This is Yerba Buena Road in Malibu, it finishes at Neptune's Net. It used to be undrivable but was just repaved last summer. I will say that if you have a fast car then parts of it are quite annoying because the turns are slow but stubby and you don't get to let loose. But the last section which descends to the sea is absolutely sublime. Also it's nice to see Matt drive these roads, I thought after all those people bitched about his driving that he got scared away from crowded Malibu.
Not as simple, as many were considering the PDK to have shorter gearing and therefore likely be more fun. However, the gearing issue is still there and therefore, the PDK doesn't really offer any gearing advantages, but just simply the fact that it is an automatic.
@@gky3019 Exactly. Unlike most cars the auto GT4 was considered possibly the one to get because the gearbox problem may be fixed. And auto with good ratios more desirable than manual with not so good ratios. But based off this video the problem is still there.
I like to do a slower scouting run for cyclists, road debris, etc, then you can take note of any cars passing you on your way back down which can let you adjust the timing part if you have a good gap or skip it entirely if you don't see anyone at all. But his way is ok for a car I guess. I'm riding canyons on a motorcycle so road debris is a big deal. Small patch of fine gravel in the wrong place can be baaad news. A rock you can see and (almost always) dodge, gravel can be sneaky.
As a 964 owner who likes to drive spiritedly road and track as well as an avid cyclist, I appreciated that comment so much. I was buzzed by a s2000 on a local road no shoulder with a speed delta of 100mph last month and that wasn't cool. Thanks again.
@@kleinbottled79 you would love it here, every summer the state puts tons of gravel on mountain roads so they don't have to fill up the holes. And right after that they fine you for your exhaust thats too loud. "for your safety"
The Cayman has so much more potential than the 911 and Porsche understandably is scared of giving it what it actually deserves. A cayman with shorter ratios and a 9000rpm redline would be the best sports car on the planet, especially better than the GT3...
Was just about to comment this as well. If 2nd in the GT4 tops out around 70/80, that's the problem right there. Above the speed limit in most of the United States. Miata's second tops out at what... 55 or barely 60? For this kind of road I'd honestly prefer a Miata, but to each their own.
@Alaberti That cannot be the case, because the GT3 Touring has a 6 speed manual with a shorter final drive ratio, which shortens every single gear. Not to mention that the 4.0 of the GT3 is a different engine which produces a whole lot more torque compared to the 4.0 in the GT4. Ironically the shorter final drive should be for the GT4 instead. It's quite obvious that Porsche tries to hinder the GT4's potential, which makes sense because the Cayman would outperform the 911 any day, with the same power.
@Alaberti So what is your point ? They know they can sell more if they improve it...They keep improving the 911 but neer work on the cayman, while there would actually be a huge market for the GT4 if it would be quicker than the GT3. Most people owning GT3's just buy it because of the hype, they would buy the GT4 instead if it would be quicker. And since it can be quicker why is Porsche not improving it...Because of the reason i said earlier.
@@gky3019 Agree with this statement. The cayman has a lot more potential being lighter, shorter wheelbase, and better dynamics. It should have a 2nd gear top at 60. It weight less than 3,000lbs with almost 400hp. I would just have the wheel diameter dropped to a 19 or 18. At least one size smaller at the rear for a little more sidewall.
The GT3 has the most powerful version of Porsche’s engine and a perfectly matched manual gearbox. It is not widely reported that the GT3 was held back so as not to compete with faster models.
@@TheSmokingTire What on earth does that have to do with his statement? It has long gearing, and a 9k redline to accentuate what is already long gearing into super long gearing. You nor anyone else would make a peep about it being in 2nd the entire time like the OP said.
@@aiGeis true... but let’s bash the ratios of the GT4 because after one youtuber said it you would be crazy not to say it as well. I happen to have a GT4 and in a real world scenario the ratios are fine. Making first shorter won’t really get you anywhere because: A: enough wheelspin as is B: the redline comes so quick you have a hard time shifting fast enough already. Bonus Point: a longer ratio means a higher top speed aaaaand I don’t have to drive at 5.000RPM while cruising 100mp/h on the autobahn. (That’s a thing we do over here in good ol Deutschland)
@@aiGeis I "peep" about it, bcause the Cayman GT4 is intentionally hamstrung so as to not be as quick or fast as the regular GT3. I don't want the GT3 to be faster; it's fast enough. I want Porsche to build the quickest and fastest Cayman they can, which they could do, but they actively choose not to do. That is the point.
I believe they mentioned this on the podcast. Don’t quote me on this. But I think they said they hired someone to comb through their channel and tell them what they can do to get more eyes on their content. The thumbnails are definitely part of that.
I can understand that, but i hope Matt's business mindset will just look at this as crowdsourced feedback if he ever reads this comment. It just doesn't look polished to me.
The manual version of the Gt4 in those canyons you couldn’t drive that fast unless you were Randy Pobst. You can clearly see to be able to control the car like Matt did at those speeds you need two hands firmly on the wheel.
