha 8100 miles on it. I did own a 2010 Cameron SS when it came out in 2009 and modified it (cam, Lt headers, tune, full Kooks exhaust and a number of goodies). I have heard that the ZL1 are better drivers on acceleration and are built better. It’s just that GT4 can be taken done by cheaper cars. $100k is a lot for a base price for a car that does the quarter in 12.3 seconds. We will see when the C8 Z06 comes out, but it may not have the build quality as other cars. Enjoy the Camaro though.
Very cool track car, but the seats, suspension and wing are a joke if you plan to do drive it on the street. The GTS 4.0 would be a FAR more appropriate and enjoyable street car,.
Imagine if this was FWD. okay I’ll stop trolling. This GT4 is the perfect sports car. Better built than the Corvette, better dynamically than a 911, more involved than any transmissions that shift automatically.
The new Supra looks like hot steaming pile of sheet to me. And even if someone disagrees with that assessment, Toyota doesn't offer the same experience as owning a Porsche. Toyota's market is geared mainly toward people who don't want to take unnecessary risks. Supra = Boring.
@@billschlafly4107 LOL... yeah it took me a while to warm up to the new BMW /Toyota Supra. Don’t get me wrong....I love Porsche’s, but six figures for basic performance doesn’t make a lot of sense to me. I’ve actually seen with my own eyes, a brand new Kia Stinger GT out run a base model Porsche Panamera on the streets. Basic performance shouldn’t cost $100,000.....that’s all I’m saying.😂
There are some vehicles that you have to love, even if you hate the way the manufacturer does business? I can afford their vehicles, used. Which doesn't bother me, but their prices have gotten insane! I still love this, and would consider illegal work to be able to buy one, new? Contracts being taken for ex-wives, mother in laws/father in laws and the occasional, errant boss!
@@serjiang the gearing as well. The PDK gearing allows for more thrilling drive instead of the manuals tall gears I believe and I just wanted confirmation on that.
@@danielfair4675 I don’t care what it drives like. It’s an ugly car and a 911 wannabe in my opinion. The only Porsche I would consider getting is the 911 Turbo. Completely base at $170K. Porsche is notorious for gauging you on options.
@@c5vette739 I am confused, 80% of this car looks like a 911. you don't like this car but do the 911. makes no sense. "I don’t care what it drives like", so you wouldn't buy or drive a car that handles like nothing else out there, but you would drive a car that looks better but handles like a boat?
And then you have the civic type R and the new for 21 Golf R and you wonder why you really need this overpriced POS lest we forget the Audi RS3 it will annihilate this
a lot of cars are better/faster than the GT4 in a straight line, that is not what this car has been designed for. You can take this to the racetrack and not many cars will touch it. the GT4 is meant to be used at the track. Take the Civic Type R or the Golf R and take a few laps around a track and they car is going to be done. You can use the GT4 all day without any issues.
My 718 GT4 got even more responsive and sounds much better after replacing the OEM over-axle pipes (which contain the GPFs) with aftermarket free flowing over-axle pipes. Picks up a bit of power too. I also have the carbon fiber light-weight bucket seats and have never once been uncomfortable but perhaps that’s because I had zero expectations of it being nearly as comfortable as the 991.2 C4S that I traded in. Glorious car that I don’t plan to ever sell.
any drone in the cabin ?
For me, no auto review is complete without the narration of John. I remember waking up on the weekend to watch Motor Week and learn ab all the new cars. Nostalgia ✌🏻
I never was a Porsche guy until I found out about this car. The performance, balance and that sweet shifting manual is everything I want in a supercar. BTW it looks good too. In the electric future rowing my gears with 3 pedals is something I am going to miss the most and Porsche really knows how to design a manual gear box so you can keep your flappy paddles supercars. Give me this Porsche 718 GT4 and I am set. Well done Porsche. Well done. Keep up the great work Motorweek!
That yellow Porsche thumb nail picture is outstanding!!
