The Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS is the new flagship model in the 718 family and is effectively the GT3 engine in the Cayman body – an uncompromising driver’s car designed to impress. It has a lightweight and an extremely agile chassis set-up. With its sophisticated aerodynamics and unique soundtrack the GT4 RS packs a mighty 500 PS from a high-revving mid-mounted engine and is the complete driver’s car. It is time for the term ‘driving pleasure‘ to be redefined: whether you take the GT4 RS down narrow, winding mountain roads or closed race tracks, the 718 Cayman GT4 RS is the King of the compact mid-engined range. On the Nürburgring Nordschleife, it outperforms its sibling, the 718 Cayman GT4, by more than a massive 23 seconds.
The naturally aspirated Porsche flat-six engine, familiar from the 911 GT3 Cup racing car and the 911 GT3 series production model, forms the centrepiece of a sports car that has been designed for maximum driving pleasure. The engine revs all the way up to 9,000 rpm. Compared to the 718 Cayman GT4, RS has an extra 80 PS resulting in a weight-to-power ratio of 2.83 kg/PS. Maximum torque has been increased from 430 to 450 Nm.
Among the striking features of the RS are the air intakes fixed right behind the driver and passenger windows to replace the small side windows usually found on the standard 718. The new air intakes improve both the intake airflow and, at the same time, create a thrilling soundtrack right next to the occupants’ ears. The characteristic air intakes in front of the rear wheels have been retained and are used for engine cooling.
Like every modern RS model, the new 718 GT4 RS is exclusively available with the Porsche dual-clutch transmission (PDK). This gearbox shifts through its seven gears at lightning speed and guarantees maximum performance. The gearshift paddles allow drivers to keep their hands on the steering wheel even when changing gear manually. Alternatively, they can use the re-designed selector lever on the centre console.
The sports low-ratio PDK underpins the incredible acceleration of this mid-engined sports car. The insane GT4 RS sprints from 0 to 62 mph in just 3.4 seconds
In typical RS style, lightweight construction is a defining element of the new 718 Cayman GT4 RS design. The two-seater weighs only 1,415 kilograms, with a full fuel tank which is 35 kg less than a PDK-equipped 718 GT4. This weight reduction is achieved thanks to the use of loads of carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) for components such as the bonnet and front wings.
Lightweight carpets also save weight, as does reducing the amount of insulation material. The rear window is made of lightweight glass. Lightweight door panels with textile opening loops and nets on the storage compartments complete the quest to eliminate every superfluous gram. Highly efficient: the fixed rear wing with a swan-neck attachment.
The new fixed rear wing, its swan-neck attachment and aluminium wing supports, are a distinctive element of the exterior design. This highly efficient wing principle is derived from the Porsche 911 RSR GT racing car and was first adopted in a Porsche series production car with the 911 GT3. In combination with the 30-millimetre-lower ride height compared to the 718 Cayman, the eye-catching vents on the front wheel arches, the aerodynamically optimised underbody panelling with connected rear diffuser, the multi-adjustable front diffuser and the new front spoiler lip with flow-around side blades, in the Performance mode reserved for use on race tracks the GT4 RS generates approximately 25 percent more downforce than the GT4.
Modifications to the chassis also contribute to its greater performance. Ball joints bind the chassis tightly to the body to deliver even more precise and direct handling. The adjustable, circuit-ready chassis has an RS-specific shock absorber set-up, as well as modified spring and anti-roll bar rates.
The optional Weissach package takes the dynamic design of the GT4 RS even further. The front luggage-compartment lid, process air intakes, cooling air intakes, airbox cover, exterior mirror upper trims and rear wing are crafted from a luxurious carbon-weave finish. The titanium tailpipes look similar to the exhaust system on the Porsche 935. The fitted roll cage at the rear is also made of titanium. The upper section of the dashboard is upholstered in Race-Tex material and a large Porsche logo is integrated into the rear window.
The most uncompromising and sharpest member of the 718 family
With the Weissach package 20-inch forged magnesium wheels can be ordered at additional cost instead of the 20-inch forged aluminium wheels. All of these enhancements compared to the 718 Cayman GT4 make the GT4 RS the most uncompromising and sharpest member of the 718 family. This is particularly evident on the Nürburgring Nordschleife. During the final phase of set-up adjustments, Porsche brand ambassador Jörg Bergmeister lapped the 20.832km track in 7:09.300 minutes. The GT4 RS conquered the shorter 20.6km version, which previously served as the benchmark, in 7:04.511 minutes – 23.6 seconds faster than the 718 Cayman GT4.
The unique Porsche Design Chronograph 718 Cayman GT4 RS, created by Porsche Design exclusively for buyers of the vehicle, is as dynamic as its four-wheeled counterpart. The watch also benefits from a lightweight design concept with high-performance features based on the robust, high-tech characteristics of titanium. Its winding rotor is modelled on the sports car’s rims and can be specified in different colours, just like the car.
Now let’s get down to the nitty-gritty. How much will the Porsche GT4 RS cost in the UK? Well, it seems as though it will cost around £33,000 more than a standard GT4 with UK prices starting at £108,350. This does not include the Weissach package which will then set you back some further wonga. The GT4 RS is due to begin deliveries in December 2021.