@@GuyGamer1 1st rule of the street is to never take a road or corner fast that you don't know religiously. Any real street driver could use the manuals full potential, it just takes real skill
I think it needs the tall gearing for emissions (I thought I read that somewhere). Seems to sap the fun out of having a quick shifting PDK if you can barely even shift in such roads. It's like driving a single speed go-kart around a track.
Oh man what a road! Pleasure even to watch! As for the gearbox, I never expected PDK to change the situation. That would have been very untypical. Glad I have the manual.
I've driven my share of manuals...I'm over the tough guy image of driving a manual stick. The reality is that this PDK is far quicker than my skillset! That allows me the time spent concentrating on tire placement. I'd rather own the PDK in any model from Porsche.
Even some torque converter automatics are faster shifting than manuals these days. People buy manuals because they enjoy rowing gears, not for performance reasons.
Unless you are in an actual competitive event where that 2/10ths of a second per lap actually matters, then why would you care? Driving a Cayman should be about the experience, not the 1/10th of a second of time you saved on a shift.
When you're buying a car it's all about what makes you feel special. I drove my childhood hero, the Evo, and light to light I didn't like it. I drove an mx5 and a 128, I liked it but it didn't give me the fizz. Drove an STI and didn't like it. I drove a Focus ST and almost had it. Then I drove the Fiesta ST and within the first few gear changes, I was in love and had to have one. Still driving it stock power-wise and laughing all the way to work and back and take it for the occasional canyon day. Find what you like to drive, and the car that makes you feel special, and buy that.
Good for you! A lot of people might criticize the comparisons your making but f them.....you sound like a good-faith car guy (or chick) who found your car and fortunately it was very strong on the grins per dollar quotient
Love the video. Thank you for highlighting the difference between the ratios. Would really appreciate it if this same road was used for cars that tend to be lighter, shorter wheelbase, etc.
Love your videos!! I thought I tired of my love of sports cars but after a couple years in my Lincoln Aviator I'm ready to get back to driving fun!!! This GT4 reminds me of my first car, a Datsun 510, albeit with a lot more tech and power. Thanks for the great videos!!!
Matt, beautiful drive and awesome vid! I do think the criticism that the gearing is too long is a bit overblown, especially as it's not really that far off from GT3 gearing, which doesn't garner nearly as many complaints. For comparison, top speed for 997 GT3 is 85mph in 2nd, and 117mph in 3rd. A 991 GT3 is 77mph in 2nd, and 106 in 3rd.
Matt, been watching your reviews since you started and you’re my favorite car journalist. Never afraid to spit the facts, never sugarcoated and you drive like you mean it! Also pretty sure you just sold me on that beard trimmer lol
another great video! Get right to the point, drive and review. I agreed. For my driving skills, I found the GT4 is much easier to handle than my previous GT3RS. Although more dramas and exciting on the GT3 motor. 🦅🦅🇺🇸
Matt, I saw a ton of those comments on the stick GT4 video, and in NO WAY, SHAPE OR FORM, were you condescending regarding the car at all. People are just too soft. You made great points about that gearbox.
I don’t really see much of a problem with the longer ratios. There is plenty of torque and that long second gear is a weapon for quick overtaking manoeuvres. Make sure you have an exhaust valve control unit (Cargraphic) or a different back box and you won’t be left wanting for more. Ps I have a 718 Spyder with manual shift. Great review as always though.
I've spent enough time in the Cayman GT4 CS on iRacing to know that you're still in 3rd gear most of the time. Fun car, but frustrating to not have at least 5 useful gears when racing.
I have a GTS manual and there isn’t a gearing issue, it pulls from 40mph easily in 6th and if you want it to go quickly you drop to 2nd. The car just pulls in any gear at pretty much any speed and you decide how fast you want to accelerate by changing gear. I did think I would probably change to a PDK in a couple of years but have no desire to, I love the manual.
Matt, since 2017 PDK has been almost telepathic in Sport Plus (no more redline shifts), you could have just left it in Sport Plus auto and let the car decide when to shift, that would have been helpful comparison on this video. Maybe with it would have decided there is enough torque to use 3rd more often and with lightening fast shifts it might have. I have dozens of friends with Porsches I go on drives with often, most have PDK and I can tell you they never use the paddles. I've started using mine recently just to experience something different on drives. Another comparison to this video would be to drive a 991.1 (i.e. non-turbo charged) 911 on the same road, see if you ever left 2nd gear.
damn sir, i was expecting a launch with the PDK! great review and I feel you on the auto vs manual driver complex. At the end of the day choose wat you want, they're both equally as awesome in this car. (BMW should learn a thing or two about this)
As an avid cyclist and an enthusiastic driver of a Porsche, I am most appreciative of your concern regarding cyclists. Lycra versus a 4,000-5,000 pond car is a no contest!
Looking forward to Shark Werks releasing their gearing update for the PDK as well. Hopefully that will make the PDK not just a great canyon carver, but track day weapon as well.
Porsche are waiting for anybody that wants a manual just have your deposit and if you want a PDK there's another door for you just have your deposit it is that simple contrary to what people are fussing about. Me,I'm old school but would be foolish to turn down a PDK, quicker and easier round town. Too much people talking about track but then never get there.
