Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS

At the Los Angeles Auto Show, which begins the day after tomorrow, Porsche will present a long-awaited car. In recent months, prototypes could be seen on the Nordschleife, suggesting that an RS version of the 718 Cayman GT4 was in the pipeline. And now it is ready for production. As the new top model in the 718 series, the GT4 RS gets the 4-liter six-cylinder boxer engine from the 911 (992) GT3. At up to 9,000 rpm, this naturally aspirated engine generates 368 kW/500 hp, 59 kW/80 hp more than the previous 718 Cayman GT4. Torque climbs from 430 to 450 Nm. As in the 911 GT3 RS, power is transmitted to the rear wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox (PDK). At the same time, the DIN unladen weight is reduced by 35 to 1,415 kilogram compared with a 718 Cayman GT4 with PDK. With this combination of power and even more pronounced lightweight construction, the 718 Cayman GT4 RS laps the Nordschleife more than 23 seconds faster than its predecessor.

Improved aerodynamics with more downforce

The sprint from a standstill to 62 mph takes just 3.4 seconds. The topspeed on the data sheet is 195 mph, which the car achieves in seventh gear. Based on the bodyshell of the well-known 718 Cayman GT4, Porsche made a number of changes for the RS. For example, they swapped the front hood for a carbon component with additional NACA air intakes for the front brakes. Behind the doors, there are process air intakes instead of the rear side windows. In this way, the driver and front passenger have the intake noises virtually right in their ears. At the rear, a diffuser and a gooseneck rear wing provide more downforce. To compensate, a larger spoiler lip, a multi-adjustable front diffuser and flics mounted on the side of the front bumper provide downforce at the front. The benefits of the 30 millimeter lowered body are fully exploited by an aerodynamically optimized underbody panel.

Firmer chassis, less weight

To reduce vehicle weight, the front fenders with wheel housing vents are also made of carbon fiber. Inside, fewer insulating materials and lightweight carpets are used, as well as lightweight door panels with fabric loops for opening and nets instead of storage compartments. In addition, the rear window is made of thinner glass. Next to lowering, the suspension gets more firmness and steering accuracy from ball joints. RS-specific springs, dampers and stabilizers are also fitted. For an additional charge, there is a Weissach package with front lid, air intakes, airbox lid, exterior mirror shells and rear wing in bare carbon. In addition, an exhaust with titanium tailpipes and a bolted titanium rear roll cage, as well as Race-Tex covering the top of the dashboard, are part of this package. The upper edge of the rear window is adorned with Porsche lettering. As an option, the standard forged aluminium wheels can be swapped for forged magnesium wheels. Porsche quotes € 141,338 in Germany as the base price.

Also available as a GT4 RS Clubsport racing car

Next to the road version, Porsche is also presenting the 718 Cayman GT4 RS Clubsport as a new customer sports racing car in Los Angeles. The 500 hp boxer engine from the 911 (992) GT3 Cup provides 55 kW/75 hp more than in the previously offered 718 Cayman GT4 Clubsport. In addition, the PDK gearbox now also has seven gears in the race car. Further improvements to the aerodynamics and chassis result in around two percent faster lap times, depending on the track layout and applicable regulations. As before, the car can be used ex works in all worldwide SRO racing series immediately and without modifications. The base price is € 196,000 plus taxes. Low running costs and high competitiveness make the model very popular. 421 units of the predecessor Cayman GT4 Clubsport rolled off the production line, and around 500 of the 718 Cayman GT4 Clubsport.

Images: Porsche