I think this is my favorite Porsche
718 GT4 is a perfect mate to the 911 and even a bit nicer.
*Naturally Aspirated* flat six the way God meant it.
This car sure is the last of its kind, a true beauty
that would have been a 2016 GT4
Why do their reviews feel like a trip back to the 80s 🤷♂️
now, this is something that takes my heart.
981 sounds better but thankfully aftermarket exhaust options are available!
This driver-focused purism is almost unique. A normally aspirated engine, a manual gearbox and a perfect tool for track day fun. Porsche may be the last brand to remember that it decides its future. In prioritising the individual's freedom to choose, compete and decide his personal path to the exclusion of the technocrats' domineering demand to conform and follow orders, it serves its customers and the cause of essential human joy, not oppressive officialdom dictating unquestionable fashion-think through the medium of centrally controlled corporations.
Glad to see John still as the host.
Thank you Porsche for a real manual trans!!!
SAVE THE MANUALS!!!
Thank you porsche! That's one gorgeous car!👌🥰👉❤
Would yah just listen to it?! Sounds straight from the car heavens above?!
I love this show. And i love this car. What a perfect episode thank you very much sir Davis for this lovely review
Passed on an allocation of GTS 4.0 to wait for a long-shot GT4 allocation. Hoping that gamble pays off...
Aren't they going to honor all orders?
Mr. Davis on the money with this review!
Now that’s a sexy looking car.
Thank you Porsche for keeping the manual alive.
Subaru should take notes from Porsche, on how to extract that kinda power from their new FA series boxer engine. The sound from the 718 is heavenly.
When will Motorweek give equal time to Lotus and review the latest Evora GT? Equal (or slightly better) performance, similar price tag, and in my view, better looks.
I actually have an Evora 400 (very similar to GT) and a 718 GT4 so I’d love to see them test an Evora as well. The Evora is such a unique and underrated car..... and in my opinion even slightly more fun to drive, but I do love the Porsche too
Here's the problem with any Lotus, they don't age well. Porsche for the most part when your talking about their cars are timeless.
The other problem with the Lotus is that they take a extremely reliable 300 horsepower toyoda V6 and modify it so that it produces 416hp, but in the same breath they take away the Toyota reliability. Whereas with all porsches their in house motors and there is reliable as a finger sewing machine. Lotus has experienced a lot of customer complaint due to the reliability.
In their 3rd nail in the coffin for Lotus they are just put together with a battle do mentality. Their interiors are dreadful they all squeak rattle and just don't quite have that put together quality. Why with the Porsche you get a completely meticulously put together interior in build quality that Lotus just isn't capable of.
@@shepleonard8695 Well Shep, I'd love to know where you get your information. I know of no pattern failure issues with the Toyota sourced powertrain in the Evora. Please tell us where Lotus "takes away" the Toyota reliability. Certainly better than the IMS bearing mess of the recent Porsche past. Not sure what a "battle do" mentality is. My Evora GT has a nicely put together interior. No fit/finish issues and no squeaks/rattles in a year of ownership. It's well finished in exposed C/F, leather and Alcantara. Simple and very functional. Have you sat in a current model Evora? I doubt it, because it is anything but "dreadful". Is the GT4 better equipped inside? Probably, but my Evora has a small glovebox, a few small cubbies and a cupholder that is virtually inaccessible to the driver. Perfect for me because I don't need to drink a Starbucks while I drive in the canyons. I have no need for excessive electronic and "comfort" gizmos.
I have not driven the GT4, but my understanding is the current Evora has equal if not better performance, with a similar pricetag. Of course styling is subjective, but to me the Porsche jellybean shape is very tired. My Evora certainly garners more attention than most Porsches, at least in my area.
@@mooreracer Just go on to any Lotus forum and you can read what people are saying, not only that just look at past Lotus. Reliability is it something you say when talking about a Lotus.