People complain about the inconvenience of manual cars. Now, you just need to use two gears on GT4 on the public road!!! What is terrible about, uh? Don’t forget that you can always bring it to a track for full usage of manual gears.
On most tracks you wont get past third and you will be constantly raging that you aren't in the powerband when leaving corners because Porsche mated a high revving NA engine with a two speed box.
The gears are too long for most tracks as well, and when your power band starts at 5,000+, you have to be going very fast to even be in the power band in second.
Have you driven a manual before? If by 'public roads' you mean in traffic then it doesn't solve anything. You're still gonna wear out your left foot in stop-go. And just because your first gear goes to 40mph doesn't mean you should stay in first gear all the time (holding it at high revs serves no good purpose)
Something about these one takes and two takes on the road and even off road is very therapeutic. Can’t explain it but, I always feel very relaxed by them. Thank you, Matt.
TradeCraft yerba buena my man haha you cracked me up with that “made for me” comment. This One Take really showed how good you’ve become at your craft, stay up Matt!
watching ads of a product that the influencer actually uses and that are not complete shit is rare these days, that's one of the reasons matt is, in my opinion, one of the most objective car journalists these days. no stupid phone games no one actually plays, of shitty headphones(raycons or whatever) just stuff he actually uses. kudos mate.
Do you think he really wears Vincero watches? He used to do those ads and they’re great sub $200 watches but Matt seems like too so much of a well off watch nerd that I expect him to only wear much nicer watches. He could tho. He did drive a FiST. I still agree with your comment regardless and Matt’s genuineness off his Vincero ads.
i dont know why people hating on the gear ratios ... the torque is enough low down and it has never been an issue for me ... for normal driving you dont need to red line the car all the time . Even with brisk fast driving it never was an issue (and im at altitude)
In the meantime check out the sound captured in this video I came across yesterday. Can't understand a word the reporter says, however it's the sound like nothing I have heard on these new Caymans:- ruclips.net/video/-JBxJqbx36k/видео.html
Great video, exciting review! That engine note is intoxicating. The Cayman handles like nobody's business. Totally a canyon carver. As far as the PDK vs the 6MT? Not all that important either way unless you have $110K to spend, but as far as daily use, either way could work, even in LA. Porsche builds amazing cars. It's my bucket list car (the Cayman GT4).
@@bv9613 Have you ever seen such pitiful driving roads? Lake Shore Drive is great for scenery... other than that you have to drive hundreds of miles to find interesting roads or anything interesting to look at.
@@Guy_de_Loimbard yeah, although I’ve lived around the country and while there are better places there are a lot that aren’t so good as well. That road in the video is amazing
What an amazing road!!! Also the car really shines on that road. After watching your video I really should be considering a Porsche Cayman GT4 for my next car, though I think I would still prefer the stick
Joseph Herbias glad to hear that. I have a 981 which sounds awesome. Does it sound better or worse than the 981? Someday I’d like to jump up to this one.
@@thedudeabides1443 not sure. Never drove that and this is my first Pcar. Haven't even broken it in yet, but my opinion there is already a lot of drama in 3rd and 4th gear at 4k. If the move to a 992 GT3 or the rumored GT4 RS don't pan out, I am going to ring up JCR. I can also tell you that this car is even noisier stock than my previous SS 1LE I had a Borla Atak with
@@thedudeabides1443 in my opinion every car from factory is too quiet. But that’s just my personal opinion. I haven’t had a car I don’t modify, everyone is different. Different strokes for different folks.
You said shorter gear ratios are just "some money away". I have a 2016 Cayman GTS manual. Who do I take it to that can shorten the gear ratios without screwing up the perfection that the gearbox itself is currently?
Awesome, I own a early cayman and the GT4 is like my little croc turned up to 20! Lovely spec with club sport buckets and ceramics in gentian blue. My heart aches ...
Great video and good to see it pushed properly on a decent road. I have one of the first PDK GT4’s in the UK arriving shortly and would love a road like this nearby to break it in. I do have wales though..
For someone that can't decide between the gts 4.0 vs the gt4, I frequently drives twisty mountain roads at well above average speeds, would the gts 4.0 feel the same or would the gt4 be more planted?
I was in a similar dilemma and went with GTS 4.0 because I know I'm not gonna track it too often, so GT4 makes no sense. Every single person who reads this comment will never be able to drive either of those cars near the limit, even on a track so the limiting factor will always be you.
As a cyclist and P-car owner, I appreciate the explanation about waiting for 30 minutes before going hard on the up hill road. Early morning canyon runs are the best.
