Porsche has shied away from building a proper RennSport (RS) version of the 718 Cayman. They knew that the current Cayman is such a great car, it could pull attention away from its elder sibling, the 911 GT3. But Porsche finally decided to bite the bullet and go for it anyway.
The new 718 Cayman GT4 RS is the most hardcore version of its baby mid-engined offering for the road. It is exactly what enthusiasts have been expecting for years. The GT4 RS even set a blistering lap time at the Nurburgring recently punching well above its weight. The numbers are so good, you’d report it as fake news. But wait! There is a reasonable explanation for it.
Cayman GT4 RS: A Baby 911 GT3
The new mid-engined GT4 RS uses the regular Cayman GT4’s 4.0-liter flat-six engine that now revs up to 9,000 rpm. With absolutely no help from any turbos, Porsche has tuned it to churn out 493hp. It is around 79 hp more than the regular GT4. The torque output is boosted up to 332 lb-ft, sent to the rear wheels. But being an RS model, it does drop the manual gearbox in favor of the 7-speed PDK.
It is heartbreaking, but that does mean that it can set an impressive time around the Nurburgring, Nordschleife. With the power and drivetrain combination, the Cayman GT4 RS can accelerate from 0-62 mph in 3.4 seconds, nearly half a second faster than the standard Cayman GT4. It also eclipses the regular GT4’s top speed as the RS maxes out at 195 mph.
Why Is The Cayman GT4 RS So Fast At The Nurburgring
2021 24 Hours of LeMans GTE-Am class winner – Jörg Bergmeister helped the new 718 Cayman GT4 RS Clubsport set an astonishing lap time of 7mins 4.511 seconds around the Nurburgring. That makes it more than 23 seconds faster than the standard Cayman GT4, and only 6 seconds slower than its bigger brother, the 911 GT3. The lap time was recorded on the optional Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires.
But the slick-shifting PDK and the 911 GT3 engine behind the driver are not the only culprits responsible for the Cayman GT4 RS’ on-track performance. The power is complemented by the 911 GT3 inspired aggressive and intense aerodynamics package.
The huge front splitter, prominent endplates, and adjustable front diffuser ensure the front wheels are stuck to the ground at speed, and the driver is more confident through the corners. They work along with the NACA ducts on the carbon fiber hood to help cool the brakes and air vents on top of the front wheel arches that reduce lift. Inspired from the 911 GT3, the Cayman GT4 RS also uses a swan-neck type adjustable rear wing, a rear diffuser that helps push the rear wheels into the ground for the best traction through the bendy bits.
The aero package on the regular GT4 was extreme. The new GT4 RS pushes it even further. Porsche claims the package on the RS improves downforce by another 20 percent, but with no drag penalty.
The car also went on a diet, losing 78 lbs from the already lightened GT4, making it 44lbs lighter than the 911 GT3. The Cayman GT4 RS tips the scale at 3,119 lbs. The combination of these only helps achieve that commendable lap time. But there is more.
Cayman 718 GT4 RS: Time To Get Geeky
The GT4 RS sits 30mm lower than the standard 718 Cayman. Porsche wanted to ensure the chassis was up to mark and firm enough. So the GT4 RS gets a stiffer suspension and damper set up, and anti-roll bar rates, all bespoke to the car. Porsche is even using ball joints to further firm up the chassis.
The optional Weissach pack is mostly cosmetic, but it does include a titanium exhaust system, titanium roll cage, and 20-inch forged magnesium wheels. Porsche made the GT4 RS to be the ideal compromise between road and track driving.
The highlight would, of course, be the induction air intakes placed on the rear quarter windows. Positioned right next to the driver’s ears, the induction sound in the cabin would provide a different experience from the exhaust-dominating symphony of the 911 GT3.
Shocking Next-Generation Mid-Engined Porsche
The GT4 RS essentially bids farewell to the good old naturally aspirated, thoroughbred 718. The next-generation mid-engined platform from Porsche will use some form of electrification, if not being entirely electric. So, going this hardcore with the Cayman GT4 RS looks to be the perfect way to say goodbye. Feel free to watch the GT4 RS set fire to the Nurburgring, and the best ASMR for car enthusiasts from the induction sound in the cabin. But if you fancy a focused track weapon, the 718 Cayman GT4 RS Clubsport might be for you.