Porsche Developing New GT4 Car for 2019

Photo: Jake Galstad/IMSA

Porsche will roll out with a new-generation Cayman GT4 Clubsport for next year, which is set to feature numerous improvements, according to GT motorsport boss Dr. Frank-Steffen Walliser.

The German manufacturer, which debuted the SRO GT4-homologated MR variant in 2016, has achieved considerable success with the model, having sold out on its production run of more than 400 cars last year.

While many of the cars were non-MR versions for track day purposes, the GT4-spec model has racked up wins and championships around the world, including the GS class title in the Continental Tire SportsCar Challenge and four wins in Pirelli World Challenge last year.

Walliser said a number of developments, primarily on driveability, are being incorporated into the new-generation version, which will remain with the same model name.

“We’ve seen in the customer hands, there’s some things you have to make easier, such as the handling,” he told Sportscar365.

“It’s always based on street car electronics for cost reasons, and this how to handle this, how to make it convenient for the customers and for the teams to handle it. This is one of the main targets.

“We’re looking to improve everything, including a little bit of engine power and we’ll add a little bit more downforce, depending on what the street car will bring.”

As was the case with its predecessor, two different models will be offered.

However, Walliser indicated there will not likely be a set limit of cars produced, as Porsche looks to meet the platform’s increased demand.

“If we start, like we did in the past, we’ll deliver it to customers in a significant number,” he said.

“But we did not really cover the demand worldwide [with the original car].

“We did not really push in the sales; it was a new category and we see a huge demand now around the world, in the Clubsport series and also in emerging motorsports markets like China and Thailand.”

Walliser said the car will make its customer debut in early 2019 but wouldn’t rule out potential test races in the second half of this year.

Its development could follow a similar schedule to Porsche’s new-gen 911 GT3 R, which is on track to be in the hands of customers next year.

Walliser: GT4 Must Remain for Customers Only

Walliser is adamant that GT4 must remain for customers only, particularly for Bronze and Silver-rated drivers.

The growing platform has seen a recent influx of new manufacturers, some with ‘GT3-based’ cars, according to the Porsche Motorsport boss.

“It’s clear the target is for Am cars and some of the new entries, from my point of view, are beyond the line and over the edge,” Walliser said.

“They are stripped down GT3 cars and we want GT4 cars.

“The idea is low running costs and that makes it more interested. It’s not a question if you’re a second faster or not. We need good competition.

“The [CTSC] race in Daytona was nice and close. But I don’t want to see pro drivers in a GT4 car. It should be Silver and Bronze drivers only.”

John Dagys

John Dagys is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Sportscar365. Dagys spent eight years as a motorsports correspondent for FOXSports.com and SPEED Channel and has contributed to numerous other motorsports publications worldwide. Contact John