The new 718 Cayman GT4 RS is proof positive that Porsche can do anything because it wants to and, more importantly, it can. The 718 Cayman GT4 was already an exceptional car, which complemented the sublime Cayman R which launched nearly a decade ago. Above all these Caymans, the GT4 RS may become the most memorable, if certainly the fastest.
What’s New About The 2022 Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS?
The RS part of the 718 Cayman GT4 is the new part. These two extremely significant letters have, until now, been reserved for the 911. The implications are huge both on paper and in reality. As such, the 718 Cayman GT4 RS has become the fastest naturally-aspirated Porsche available for purchase and the most expensive and exclusive 718 of all time.
Powering the GT4 RS is the 911 GT3’s 4.0-litre naturally aspirated flat-6 cylinder engine. In its mid-rear configuration, the 9,000 rpm screamer produces 493 horsepower and 331 lb.-ft. Feeding the rear wheels is the included 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (PDK) that together, launch the RS to 60 mph in only 3.2 seconds, or 0.2 seconds less than the 911 GT3. As Porsche is known for being conservative with most of its performance metrics, it is quite possible that the GT4 RS is a 3-second car.
Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS | Photo: Porsche
The 718 GT4 RS is also lightweight tipping the scale at only 3,227 lbs. or 1,415 kg. It happens to be quite the track star thanks to an incredibly focused chassis setup that includes a 30mm lower ride height (compared to a “standard 718”), RS-specific dampers, spring- and anti-roll bar rates. Understandably, the RS also includes some serious aero starting with the massive rear wing.
To support the fact that the 718 Cayman GT4 RS isn’t just a fun package, the car lapped the shorter 20.6 km version of the Nürburgring Nordschleife in 7:04.511 minutes or about the same time the twin-turbocharged 577-horsepower Mercedes-AMG GT R Pro needed. Or, say 4 seconds faster than the 710-horsepower McLaren 720S.
When Does The 2022 Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS Arrive On The Market?
Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS | Photo: Porsche
The new 2022 Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS lands next summer.
How Much Does The 2022 Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS Cost?
This car is not a toy, it’s a serious ultra-mega-high-performance driving tool from Porsche. As such, it is priced accordingly. In the US, pricing starts at $141,700 while in Canada, the base price is set at $166,600, or $40,600 more than the GT4 it is based on.
As the builder is already live, we invite you to configure your own. Selecting the $17,840 magnesium wheels will bring with it the Weissach Package which will add a further $15,110. With a few other options such as the $9,130 Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake (PCCB) – Calipers in Yellow, you will be looking at a $225,000+ 718 Cayman.
Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS | Photo: Porsche
What Does The 2022 Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS Compete With?
The GT4 RS is essentially in a category all its own. Having said that, the upcoming Chevrolet Corvette Z06 is possibly the closest in terms of configuration, “affordability”, and speed. Then, there’s Porsche’s own 992 911 GT3. Stretching the concept, a little, we could include the Audi R8 Coupé and the Lamborghini Huracán.
What Do We Think of The 2022 Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS?
It’s glorious. It’s fantastic, and it’s one car we hope to drive next year. We’ve sampled both the 718 Cayman GT4 and the 718 Spyder and are truly enamoured with their exceptional, well, everything.
The 718 Cayman GT4 RS will be a rare sight and a unique treat to behold. It will go down in Porsche history as one of the absolute greats.
Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS | Photo: Porsche
Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS | Photo: Porsche
Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS | Photo: Porsche
Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS | Photo: Porsche