The steering rack is prone to wear
They tend to wear quicker than on other makes and models
Under tray
Some have reported that the under tray can often come loose
• ECU malfunctioning or failing
• Engine and engine cooling system failure
What you have to understand is what Lotus does to a Toyota engine. They don't change anything internally. Then they slap a supercharger on it. This is a no no. Anyone who builds engines that are turbocharged or supercharged know you have to go in and change the internals to make it run reliably.
If I were to buy a Lotus it would be at an Elise, far less complex and easier to work on.
@@shepleonard8695 I'm a member of both major Lotus forums. Again, I know of no common engine failures with the 3.5L Toyota V6 in any of the Evoras, the early NA cars or the later supercharged ones. Early cars had some steering rack issues, as well as weak clutch master cylinders. But if we're going to compare "issues" between early models of the Boxter/Cayman and the Evora, these relatively minor issues pale in comparison to the catastrophic engine failures caused by the Porsche IMS bearing.
As for the Elise, it's certainly a great car, but it has more engine related issues than the Evora in my understanding, as Toyota had issues with excessive camshaft wear on the 2ZZ-GE engines.
Is a '73 914 more reliable than a '73 Europa? Probably, but who cares?
Is the Evora GT as "refined" as the Cayman GT4? Probably not, but some of us don't think a sports car needs to be refined. And I change my own oil with a $6 Toyota filter element and 6 quarts of 0W-40 synthetic oil.
As I mentioned in my original post...come on Motorweek. Give us a head to head comparison of the Evora GT and the Cayman GT4.
That car will never go down in value.
Love everything about the car... but why did they not go quad exhaust? I know I’m being picky but the back end just doesn’t look right with that exhaust set up?
I'd like to see a black one
Wish Porsche would bring back the Club Sport editions
There is an RS of this coming
They do offer a 718 Club Sport.
@@mig7410 depends on which market you're in
Lots of banning going on lately. I’m down with banning turbos too.
I want one badly
This would be perfect with the PDK to fix the issue with the stick.
Wonder if Porsche fixed the cracked front strut tower problem that is particular to the GT4...?
Seems like the 986 Boxster should be idolized by all Porsche owners/enthusiasts for more than one reason
its my car and I'm super fortunate to have it ..it's real experience
I can't believe the prices of the 'affordable Porsche'
We love you John Davis !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
For the price of this car, it doesn’t compare to the Corvette, at least in acceleration. That’s a lot of money. That’s my issue with Porsche is money per $, maybe if I drove one I would change my mind.
My issue with Corvette is the QC. I have had 6 Z06's, from C5 to C7. 2 have been bought back on the lemon law and ALL OF THEM had some sort of issues. Corvette is great performance wise, but they fail at quality. I have the SS 1LE now and Camaro does QC much better than Corvette. While the SS 1LE is a great package, it's higher center of gravity and weight keep it from being a direct replacement from a Corvette or GT4 as a pure sports car.
Corvette may perform as well but it's also substandard, and it will always be so to keep it more affordable
Corvette looks like it was designed by a ten year old who didn’t know when to put 5he crayons down.
@@edrcozonoking someone working at Hot Wheels 😉
@@TRZ0612 I only had 2 Covettes. A 1977 Corvette and have a 2016 Corvette Z06 (that I bought new). I have had little trouble with the Z06, though the traction is dangerously awful. My Z06 is a garage princess and ha 8100 miles on it. I did own a 2010 Cameron SS when it came out in 2009 and modified it (cam, Lt headers, tune, full Kooks exhaust and a number of goodies). I have heard that the ZL1 are better drivers on acceleration and are built better. It’s just that GT4 can be taken done by cheaper cars. $100k is a lot for a base price for a car that does the quarter in 12.3 seconds. We will see when the C8 Z06 comes out, but it may not have the build quality as other cars. Enjoy the Camaro though.
Yes, naturally aspirated engines with manual transmissions is certainly the way to go. As who doesn't want a slower sports car?
981 GT4
Very cool track car, but the seats, suspension and wing are a joke if you plan to do drive it on the street. The GTS 4.0 would be a FAR more appropriate and enjoyable street car,.
Needs Akrapovic connector pipes.
