Porsche is storming the this week’s 2021 Los Angeles Auto Show with the 718 Cayman GT4 RS, the performance flagship of the 718 range and, in all likelihood, the swan song of the current generation which is probably the last ICE-powered mid-engined sportscar from Zuffenhausen. The 718 Cayman GT4 RS has already proven its capabilities on the Nürburgring-Nordschleife, where it clocked a 7:04.511 lap time (7:09.300 for the full 20.832 km), making it 23.6 seconds faster than the GT4. But how did Porsche engineers managed to extract that level of performance? Let’s take a dive into the official specs.
The GT4 RS is fitted with a mid-mounted
naturally aspirated 4.0-liter flat-six producing 493 hp and 449 Nm of torque and revving all the way up to 9,000 rpm. This
means it is only slightly detuned compared to the 503 hp and 470 Nm of the larger 911 GT3, while representing a significant
increase over the 414 hp and 420 Nm of the Cayman
GT4.
Unlike the GT4 which is also available
with a manual, the engine in the GT4 RS is exclusively mated to the seven-speed
dual-clutch PDK transmission that has shorter gearing for the occasion.
However, the driver can still change gears manually using the shift paddles or
through the new shift knob that’s mounted high on the center console. The extra
79 hp in combination with the tweaked gearbox and the lower
weight, has a noticeable effect on performance figures. As a result, the Cayman
GT4 RS accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 3.2 seconds, matching the 911
GT3’s time and shedding 0.5 seconds off the Cayman GT4. Top speed has also been
increased to 315 km/h. As you would expect, the setup of the
adjustable suspension is track-focused, with revised dampers, springs, and
anti-roll bars. Ball-joints are connecting the suspension to the body while the
car sits 30 mm lower than a standard 718 Cayman.
Visually, the 718 GT4 RS is instantly
distinguished from the regular GT4 thanks to the massive rear wing with a
swan-neck design inspired by the 911 RSR and the road-going 911 GT3. It also
gets a couple of RS-specific air intakes replacing the rear quarter windows,
which in combination with the revised side intakes improve cooling for the more
powerful engine. The dramatic appearance is enhanced by the more prominent
front splitter integrating the side fins, the gills on the front fenders, the
NACA-style intakes on the bonnet, the adjustable front diffuser, and the
updated underbody/rear diffuser. All those changes allow the GT4 RS to generate
up to 25 percent more downforce compared to the GT4, making it faster around
corners.
The RS badge is closely associated with
lightweight components and the GT4 RS is no exception. The US-spec model weighs 1,464 kg which is 22 kg less than the PDK-equipped GT4.
The 6.55 lbs/hp (2.97 kg/hp) weight-to-power ratio has been achieved thanks to
the CFRP front fenders and hood, the lightweight glass used on the rear window,
and the spartan interior door panels featuring fabric handles and storage nets.
For even less weight there is the optional Weissach Package including carbon
fiber parts (front lid, intakes, air-box lid, mirror caps, rear wing), titanium
exhaust pipes, Race-Tex upholstery for the dashboard, and optional Magnesium
wheels fitted with sticky Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires replacing the
stock 20-inch forged aluminum wheels.
The 2022 Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS is
expected to reach US dealers in summer 2022, with pricing starting from US$ 141,700 plus US$ 1,350 for delivery, processing, and handling fees in the U.S.
and at £ 108,370 RRP in the U.K. Owners will gain exclusive access to a
chronograph designed by Porsche Design for the track-focused sports car. Given
the specs and the timing of this model we expect it to become an instant future
classic, and we won’t be surprised if prices in the used market are higher than
the original MSRP since availability will likely become an issue. Besides the
road-going GT4 RS, the track-only GT4 RS Clubsport variant will also premiere
at the Los Angeles Auto Show.