I have a 3.8 C4S PDK and run the Dragon mostly in second, with a little third. So given the amount of curves you've got there, 2nd and 3rd sound right. You should paddle shift though. It's SO fun! Instant power is intoxicating
I have a question for Matt and or, anyone commenting. I lost my right leg below the knee to Diabetes and wear a prosthetic to walk. I love cars and have had some fun little cars over the years like a Triumph GT6, and TR7 hardtop, a Nissan Pulsar NX turbo, a first gen Mazda Miata, and first gen RX-7 GLS. Now aside from the Mazda's that I know I can find in an automatic, can anyone give me some ideas for mid to small sized cars with quick and fun handling, that also came with an automatic box? Currently I'm looking for a first gen MR2 Supercharged with an auto, or a Supra auto. I have tried to use a standard and without the feeling in your right foot it is amazing how much you depend on that slight tactile feeling to accurately move the gas pedal in coordination with your clutching foot. I have an 88 Trooper II and found I was stalling or burning the clutch because of having no feeling in my feet, a quick slip behind the wheel of my brother's Jaguar XF with an automatic and driving was again a fun experience even though I had to use my left leg for the gas and brake. I have since purchased a contraption to give me a gas pedal for my left foot, which after a few minutes of swearing was installed in my old Dodge pick-up and works remarkably well. Thank-you in advance, please try and answer seriously please, we are all car guys after all.
I live in an area with tons of narrow, twisty, and tight roads. What are the best cars to drive besides the GT4? I'm looking for a small, nimble but capable car.
I have the new Spyder, however, I detest the manual roof. If I knew the GTS were going to be available I would have ordered that model instead. Keep up the great work Matt.
Only question I didn't hear answered would be, does that 7th gear help for longer trips on the highway? Can I cruise at just under 85-100 at less than 3750/4000 RPMs? I assume so. But would be great to hear it from your testing Matt. Great video. Love your work and ethic.
That’s like the most perfect drive anyone has ever gone on. No cars. Perfect lighting. In a Porsche GT car.
The people: We want short gears
Porsche: NEIN
Correction : ''NEIN''
Feel like Porsche heard that wish as "We don't want turbos." and Porsche was _thinking_ "But do you really not?"
I think he said there's seven.
@@theborth seven gears?
@@wasimgotauzi9756 yea
That road looks money
Where is this road?
Looks like malibu by Neptune's net
This is Yerba Buena Road in Malibu, it finishes at Neptune's Net. It used to be undrivable but was just repaved last summer. I will say that if you have a fast car then parts of it are quite annoying because the turns are slow but stubby and you don't get to let loose. But the last section which descends to the sea is absolutely sublime.
Also it's nice to see Matt drive these roads, I thought after all those people bitched about his driving that he got scared away from crowded Malibu.
@@jetplume Thanks!
@@jetplume why were people bitching about his driving?
Word Bro. You want the manual, get the manual. You want the PDK, get the PDK. Pretty simple.
Not as simple, as many were considering the PDK to have shorter gearing and therefore likely be more fun. However, the gearing issue is still there and therefore, the PDK doesn't really offer any gearing advantages, but just simply the fact that it is an automatic.
@@gky3019 so if you want to drive an auto, buy an auto.....
@@gky3019 Exactly. Unlike most cars the auto GT4 was considered possibly the one to get because the gearbox problem may be fixed. And auto with good ratios more desirable than manual with not so good ratios. But based off this video the problem is still there.
@@gky3019 it may not offer gearing advantages, but it most certainly offers performance advantages.
I have the manual. Gearing isn't something to complain about
God dam that car is so planted, it looks so good. Great job on the video Mr Farrah
_SUPER_ planted aye. What a brilliant chassis.
Matt reviews a lovely twisty road, and a Cayman GT4 came along for the ride.
Better than the manual review.
Timing for cyclists is a pro move by Matt
I like to do a slower scouting run for cyclists, road debris, etc, then you can take note of any cars passing you on your way back down which can let you adjust the timing part if you have a good gap or skip it entirely if you don't see anyone at all. But his way is ok for a car I guess. I'm riding canyons on a motorcycle so road debris is a big deal. Small patch of fine gravel in the wrong place can be baaad news. A rock you can see and (almost always) dodge, gravel can be sneaky.
As a 964 owner who likes to drive spiritedly road and track as well as an avid cyclist, I appreciated that comment so much. I was buzzed by a s2000 on a local road no shoulder with a speed delta of 100mph last month and that wasn't cool. Thanks again.
yes sure... pro move. until the lady with the dogs
100% full respect. As a cyclist and car enthusiast I approve of the timing
@@kleinbottled79 you would love it here, every summer the state puts tons of gravel on mountain roads so they don't have to fill up the holes.
And right after that they fine you for your exhaust thats too loud. "for your safety"
this road is something else, damn
That thing HANDLES
Exactly my thoughts.
It's a porsche lol
That’s what Caymans do. All of them.
porsche is like if you want short gears buy a miata ...
The Cayman has so much more potential than the 911 and Porsche understandably is scared of giving it what it actually deserves. A cayman with shorter ratios and a 9000rpm redline would be the best sports car on the planet, especially better than the GT3...
Was just about to comment this as well. If 2nd in the GT4 tops out around 70/80, that's the problem right there. Above the speed limit in most of the United States. Miata's second tops out at what... 55 or barely 60? For this kind of road I'd honestly prefer a Miata, but to each their own.
@Alaberti That cannot be the case, because the GT3 Touring has a 6 speed manual with a shorter final drive ratio, which shortens every single gear. Not to mention that the 4.0 of the GT3 is a different engine which produces a whole lot more torque compared to the 4.0 in the GT4. Ironically the shorter final drive should be for the GT4 instead. It's quite obvious that Porsche tries to hinder the GT4's potential, which makes sense because the Cayman would outperform the 911 any day, with the same power.
