The Porsche Cayman (981c) GTS 3.4, produced from 2014 to 2016, represents a significant step up in performance and driving engagement within the 981 generation Cayman lineup. Positioned as the performance-oriented variant below the flagship Cayman GT4, the GTS 3.4 combined a more powerful engine with Porsche’s sophisticated PDK dual-clutch transmission, offering a compelling blend of everyday usability and track-day capability. It built upon the foundation of the 981 platform – a mid-engine, two-seat sports car designed to deliver a pure driving experience – and aimed to bridge the gap between the base Cayman and the more hardcore GT models.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Porsche |
| Model | Cayman |
| Generation | Cayman (981c) |
| Type (Engine) | GTS 3.4 (340 Hp) PDK |
| Start of production | 2014 |
| End of production | 2016 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Coupe |
| Seats | 2 |
| Doors | 2 |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – urban | 11.4 l/100 km (20.6 US mpg, 24.8 UK mpg, 8.8 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – extra urban | 6.3 l/100 km (37.3 US mpg, 44.8 UK mpg, 15.9 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – combined | 8.2 l/100 km (28.7 US mpg, 34.4 UK mpg, 12.2 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 190 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 4.8 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 4.8 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 4.6 sec |
| Maximum speed | 283 km/h (175.85 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 4 kg/Hp, 247.3 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 3.6 kg/Nm, 276.4 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 340 Hp @ 7400 rpm |
| Power per litre | 99 Hp/l |
| Torque | 380 Nm @ 4750-5800 rpm (280.27 lb.-ft. @ 4750-5800 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Middle, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | MA1.23 |
| Engine displacement | 3436 cm3 (209.68 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 6 |
| Engine configuration | Boxer |
| Compression ratio | 12.5:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Direct injection |
| Engine oil capacity | 7.5 l (7.93 US qt | 6.6 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 23 l (24.3 US qt | 20.24 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1375 kg (3031.36 lbs) |
| Max. weight | 1695 kg (3736.84 lbs) |
| Max load | 320 kg (705.48 lbs) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 425 l (15.01 cu. ft) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 64 l (16.91 US gal | 14.08 UK gal) |
| Length | 4404 mm (173.39 in) |
| Width | 1801 mm (70.91 in) |
| Height | 1284 mm (50.55 in) |
| Wheelbase | 2475 mm (97.44 in) |
| Drag coefficient (Cd) | 0.31 |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 7 gears, automatic transmission PDK |
| Front suspension | Independent coil spring |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Ventilated discs |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
At the heart of the Cayman GTS 3.4 lies the MA1.23 engine, a 3.4-liter naturally aspirated flat-six (boxer) engine. This engine is a direct descendant of the powerplants found in the 991 generation Porsche 911, albeit detuned slightly. The key to its performance is direct fuel injection, which allows for precise fuel delivery and improved combustion efficiency. The engine also features a variable valve timing system (VVT) and a dry-sump lubrication system, contributing to its high-revving nature and reliability. The engine produces 340 horsepower at 7,400 rpm and 380 Nm (280 lb-ft) of torque between 4,750 and 5,800 rpm.
Paired with the engine is Porsche’s seven-speed PDK (Porsche Doppelkupplung) dual-clutch transmission. This transmission offers incredibly fast and smooth gear changes, both in automatic and manual modes. The PDK utilizes two separate clutches – one for even-numbered gears and one for odd-numbered gears – allowing for pre-selection of the next gear, resulting in near-instantaneous shifts. The transmission’s gear ratios are tuned to provide a balance between acceleration and fuel efficiency.
Driving Characteristics
The Cayman GTS 3.4 with the PDK transmission delivers a remarkably engaging driving experience. While not as raw or visceral as a manual transmission equipped model, the PDK offers a level of convenience and performance that appeals to a wide range of drivers. Acceleration is brisk, with 0-60 mph times consistently in the 4.6-4.8 second range. The engine’s power delivery is linear and predictable, making it easy to modulate throttle inputs and maintain control. The PDK transmission’s quick shifts contribute to a seamless power delivery, minimizing any interruption in acceleration. Compared to the base Cayman’s 2.7-liter engine, the GTS 3.4 offers a significant increase in power and torque, resulting in noticeably stronger acceleration and improved passing performance. It doesn’t quite match the outright performance of the later Cayman GT4, but provides a more accessible and refined experience.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The GTS 3.4 came standard with a number of performance-enhancing features, including Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM), which electronically adjusts the dampers to optimize ride comfort and handling. It also included the Sport Chrono Package, which added a Sport Plus mode that sharpens throttle response, adjusts shift points, and activates a launch control function. Inside, the GTS 3.4 featured sport seats upholstered in Alcantara and leather, a sport steering wheel, and aluminum trim accents. Optional extras included features like full leather interiors, carbon fiber trim, and a Bose audio system.
Chassis & Braking
The Cayman GTS 3.4 utilizes a fully independent suspension system with coil springs and dampers. The suspension geometry is optimized for handling and stability, providing a balanced and responsive feel. The GTS model also benefits from a slightly wider track than the base Cayman, further enhancing its cornering ability. Braking duties are handled by ventilated disc brakes on all four wheels. The brakes are powerful and provide excellent stopping performance, even under repeated use. The GTS also included Porsche Torque Vectoring (PTV), which uses a limited-slip differential to distribute torque between the rear wheels, improving traction and cornering agility.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Cayman GTS 3.4 was widely praised by automotive critics for its performance, handling, and overall driving experience. It was lauded as a compelling alternative to more expensive sports cars, offering a similar level of performance and refinement at a more accessible price point. Compared to the base Cayman, the GTS 3.4 offered a significant upgrade in performance and features, justifying its higher price tag. While the PDK transmission was generally well-received, some purists preferred the engagement of a manual transmission. Fuel economy was respectable for a sports car of its caliber, with combined fuel consumption figures around 28.7 US mpg.
Legacy
The Cayman GTS 3.4 has proven to be a reliable and durable sports car. The MA1.23 engine is known for its longevity, and the PDK transmission has also demonstrated good reliability. On the used car market, the GTS 3.4 commands a premium over the base Cayman, reflecting its higher performance and desirable features. It remains a popular choice for enthusiasts seeking a well-rounded and engaging sports car experience. The 981 GTS models, in general, are considered a sweet spot in the Cayman lineage, offering a compelling blend of performance, practicality, and value.
