It is the ultimate driving-focus automobile.
It borrows the 911 GT3’s naturally aspirated flat-6 cylinder engine.
The new 718 boss weighs in at only 1,415kg.
Porsche won’t call an RS car as such lightly. A true RS is dedicated to the arts of speed and driving and the new Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS is truly an ultra-proficient driving machine.
Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS | Photo: Porsche
The GT4 RS starts with the 911 GT3 Cup car and its street version, the 911 GT3, 9,000 rpm 4.0-litre naturally aspirated flat-6 cylinder engine. From the GT4’s 414 horsepower, the RS gains an extra 79 for a total of 493. Torque also increases from 317 lb.-ft. to 331 lb.-ft. Sending the power to the rear wheels is a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (PDK) only.
The resulting performance is staggering. As configured, the Cayman GT4 RS rockets to 60 mph in 3.2 seconds or half a second quicker than the 718 Cayman GT4 with PDK. More shockingly, this result is 0.2 seconds faster than the revered 911 GT3 with 502 horsepower and 346 lb.-ft. of torque from the same engine.
Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS | Photo: Porsche
The explanations for these results are numerous. First, 718 Cayman GT4 RS tips the scale at only 3,227 lbs. (1,415 kg) or 49 lbs. less than a 718 Cayman GT4 with PDK and 44 lbs. or 20 kg less than the GT3. This was achieved via the extensive use of carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP), thinner glass, lightweight door panels, and more.
The second is aerodynamics. The large, fixed rear spoiler, with swan neck mounts and aluminum supports, is the most obvious. Adopted from the Porsche 911 RSR race car and first used on the 2022 911 GT3, it generates up to 25% more downforce than the GT4 when combined with the RS’ front wheel well ventilation, aerodynamically optimized underbody, rear diffusor, adjustable front diffusor, and new front spoiler lip with flow-around side-blades.
Third, the chassis. The Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS receives a track-focused suspension with an RS-specific dampers, spring- and anti-roll bar rates. The suspension lowers the RS 30 mm from that of the basic 718 Cayman. And, for good measure, the GT4 RS features centre-locking 20-inch forged aluminum wheels.
Buyers will have access to the optional Weissach Package. It heightens the GT4 RS’ performance-focused appearance to the next level. Included are carbon fibre front hood, air intakes, exterior mirrors caps, and rear wing. Exhaust tips are made of titanium while the upper part of the dashboard is upholstered in Race-Tex. Finally, magnesium wheels are available as an addition to the Weissach Package for an additional cost.
Pricing in the US starts at $141,700. In Canada, GT4 RS is priced from $166,600. It arrives next summer.
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
