Porsche replaces Cayman GT4 race car with new 911 GT4 R based on 911 GT3 — and yes, it’s confusing

Porsche has launched the 911 GT4 R, a new customer race car that replaces the 718 Cayman GT4 RS Clubsport. Unlike previous GT4 race cars, which were Cayman-based, this one is built on the 911 platform—specifically, the 911 Cup car, which traces its roots back to the 911 GT3 street car. The move marks Porsche’s first GT4 race car derived from the 911, shifting the class away from its traditional Cayman lineage.

Power comes from the 4.0-liter flat-6 engine found in the 911 Cup, producing 520 horsepower and 346 lb-ft of torque. While actual track outputs for the 2027 racing season will be governed by Balance of Performance regulations, the engine’s high-revving nature remains a highlight, spinning up to 8,750 rpm. Power is routed through a sequential six-speed dog-type transmission with a four-plate sintered metal racing clutch and a mechanical limited-slip differential.

The GT4 R is more powerful than the Cayman GT4 RS Clubsport it replaces, featuring wider tracks but narrower wheels—one inch less than the 911 Cup—to meet GT4 class requirements. The Cup’s centerlock wheels are swapped for a five-bolt pattern, and the car includes dual-adjustable dampers with three selectable spring rates for fine-tuning ride stiffness. Forged control arms and top mounts enhance rigidity, while a large rear wing with 11 adjustable positions and extensive use of natural-fiber-reinforced plastic and epoxy resin keep weight in check at approximately 3,340 pounds.

Inside, drivers get a 10.3-inch color display for monitoring and adjusting race parameters. Porsche lists the 911 GT4 R’s price at $375,500, including delivery. In North America, the car will debut in the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge and SRO Pirelli GT4 America series next year.