@Alaberti So what is your point ? They know they can sell more if they improve it...They keep improving the 911 but neer work on the cayman, while there would actually be a huge market for the GT4 if it would be quicker than the GT3. Most people owning GT3's just buy it because of the hype, they would buy the GT4 instead if it would be quicker. And since it can be quicker why is Porsche not improving it...Because of the reason i said earlier.
@@gky3019 Agree with this statement. The cayman has a lot more potential being lighter, shorter wheelbase, and better dynamics. It should have a 2nd gear top at 60. It weight less than 3,000lbs with almost 400hp. I would just have the wheel diameter dropped to a 19 or 18. At least one size smaller at the rear for a little more sidewall.
You guys are so fortunate to have roads like that near the coast in California!
That front end grip is really impressive.
"Make sure to like and subscribe!"
Now that was deliciously condescending 🤣
Gotta swim against the flow of the Niagara Falls of BS
If he took a GT3 up the same road he'd probably be in 2nd most of the time and nobody would say a word.
The GT3 has the most powerful version of Porsche’s engine and a perfectly matched manual gearbox. It is not widely reported that the GT3 was held back so as not to compete with faster models.
@@TheSmokingTire What on earth does that have to do with his statement? It has long gearing, and a 9k redline to accentuate what is already long gearing into super long gearing. You nor anyone else would make a peep about it being in 2nd the entire time like the OP said.
@@aiGeis
true... but let’s bash the ratios of the GT4 because after one youtuber said it you would be crazy not to say it as well.
I happen to have a GT4 and in a real world scenario the ratios are fine.
Making first shorter won’t really get you anywhere because:
A: enough wheelspin as is
B: the redline comes so quick you have a hard time shifting fast enough already.
Bonus Point:
a longer ratio means a higher top speed aaaaand I don’t have to drive at 5.000RPM while cruising 100mp/h on the autobahn. (That’s a thing we do over here in good ol Deutschland)
@@aiGeis I "peep" about it, bcause the Cayman GT4 is intentionally hamstrung so as to not be as quick or fast as the regular GT3. I don't want the GT3 to be faster; it's fast enough. I want Porsche to build the quickest and fastest Cayman they can, which they could do, but they actively choose not to do. That is the point.
@@TheSmokingTire do you think they will make those changes to the GT4 RS when it is finally released? I for one, hope so.
Lesson learned...
Cayman GT4: Awesome car!
Matt: Knows some amazing roads!
The better transmission: Preference!
Gotta give credit to that cupholder for not slinging his beverage all over the place!
Ya this dude is an idiot. Always has open cups in brand new cars why he just doesn't have a closed bottle drink is beyond me
@@alfredooliva5175 His cup has a clear plastic lid on it. Why do you care so much? They’re press cars, people beat the shit out of them.
@@alfredooliva5175 It's a Yeti mug; the top has double O-rings and seals pretty well. They can be dropped off a desk onto hardwood and don't leak.
@@jeebus2121 can confirm this lol.
@ 1:43 One of the best looking cars to come out in a while...
That thing really hustles through corners. That road looks incredible. 👍
Thumbnail font makes the video look like a generic youtube drama video. This channel deserves so much more.
I believe they mentioned this on the podcast. Don’t quote me on this. But I think they said they hired someone to comb through their channel and tell them what they can do to get more eyes on their content. The thumbnails are definitely part of that.
I can understand that, but i hope Matt's business mindset will just look at this as crowdsourced feedback if he ever reads this comment. It just doesn't look polished to me.
@@blackhawkfan1988able fair enough. I agree that it could use some polish. I think it’ll get there.
Agreed
@@blackhawkfan1988able of by it
Funn Fact: The Orders for the GT4 in Germany are 80% Manual Gearbox.
(And so did I)
The manual version of the Gt4 in those canyons you couldn’t drive that fast unless you were Randy Pobst. You can clearly see to be able to control the car like Matt did at those speeds you need two hands firmly on the wheel.
Its called knowing and picking the right gear for the corner
@@bikelifebreezy7400 The real world isn't a racetrack, you won't know every corner.
@@GuyGamer1 1st rule of the street is to never take a road or corner fast that you don't know religiously. Any real street driver could use the manuals full potential, it just takes real skill
Disagree
I think it needs the tall gearing for emissions (I thought I read that somewhere). Seems to sap the fun out of having a quick shifting PDK if you can barely even shift in such roads. It's like driving a single speed go-kart around a track.
Great video Matt! Well said about the manual vs PDK, get what you want to experience!
On that tight road, in that car with that camera position, it conveyed speed better than almost any video I've ever seen. You were canning that thing!
Oh man what a road! Pleasure even to watch!
As for the gearbox, I never expected PDK to change the situation. That would have been very untypical. Glad I have the manual.
I've driven my share of manuals...I'm over the tough guy image of driving a manual stick. The reality is that this PDK is far quicker than my skillset! That allows me the time spent concentrating on tire placement. I'd rather own the PDK in any model from Porsche.
Even some torque converter automatics are faster shifting than manuals these days. People buy manuals because they enjoy rowing gears, not for performance reasons.
