In an unexpected twist, Porsche surprises everyone with the new Cayman GT4; queue starts here

This is the first time Porsche has introduced such a focused GT model based on the mid-engined, two-seater Cayman coupe. Sharing components and genetic spirit with the iconic 911 GT3, a lap time of 7 min 40 sec around the Nürburgring Nordschleife places the Cayman GT4 emphatically as the new benchmark at the top of its market segment. It also makes a clear statement that Porsche will continue to promote sports cars that are developed at the company’s Motorsport department in Weissach.

The Cayman GT4 is powered by a mid-mounted, 3.8-litre flat-six engine with 385 hp (283 kW) produced at 7,400 rpm, which is derived from the 911 Carrera S engine. Its power is transmitted by a standard six-speed manual gearbox with dynamic gearbox mounts - there is no PDK transmission option, which should be good news to purists. This translates to a 0-100 km/h time of 4.4 seconds; top speed is 295 km/h. The car\'s NEDC fuel consumption is 9.7 km/L, equivalent to 238 g/km CO2.

The body is lowered by 30 mm versus the standard Cayman, and features a purposefully-proportioned brake system. Furthermore, the chassis has been comprehensively fine-tuned with many components shared with the 911 GT3. Three distinctive inlet openings in the nose and a large fixed rear wing are part of an aerodynamic package which is systematically designed to not only reduce lift but also generate downforce.

Technical aspects of the new Cayman GT4 are based on the 911 GT3. As a mid-engined sports car and a prime example of driving dynamics in its class,  it follows the conceptual tradition of such cars as the 904 GTS, 911 GT1, Carrera GT and 918 Spyder.

The interior of the Cayman GT4 features a pair of sports seats upholstered in a combination of leather and Alcantara. And due to its compact dimensions, the new GT4 sports steering wheel guarantees ideal control and direct steering feedback.

It retails in the UK now from £64,451 (about SGD133k), and will make its world premiere in March at the Geneva International Motor Show. The Porsche Cayman GT4 should be arriving in Singapore at the last quarter of 2015.