New hardcore Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS unveiled with 493bhp
The new Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS track toy features a 911 GT3-derived engine and serious modifications for huge performance
For years the performance car world has wondered what an RS version of the Porsche Cayman GT4 would be like, and now the German brand has crowned its mid-engined model range with a hardcore track-focused variant, called the 718 Cayman GT4 RS.
More power, extra downforce and an uprated chassis are the key elements of the new car developed by Porsche’s GT motorsport department, with the Cayman GT4 RS powered by the 4.0-litre naturally aspirated flat-six engine from the 911 GT3.
It’s been detuned slightly so produces 493bhp and 450Nm of torque, revs to 9,000rpm, and draws its intake air through vents in the rear quarter panels, where other Caymans feature glass windows.
The motor is linked to a seven-speed PDK dual-clutch automatic gearbox, like all of Porsche’s RS models; there’s no manual option available, unlike the standard Cayman GT4. However, the PDK’s launch control function does mean the GT4 RS can sprint from 0-62mph in a claimed 3.4 seconds, half a second faster than a regular PDK-equipped GT4. Top speed is 196mph.
Like any Porsche RS model, lots of carbon fibre features, with a new bonnet and front wings made from the material. Together with lighter carpets, less sound deadening and lighter window glass the GT4 RS weighs 1,415kg, 35kg less than the standard GT4 automatic variant.
Those widened front wings, a deep front lip spoiler and an adjustable front diffuser work in conjunction with a new high-level rear wing that features swan neck mounts, as per the GT3, to produce 10 per cent more downforce than the Cayman GT4 in standard trim and as much as 60 per cent more in the Performance mode.
The car’s ride height is 30mm lower than a base-spec 718 Cayman’s, which combines with some clever underbody aerodynamics to further boost downforce. The drop in ride height is part of a reworked suspension system that features ball joints and RS-specific spring, damper and anti-roll bar settings, with many parameters adjustable to fine tune the car’s handling.
These detailed engineering changes allowed the GT4 RS to lap the Nurburgring in 7:04.511, 23.6 seconds faster than the standard GT4.
Porsche will also launch the car with an optional Weissach package that adds a carbon fibre weave finish to the front luggage cover, air intakes, airbox, door mirrors and rear wing, while the exhaust tips and roll cage are made from titanium. The upper dash section is trimmed in Race-Tex upholstery, and the package also adds forged 20-inch aluminium wheels - although buyers can also opt for magnesium items for an extra cost.
Pricing is confirmed at £108,370, with deliveries to commence in March 2022.
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