Unless you are in an actual competitive event where that 2/10ths of a second per lap actually matters, then why would you care?
Driving a Cayman should be about the experience, not the 1/10th of a second of time you saved on a shift.
This GT4 truly looks like it dances effortlessly. Complements to Matt's driving and the Porsche Machine you handled. Overall great ONE TAKE1
When you're buying a car it's all about what makes you feel special. I drove my childhood hero, the Evo, and light to light I didn't like it. I drove an mx5 and a 128, I liked it but it didn't give me the fizz. Drove an STI and didn't like it. I drove a Focus ST and almost had it. Then I drove the Fiesta ST and within the first few gear changes, I was in love and had to have one. Still driving it stock power-wise and laughing all the way to work and back and take it for the occasional canyon day. Find what you like to drive, and the car that makes you feel special, and buy that.
Good for you! A lot of people might criticize the comparisons your making but f them.....you sound like a good-faith car guy (or chick) who found your car and fortunately it was very strong on the grins per dollar quotient
Dude why don’t you film here more?!?! Hands down the best road I’ve ever seen, even if you can’t always push that hard
Yeah that 79 mph second gear won’t make such a big difference. It’s really insane how long the gears are. My 981 S’s ratios are crazy long too
Love the video. Thank you for highlighting the difference between the ratios. Would really appreciate it if this same road was used for cars that tend to be lighter, shorter wheelbase, etc.
Ala a Lotus
Love your videos!! I thought I tired of my love of sports cars but after a couple years in my Lincoln Aviator I'm ready to get back to driving fun!!! This GT4 reminds me of my first car, a Datsun 510, albeit with a lot more tech and power. Thanks for the great videos!!!
I had to make sure my playback speed was 1.0... that car dances
I wish I could drive my FiST on that road. Awesome One Take Matt!
Lmao, I'm trying to find what road this is specifically so I can take mine there haha
@@BiigMe Malibu
Matt, beautiful drive and awesome vid! I do think the criticism that the gearing is too long is a bit overblown, especially as it's not really that far off from GT3 gearing, which doesn't garner nearly as many complaints. For comparison, top speed for 997 GT3 is 85mph in 2nd, and 117mph in 3rd. A 991 GT3 is 77mph in 2nd, and 106 in 3rd.
Matt, been watching your reviews since you started and you’re my favorite car journalist. Never afraid to spit the facts, never sugarcoated and you drive like you mean it! Also pretty sure you just sold me on that beard trimmer lol
another great video! Get right to the point, drive and review. I agreed. For my driving skills, I found the GT4 is much easier to handle than my previous GT3RS. Although more dramas and exciting on the GT3 motor. 🦅🦅🇺🇸
Matt, I saw a ton of those comments on the stick GT4 video, and in NO WAY, SHAPE OR FORM, were you condescending regarding the car at all. People are just too soft. You made great points about that gearbox.
I don’t really see much of a problem with the longer ratios. There is plenty of torque and that long second gear is a weapon for quick overtaking manoeuvres. Make sure you have an exhaust valve control unit (Cargraphic) or a different back box and you won’t be left wanting for more. Ps I have a 718 Spyder with manual shift. Great review as always though.
I've spent enough time in the Cayman GT4 CS on iRacing to know that you're still in 3rd gear most of the time. Fun car, but frustrating to not have at least 5 useful gears when racing.
Man!.. That road looks amazing! I'd still prefer the manual
I have a GTS manual and there isn’t a gearing issue, it pulls from 40mph easily in 6th and if you want it to go quickly you drop to 2nd. The car just pulls in any gear at pretty much any speed and you decide how fast you want to accelerate by changing gear. I did think I would probably change to a PDK in a couple of years but have no desire to, I love the manual.
Look at that stitching!! Love the old cupholders SO much!! Use them everyday
Woooow that video looked so fun to film! I had a PDK Boxster and can imagine how it would feel like driving on the amazing road!
The car looked like it was glued to the road. No tire chirping either. Amazing
Is it just me or does this engine sound amazing?
Sounds ok. I’ve got a stock 981 and I have to say it sounds better but maybe because this is the Euro spec car.
@@thedudeabides1443
Hell Yes!!!
Matt, since 2017 PDK has been almost telepathic in Sport Plus (no more redline shifts), you could have just left it in Sport Plus auto and let the car decide when to shift, that would have been helpful comparison on this video. Maybe with it would have decided there is enough torque to use 3rd more often and with lightening fast shifts it might have. I have dozens of friends with Porsches I go on drives with often, most have PDK and I can tell you they never use the paddles. I've started using mine recently just to experience something different on drives. Another comparison to this video would be to drive a 991.1 (i.e. non-turbo charged) 911 on the same road, see if you ever left 2nd gear.
excellent thanks for the information, I'm wondering, will the 992GT3 also come with tall gearing ?
damn sir, i was expecting a launch with the PDK! great review and I feel you on the auto vs manual driver complex. At the end of the day choose wat you want, they're both equally as awesome in this car. (BMW should learn a thing or two about this)
Patiently waiting for another Smoking Tire video
As an avid cyclist and an enthusiastic driver of a Porsche, I am most appreciative of your concern regarding cyclists. Lycra versus a 4,000-5,000 pond car is a no contest!
