Porsche used to make a noticeable effort to separate the lesser Cayman model from its golden boy 911, both in terms of performance and subsequently, pricing. However, with the introduction of the 2022 718 Cayman GT4 RS - which is the first time Porsche’s entry-level sports car has ever received the RS treatment, things have changed.
In typical Porsche fashion, there are plenty of trims to choose from when it comes to the 911, and with a starting price of over $107,000 for the upcoming 2023 models, none of them are easy buys. The 2022 Cayman GT4 RS starts at $143,040, which makes it far less expensive than the likes of the 911 Turbo or the GT3 and GT3 RS, but leaving aside these super 911s aside, the 718 Cayman GT4 RS is actually better than all other 911 variants.
The all-new 2022 GT4 RS is Porsche’s way of proving that the lesser 718 Cayman model is worthy in its own right, and even though it borrows several parts from high-spec 911s, its mid-engine layout manages to provide a different and arguably more enticing driving experience.
The Cayman GT4 RS Borrows The 911 GT3’s Engine And Makes Better Use Of It
For the first time ever, Porsche has thrown one of its best 911 engines into a cheaper model, fitting the GT3’s naturally-aspirated 4.0-liter flat-six into the new Cayman GT4 RS. This time around, it makes 493 horsepower at 8,400 rpm and 331 pound-feet of torque at 6750 - which is just slightly less than its output in the GT3, but equally competent. In fact, with the help of a 7-speed ultra-fast PDK dual-clutch automatic transmission, the Cayman 718 GT4 RS can blast from 0-60 mph in 2.8 seconds, making it just a tenth of a second slower than the GT3, and faster than any 911 other than the GT3 and Turbo variants. The GT4 can also go from 0-30 mph in 1.1 seconds, and redlines gloriously at 9,000 rpm in what makes for a dreamy exhaust soundtrack.
Even though the 718 Cayman GT4 RS and the 911 GT3 now share the same engine, the fact that the Cayman has a mid-engine setup makes it better suited than the 911’s rear-engine configuration. Having the engine mounted between the axles as opposed to behind the vehicle’s rear axle translates to a more balanced overall weight distribution, resulting in heightened handling capabilities.
The 2022 Cayman GT4 RS Is Made For The Track
As a true-bred sports car, the 718 Cayman’s appeal has always shown through a lightweight and track-focused chassis, making the entry-level Porsche boast immense driving dynamics that are arguably as good as the 911’s. Remember, the 911 comes at a heftier price because of its added power and luxury, but Porsche didn’t hold back on the Cayman’s chassis construction just because it’s cheaper.
The impact of the Cayman GT4 RS’ mid-engine layout is instantly noticeable on the track, as it remains comfortably planted even when thrown into corners at high speeds, courtesy of a balanced center of gravity and sticky Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires. Furthermore, when compared to the regular Cayman, the GT4 RS sits 30 millimeters lower, while also boasting a wider track and increased rear-axle camber for heightened cornering capabilities.
Porsche uses plenty of racing-derived tech in the crazier Cayman, specifically RS-specific spring rates and damper tuning that reconfigure in real-time via Porsche’s Active Suspension Management system, a Stability Management system that combines ABS, stability, and traction control, as well as active brake-induced Torque Vectoring. All this makes for a sports car with industry-leading driving dynamics, highlighted by incredibly responsive steering and immense cornering poise.
The 718 Cayman GT4 RS Looks Amazing
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Nothing beats a performance car that displays the perfect mix of form and function, and the 2022 Cayman GT4 RS is the perfect example. Drawing from the regular 718’s classic sports car body shape - featuring tasteful aerodynamic curves and traditional coupe styling, the GT4 RS adds plenty of aggressive and functional elements that take its design to new heights.
Up front, it gets several functional aero upgrades, including fender vents, hood vents, and a larger splitter. The Cayman’s flanks also receive the same treatment in the form of larger side vents, as well as an intake that's mounted where the regular 718’s window would be, which sends plenty of air directly to the engine. Lastly, there’s the Cayman GT4 RS’s giant rear swan-neck wing, which serves as the vehicle’s most distinctive design cue while also providing a healthy amount of down force.
Inside the cabin of the Cayman GT4 RS, the difference in price when compared to the 911 becomes more evident. Overall build quality is good and definitely lives up to Porsche's standards, but it lacks several luxury features that are standard in most 911s.
To boil things down, the all-new 2022 Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS presents itself as nothing short of a sports car masterpiece. It combines supercar-caliber speed with one of the most complete and enjoyable chassis configurations imaginable, and we’d happily pick one of these all, but the most extreme 911s.