Cayman always deserved a 4.0l
No Body does anybody do Road teast or reviws like Motor week does and post on UA-cam.. ;-D
But why the black strip running across the nose?
It’s a vent.
The elongated front diffuser scoops up air and then pushes out through that vent creating down force. Basically, the front of this car is a wing.
Imagine if this was FWD. okay I’ll stop trolling. This GT4 is the perfect sports car. Better built than the Corvette, better dynamically than a 911, more involved than any transmissions that shift automatically.
@Mike we can dream right? Why else do you watch these reviews?
Good review but radio voice guy is a bit annoying.
Special? AS in... It is not as big a money pit?
It’ll appreciate in value if you can get your hands on it.
@@serjiang and do not drive it. Not sure. Some of the older porsches are great. But these new versions are just money pits
OMG...The sticker shock !!! With the same performance numbers you can get the much cheaper Toyota Supra.
The new Supra looks like hot steaming pile of sheet to me. And even if someone disagrees with that assessment, Toyota doesn't offer the same experience as owning a Porsche. Toyota's market is geared mainly toward people who don't want to take unnecessary risks. Supra = Boring.
@@billschlafly4107
LOL... yeah it took me a while to warm up to the new BMW /Toyota Supra. Don’t get me wrong....I love Porsche’s, but six figures for basic performance doesn’t make a lot of sense to me. I’ve actually seen with my own eyes, a brand new Kia Stinger GT out run a base model Porsche Panamera on the streets. Basic performance shouldn’t cost $100,000.....that’s all I’m saying.😂
Looking forward to the Nissan 400z. It will be priced much less and Im positive it will keep up with this Porsche!
That can only say someone who never drove a GT4
I'd say it will absolutely not be able to keep up on the track with the GT4
keep dreaming!
in a straight line maybe, anywhere else not a chance
There are some vehicles that you have to love, even if you hate the way the manufacturer does business? I can afford their vehicles, used. Which doesn't bother me, but their prices have gotten insane! I still love this, and would consider illegal work to be able to buy one, new? Contracts being taken for ex-wives, mother in laws/father in laws and the occasional, errant boss!
Good luck 😂
The PDK version is out for 2021. You should test that instead for faster acceleration time.
If acceleration is all you care about, the Mustang GT500 is better.
@@serjiang the gearing as well. The PDK gearing allows for more thrilling drive instead of the manuals tall gears I believe and I just wanted confirmation on that.
@@jalloor on track, a DCT would be superior too
@@nessuno5403 lol stick on B roads and canyons all day long.
@@rumporridge1 works there too 😉
911 should be mid engined.
Looks expensive
I can’t stand how the new 991’s sound turbos maybe faster but they sound like 💩
It's a great car, but it is overpriced.
$100k. What a joke.
Drive one then come back and text us what a joke it is .......
And I own a C6 GS 6-speed ragtop.
@@danielfair4675 I don’t care what it drives like. It’s an ugly car and a 911 wannabe in my opinion.
The only Porsche I would consider getting is the 911 Turbo. Completely base at $170K. Porsche is notorious for gauging you on options.
@@c5vette739 You don’t know what you’re talking about.
@@c5vette739 I am confused, 80% of this car looks like a 911. you don't like this car but do the 911. makes no sense. "I don’t care what it drives like", so you wouldn't buy or drive a car that handles like nothing else out there, but you would drive a car that looks better but handles like a boat?
And then you have the civic type R and the new for 21 Golf R and you wonder why you really need this overpriced POS lest we forget the Audi RS3 it will annihilate this
Hahaha! You’re a real car guy I see comparing a Civic Type R and a Golf R to a 718 GT4 🤣
@@jameswillard1 i reckon I’am mate
a lot of cars are better/faster than the GT4 in a straight line, that is not what this car has been designed for. You can take this to the racetrack and not many cars will touch it. the GT4 is meant to be used at the track. Take the Civic Type R or the Golf R and take a few laps around a track and they car is going to be done. You can use the GT4 all day without any issues.