Looking forward to Shark Werks releasing their gearing update for the PDK as well. Hopefully that will make the PDK not just a great canyon carver, but track day weapon as well.
@Jason Brower .. +1. Now thats the ticket! . A re-geared PDK GT4 Cayman 4.0..
Amazing machine. Lovely road. I would still get the stick.
Porsche are waiting for anybody that wants a manual just have your deposit and if you want a PDK there's another door for you just have your deposit it is that simple contrary to what people are fussing about. Me,I'm old school but would be foolish to turn down a PDK, quicker and easier round town. Too much people talking about track but then never get there.
Too much talk, agree!
Nah, manual is more engaging. Most track guys get the PDK so in your argument, get the manual
Someone who's old school doesn't buy an automatic
That shade of blue is the cat’s meow. Perfect.
Amazing car, amazing road, amazing video!! Your in-car camera work is the best in the RUclips business.
More videos on this road please 🤟
People complain about the inconvenience of manual cars. Now, you just need to use two gears on GT4 on the public road!!! What is terrible about, uh? Don’t forget that you can always bring it to a track for full usage of manual gears.
On most tracks you wont get past third and you will be constantly raging that you aren't in the powerband when leaving corners because Porsche mated a high revving NA engine with a two speed box.
I think the gearing is more for the Nordschleife than smaller, more technical tracks with slower corners
The gears are too long for most tracks as well, and when your power band starts at 5,000+, you have to be going very fast to even be in the power band in second.
Have you driven a manual before? If by 'public roads' you mean in traffic then it doesn't solve anything. You're still gonna wear out your left foot in stop-go. And just because your first gear goes to 40mph doesn't mean you should stay in first gear all the time (holding it at high revs serves no good purpose)
Something about these one takes and two takes on the road and even off road is very therapeutic. Can’t explain it but, I always feel very relaxed by them. Thank you, Matt.
TradeCraft yerba buena my man haha you cracked me up with that “made for me” comment.
This One Take really showed how good you’ve become at your craft, stay up Matt!
Been waiting for a review of the pdk! Thanks @thesmokingtire
Here for the Yerba Buena comments.
blaze it 🔥
watching ads of a product that the influencer actually uses and that are not complete shit is rare these days, that's one of the reasons matt is, in my opinion, one of the most objective car journalists these days. no stupid phone games no one actually plays, of shitty headphones(raycons or whatever) just stuff he actually uses. kudos mate.
Do you think he really wears Vincero watches? He used to do those ads and they’re great sub $200 watches but Matt seems like too so much of a well off watch nerd that I expect him to only wear much nicer watches. He could tho. He did drive a FiST. I still agree with your comment regardless and Matt’s genuineness off his Vincero ads.
i dont know why people hating on the gear ratios ... the torque is enough low down and it has never been an issue for me ... for normal driving you dont need to red line the car all the time . Even with brisk fast driving it never was an issue (and im at altitude)
I would buy this car based on this video alone if I could. Perfect road for the car and I would like a just the noise video.
In the meantime check out the sound captured in this video I came across yesterday. Can't understand a word the reporter says, however it's the sound like nothing I have heard on these new Caymans:- ruclips.net/video/-JBxJqbx36k/видео.html
I'd prefer a manual but this looks to be a _ brilliant_ car. Such an amazing chassis.
Great video, exciting review! That engine note is intoxicating. The Cayman handles like nobody's business. Totally a canyon carver. As far as the PDK vs the 6MT? Not all that important either way unless you have $110K to spend, but as far as daily use, either way could work, even in LA. Porsche builds amazing cars. It's my bucket list car (the Cayman GT4).
I think the GT4 is making a case for becoming one of my dream cars
This squeee from the brakes would make me crazy! This alone would make me go for the steel ones.
Beautifull road with a beautifull car. 🤙🏻
Roads like this make me hate living in Hellinois.
I lived near Chicago for many years...
@@bv9613 Have you ever seen such pitiful driving roads? Lake Shore Drive is great for scenery... other than that you have to drive hundreds of miles to find interesting roads or anything interesting to look at.
@@Guy_de_Loimbard yeah, although I’ve lived around the country and while there are better places there are a lot that aren’t so good as well. That road in the video is amazing
I feel like adding a Vonnen Shadow Drive system to one of these (whether manual or PDK) would truly turn it into the ultimate track weapon.
That handling looked amazing. - Great car and great Video!
I'd like a CVT option for all GT models.
Troll
*Nissan has entered the chat*
It’s called a joke. Not everything is trolling, lol.
What an amazing road!!! Also the car really shines on that road. After watching your video I really should be considering a Porsche Cayman GT4 for my next car, though I think I would still prefer the stick
I so wish I had roads like that near me
Those squeaky brakes are killing me 😖
These cars are brilliant. Have you guys heard these with a good exhaust? They sound absolutely insane!
Sucks that you’d have to put an aftermarket exhaust on a $130k car to make it sound better.
