The Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 is one of the finest sports cars we’ve driven in recent years (read our review). So that’s promising for the new Cayman GT4 RS. Less weight, more power. If that’s not a recipe for endless hours behind the wheel with an idiotic grin, then we don’t know what is…
In an age of turbos and hybrid technology, it’s a relief to have a naturally breathable engine under your right foot. The response speed to input via the accelerator pedal is so much more direct and faster! The Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 has a 4.0-liter block that immediately climbs into the revs if you ask him to. It doesn’t reach the great heights of the Porsche 911 GT3 engine – at 8000 rpm the fun is over – but it is still addictive to have to wring out the power of 420 hp.
Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS with 911 GT3 engine
The Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS does have the towering rev ceiling of the 911 GT3. The 500 hp power source of the latest Cayman variant spins up to 9000 rpm, where heaven and earth seem to perish in a cacophony of six shrill cylinders. The maximum torque of the RS has increased by 20 kW to 450 Nm compared to the GT4. Striking detail: the RS no longer has rear side windows, but extra air intakes for the engine in that place. And that will sound nice!
Only available with PDK dual clutch transmission
Porsche only supplies the Cayman GT4 RS with a PDK dual-clutch transmission (the GT4 can also be ordered with a manual transmission). Compared to a GT4 with PDK, the RS accelerates to 100 km/h by half a second. After only 3.4 counts, the job is done. Of course Porsche does not apply a limiter. The GT4 RS is given free rein and only stops accelerating at 315 km/h. Exactly 13 km/h earlier, the GT4 is out of breath.
Do you want to store things in the interior? There are neat for that
Thanks to the lavish use of carbon fiber reinforced plastics, the Cayman GT4 RS is 35 kilos lighter than the GT4 (1415 kg compared to 1450 kg). Furthermore, Porsche has applied lightweight carpet and left out even more sound insulation. The rear window is made of lightweight glass. There are no storage compartments in the interior. You just put your things in the nets that are hung there.
Different rear wing, 25 percent more downforce
You can recognize the GT4 RS by its rear wing. It is not supported from below, but is suspended from two gooseneck-like supports. Together with other aerodynamic improvements and a 3 centimeter lower ride height, the spoiler provides 25 percent more downforce than the ‘regular’ GT4 can generate. If you order the RS with Weissach package, you get a titanium exhaust system and roll cage, and even more carbon fiber on the body.
Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS Clubsport for the track
The price of the Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS is set at 222,000 euros. For the GT4, the brand asks a price of at least 154,100 euros in the Netherlands. Interested parties can already order the RS. The first deliveries will start in March. Do you want the RS in a racing version? That is also possible. At the same time as the GT4 RS, Porsche is introducing the GT4 RS Clubsport, which can be used as a racer in various worldwide racing series.
