2015 Porsche Cayman GT4 confirmed

IS THIS the world's best drivers' car? The Porsche Cayman GT4 has been confirmed ahead of its Geneva show reveal, and it's raided the Porsche war chest with more power, look-at-me aero and 911 GT3 engine.

The new GT4 is more than a successor to the superb Cayman R and uses a 283kW version of the 3.8-litre flat-six from the 911, which means it outpunches the Cayman GTS with its 250kW, and has more grunt than an entry-level 911. That may not sound impressive, but the GT4 should weigh substantially less, even if Stuttgart is yet to reveal a kerb weight for the new Cayman king.

Porsche claims a 0-100km/h time of 4.5sec, and a Nurburgring lap time of 7min 40sec, which matches not only the 997 911 GT3's time but also the Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera's effort. For purists, the GT4 uses a six-speed manual gearbox, unlike the double-clutch only 911 GT3, and has dynamic gearbox mounts for the do-it-your-self cog swapper. There's also a mechanical limited-slip diff and torque vectoring. Top speed is 295km/h.

The Cayman GT4 rides on 20-inch alloys and sits 30mm lower than the regular version, and is distinguished by its nose inlets and ostentatious fixed rear wing. Insider, there's the obligatory Porsche Alcantara on the sports seats and GT4 steering wheel.

On sale today in Europe, the Porsche Cayman GT4 is expected in Australian showrooms in late 2015, at a starting price of $190,300, a premium of $23K over the Cayman GTS.