@@thedudeabides1443 it sounds fine without an aftermarket exhaust. Doesn't mean I don't want one though
Joseph Herbias glad to hear that. I have a 981 which sounds awesome. Does it sound better or worse than the 981? Someday I’d like to jump up to this one.
@@thedudeabides1443 not sure. Never drove that and this is my first Pcar. Haven't even broken it in yet, but my opinion there is already a lot of drama in 3rd and 4th gear at 4k. If the move to a 992 GT3 or the rumored GT4 RS don't pan out, I am going to ring up JCR. I can also tell you that this car is even noisier stock than my previous SS 1LE I had a Borla Atak with
@@thedudeabides1443 in my opinion every car from factory is too quiet. But that’s just my personal opinion. I haven’t had a car I don’t modify, everyone is different. Different strokes for different folks.
Great video Matt, you looked so comfortable driving a very technical road!
You said shorter gear ratios are just "some money away". I have a 2016 Cayman GTS manual. Who do I take it to that can shorten the gear ratios without screwing up the perfection that the gearbox itself is currently?
That road reminds me of The Tail of the Dragon.
Point of the story: Get the manual and get the gearing changed !! So simple !!
How do you get the gearing changed for less than the price of the car itself? Lol
@@sunnohh yeah it's like 40 grand
@@sunnohh it’s only like 10-15k
13:03 LOVE that outro!
Awesome, I own a early cayman and the GT4 is like my little croc turned up to 20!
Lovely spec with club sport buckets and ceramics in gentian blue. My heart aches ...
Matt absolutely mogging this thing what a mad man
Matt, I really love your videos - and the Porsche GT4 - but I had to laugh when you pitched the electric shaver for shaving your balls. Too funny!
Great video and good to see it pushed properly on a decent road. I have one of the first PDK GT4’s in the UK arriving shortly and would love a road like this nearby to break it in. I do have wales though..
The car really didn't seem pushed though. Makes me wonder if a road like that might deliver twice the fun in half the car
For someone that can't decide between the gts 4.0 vs the gt4, I frequently drives twisty mountain roads at well above average speeds, would the gts 4.0 feel the same or would the gt4 be more planted?
I was in a similar dilemma and went with GTS 4.0 because I know I'm not gonna track it too often, so GT4 makes no sense. Every single person who reads this comment will never be able to drive either of those cars near the limit, even on a track so the limiting factor will always be you.
As a cyclist and P-car owner, I appreciate the explanation about waiting for 30 minutes before going hard on the up hill road. Early morning canyon runs are the best.
I like how the brakes squeal!!
Definitely my dream car in the manual spec
I have a 3.8 C4S PDK and run the Dragon mostly in second, with a little third. So given the amount of curves you've got there, 2nd and 3rd sound right. You should paddle shift though. It's SO fun! Instant power is intoxicating
That GT4 handles so good, looks like Matt is driving in fast forward>>> Wish I had a job like that. What. a. treat.
can someone point me to where i can read more about this long gearing issue? i want to learn what exactly is the issue
I have a question for Matt and or, anyone commenting. I lost my right leg below the knee to Diabetes and wear a prosthetic to walk. I love cars and have had some fun little cars over the years like a Triumph GT6, and TR7 hardtop, a Nissan Pulsar NX turbo, a first gen Mazda Miata, and first gen RX-7 GLS. Now aside from the Mazda's that I know I can find in an automatic, can anyone give me some ideas for mid to small sized cars with quick and fun handling, that also came with an automatic box? Currently I'm looking for a first gen MR2 Supercharged with an auto, or a Supra auto. I have tried to use a standard and without the feeling in your right foot it is amazing how much you depend on that slight tactile feeling to accurately move the gas pedal in coordination with your clutching foot. I have an 88 Trooper II and found I was stalling or burning the clutch because of having no feeling in my feet, a quick slip behind the wheel of my brother's Jaguar XF with an automatic and driving was again a fun experience even though I had to use my left leg for the gas and brake. I have since purchased a contraption to give me a gas pedal for my left foot, which after a few minutes of swearing was installed in my old Dodge pick-up and works remarkably well. Thank-you in advance, please try and answer seriously please, we are all car guys after all.
I live in an area with tons of narrow, twisty, and tight roads. What are the best cars to drive besides the GT4? I'm looking for a small, nimble but capable car.
I have the new Spyder, however, I detest the manual roof. If I knew the GTS were going to be available I would have ordered that model instead. Keep up the great work Matt.
The only slightly not perfect is the exhaust placement. The old center exit was perfection!
Only question I didn't hear answered would be, does that 7th gear help for longer trips on the highway? Can I cruise at just under 85-100 at less than 3750/4000 RPMs? I assume so. But would be great to hear it from your testing Matt.
Great video. Love your work and ethic.
I came to the rock at 9:15 once a few moments after it had claimed an Evo X. That road is no joke.
Sweet drive, but yeah, don't really see the advantage to the PDK, unless you don't know how to row the shifter yourself or heel-toe.
Not even! The Porsche will rev-match your downshifts for you. I know how to heel-toe and I really enjoy the auto blip actually.
I do too. Learnt to Heel-Toe on my race car, yet I still use the auto-blip on my GT4!