When raw power meets precision engineering, the result is nothing short of exhilarating. The Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS emerges as the pinnacle of driving pleasure within the compact mid-engined sports car segment. Boasting a staggering 500 PS from a high-revving, mid-mounted engine and a featherlight kerb weight of just 1,415 kg, this machine redefines what it means to be connected to the road. Whether carving through serpentine mountain passes or dominating closed race circuits, the Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS stands unchallenged as the king. Its dominance is underscored by an astounding feat at the Nürburgring Nordschleife, where it outpaced its sibling, the 718 Cayman GT4, by over 23 seconds, solidifying its place in the pantheon of high-performance vehicles.
Unleashing the Power of a Naturally Aspirated Engine in the Porsche 718 Cayman
At the heart of this exceptional sports car lies a naturally aspirated flat-six engine, a direct descendant of the powerplants found in the 911 GT3 Cup racing car and the revered 911 GT3 production model. This engineering marvel is the soul of the Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS, meticulously crafted for maximum driving engagement. The engine’s capacity to rev up to an astonishing 9,000 rpm is a testament to its racing pedigree and its commitment to delivering a pure, unadulterated driving experience. Compared to the already formidable 718 Cayman GT4, the GT4 RS gains an additional 80 PS (59 kW), pushing the boundaries of performance and resulting in a breathtaking weight-to-power ratio of 2.83 kg/PS. Torque also sees a significant increase, climbing from 430 to 450 Nm, ensuring blistering acceleration and responsiveness across the rev range.
A distinctive design element of this top-tier Porsche 718 Cayman model is the incorporation of process air intakes strategically positioned behind the driver and passenger windows. In the standard 718 Cayman, this area typically houses small side windows. However, in the GT4 RS, these intakes serve a dual purpose: they optimize intake airflow, enhancing engine performance, and simultaneously channel the thrilling intake noise directly to the cabin, immersing occupants in the visceral symphony of the high-performance engine. Complementing these new intakes, the iconic air intakes in front of the rear wheels are retained, dedicated to ensuring optimal engine cooling, a critical aspect for maintaining peak performance under demanding conditions.
Like every distinguished RS model, the Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS is exclusively equipped with the Porsche dual-clutch transmission (PDK). This state-of-the-art gearbox executes gear changes with lightning-fast precision, guaranteeing peak performance in every driving scenario. For drivers who crave a more hands-on experience, gearshift paddles conveniently located on the steering wheel allow for manual gear changes without relinquishing grip. Alternatively, the redesigned selector lever on the center console offers another avenue for manual gear selection.
The sports low-ratio PDK is instrumental in the Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS’s phenomenal acceleration capabilities. This mid-engined marvel catapults from 0 to 100 km/h in a mere 3.4 seconds, a significant leap from the GT4’s 3.9 seconds with PDK. The GT4 RS doesn’t relent there; it surges to a top speed of 315 km/h (compared to the GT4’s 302 km/h), achieved in seventh gear, showcasing its relentless pursuit of speed and performance.
Lightweight Construction: A Cornerstone of the Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS Design
True to the RS lineage, lightweight construction is a defining principle of the new Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS design philosophy. This two-seater, in its relentless pursuit of performance, weighs in at a mere 1,415 kilograms (DIN standard, with a full fuel tank and without a driver), a substantial 35 kg reduction compared to a PDK-equipped 718 GT4. This impressive weight saving is achieved through the strategic application of carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) for key components, including the bonnet and front wings. Further weight optimization is realized through the use of lightweight carpets and a reduction in insulation material. The rear window is crafted from lightweight glass, and lightweight door panels featuring textile opening loops and nets on the storage compartments complete the meticulous effort to eliminate every superfluous gram, contributing to the agility and responsiveness that defines the Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS.
Aerodynamic Mastery: The Fixed Rear Wing and Beyond in the Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS
The striking fixed rear wing, with its elegant swan-neck attachment and robust aluminium wing supports, is a defining visual and functional element of the Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS’s exterior. This highly efficient wing design is directly inspired by the Porsche 911 RSR GT racing car and marked its debut in a Porsche series production vehicle with the 911 GT3. Working in concert with the 30-millimetre-lower ride height compared to the standard 718 Cayman, the prominent vents on the front wheel arches, the aerodynamically refined underbody panelling with integrated rear diffuser, the multi-adjustable front diffuser, and the newly designed front spoiler lip with flow-around side blades, the GT4 RS in its track-focused Performance mode generates approximately 25 percent more downforce than the 718 Cayman GT4. This enhanced downforce translates to superior stability and cornering prowess at high speeds, crucial for both track performance and confident road driving.
Chassis enhancements further amplify the performance gains of the Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS. Ball joints are employed to rigidly connect the chassis to the body, resulting in even more precise and direct handling feedback. The adjustable, circuit-ready chassis boasts an RS-specific shock absorber setup, along with recalibrated spring and anti-roll bar rates. These meticulously engineered chassis modifications contribute to the GT4 RS’s exceptional agility and responsiveness, allowing drivers to fully exploit its performance potential.
For those seeking an even more exclusive and track-focused experience, the optional Weissach package elevates the dynamic design of the Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS to new heights. This package includes a carbon-weave finish for the front luggage-compartment lid, process air intakes, cooling air intakes, airbox cover, exterior mirror upper trims, and rear wing, visually emphasizing the lightweight and high-performance nature of the vehicle. The titanium tailpipes, reminiscent of the exhaust system found on the Porsche 935, add a touch of motorsport heritage. The fitted roll cage at the rear is also crafted from titanium, further reducing weight and enhancing safety. The upper section of the dashboard is upholstered in Race-Tex material, and a prominent Porsche logo is integrated into the rear window. As part of the Weissach package, customers can opt for 20-inch forged magnesium wheels at an additional cost, replacing the standard 20-inch forged aluminium wheels, providing a further reduction in unsprung mass and enhancing handling dynamics.
All these meticulously engineered enhancements, when combined, firmly establish the Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS as the most uncompromising and intensely focused member of the 718 family. This distinction is unequivocally demonstrated on the demanding Nürburgring Nordschleife. During the final stages of setup adjustments, Porsche brand ambassador Jörg Bergmeister piloted the GT4 RS around the 20.832-kilometre track in an astonishing 7:09.300 minutes. On the shorter 20.6 km version, previously used as the benchmark, the GT4 RS conquered the circuit in 7:04.511 minutes – a staggering 23.6 seconds faster than the 718 Cayman GT4, a testament to its superior performance and track-optimized design.
The Pinnacle of the 718 Family: The Uncompromising Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS
Reflecting its dynamic nature, the exclusive Porsche Design Chronograph 718 Cayman GT4 RS, created by Porsche Design specifically for vehicle purchasers, mirrors the high-performance ethos of its four-wheeled counterpart. This timepiece also embodies a lightweight design philosophy, incorporating high-performance features based on the robust and technologically advanced properties of titanium. The watch’s winding rotor is styled after the sports car’s rims and offers customization options in various colours, mirroring the personalization possibilities available for the car itself.
The new Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS made its global debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show and is currently available for order with a base price of 141,338 euros (including 19 per cent VAT). Deliveries are scheduled to commence in March 2022. Furthermore, the GT4 RS offers the optional Weissach package for those seeking to further refine its aerodynamics and aesthetics. The 718 Cayman GT4 RS Clubsport racing variant also premiered in Los Angeles, marking the beginning of its journey into various national and international racing series starting in 2022. The Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS is not just a car; it’s an experience, a statement, and the ultimate expression of driving pleasure within the Porsche 718 Cayman lineage.
