While Porsche’s mid-engined Cayman model has always been revered for its balanced handling and sharp dynamics, the GT4 of 2016 took things to an entirely new level, with Porsche taking aim squarely at enthusiasts and track day aficionados.

Power comes by way of a 3.8-liter flat-six engine derived from the 911 Carrera S, producing a formidable 385 horsepower. For the first time, a Cayman was given power figures starting to tread on the toes of its bigger sibling, the 911. However, most appealing to North American buyers was the fact that the Cayman GT4 was to be a limited-production affair exclusively fitted with a six-speed manual transaxle.

The Cayman GT4 also benefits from a comprehensive aerodynamic package with a large, fixed rear wing, a more aggressive front splitter, and functional side intakes. Porsche's motorsport division ensured the GT4 had a thoroughly revised suspension system, taking cues from the 911 GT3. Lower, wider, and with ample chassis reinforcements, the GT4 rides on 20-inch split-spoke wheels that house enormous carbon-ceramic brakes combined with Porsche Torque Vectoring, and Porsche Active Suspension Management.

Both the motoring press and enthusiasts alike lauded the GT4, citing it as a testament to Porsche's unwavering commitment to driving purity. Motor Trend’s Georg Kacher pronounced, "Special is an overused word, but appropriate here. In contrast to so many over-engineered, oversexed, and overpriced high-performance competitors, the Cayman GT4 is accessible in more ways than one as well as sensationally capable.”

Acquired when essentially new by the Dare to Dream Collection in April 2016, this outrageously specified Canadian-market GT4 is finished in GT Silver Metallic over black leather with Platinum Grey stitching, black alcantara trim, and brushed aluminum accents. This GT4’s huge list of optional equipment includes the optional carbon-ceramic brakes, full carbon-fiber bucket seats, PDLS headlights, Light Design package, Sport Chrono package, Sound package Plus, SportDesign side mirrors, and a sport exhaust system that is sure to entreat bystanders with the full aural potential of the GT4’s stellar engine.

Racing Yellow seat belts form a delightful interior tie-in with the matching brake calipers, while the black-faced gauges mirror the gloss black exterior trim and rear wing supports.

For all its track-focused performance, comfort does not come as an afterthought. Alcantara is never far from hand, with the headliner, shift lever, seat inserts, and steering wheel all trimmed in Porsche’s favored high-performance fabric; interestingly, the steering column itself has been draped in black leather. Every available convenience option has been fitted, including manual air conditioning, navigation, and Bluetooth connectivity modules.

Currently offered with only 3,052 kilometers (~1,896 miles) indicated at time of cataloguing, this incredibly specified and barely used Cayman GT4 would be a spectacular acquisition for any Porsche collector looking for a pristine, over-the-top example of this sublime, limited-production model.