Porsche presents the 718 Cayman GT4 RS, and its competition Clubsport variant. The two-seater coupe benefits from an atmospheric flat-six of 500 hp and a maximum weight contained, enough to make this Cayman a formidable predator. On the price side, count € 144,485 including VAT, or € 196,000 excluding VAT for Clubsport.
As promised, Porsche is unveiling the 718 Cayman GT4 RS ahead of the opening of the 2021 Los Angeles Auto Show. It is the first time that a model of the line of “small” sports cars launched by the Boxster of 1996 has the right to a variation. RennSport, synonymous with ultimate performance for the German manufacturer. And we can not say that the latter did things halfway. Often, when a new Cayman is presented, one wonders: “What is left with the 911?” It is not with the GT4 RS that this questioning will end.
Little Porsche, big heart
On the engine side, it’s simple: Porsche gave the 718 Cayman GT4 RS the atmospheric 4.0 l flat-six of the 911 GT3, a racing unit that develops 500 hp under its hood, only 10 hp less than the GT3. The breaker only intervenes at 9,000 rpm, and the maximum torque is 450 Nm. By comparison, that’s 80 hp and 20 Nm more than the 718 Cayman GT4 “just short”. RS crest requires, only the seven-speed PDK dual-clutch transmission is offered here. With an equivalent gearbox, the RS model takes half a second less than the GT4 to reach 100 km / h with a stopwatch of 3.4 s. It’s just as good as the PDK 911 GT3. The GT4 RS is even faster than the GT4 of 13 km / h in peak with 315 km / h claimed, just 3 km / h less than the GT3 PDK.
Complete optimization
Compared to the GT4, the RS does not only benefit from a more powerful engine. She weighs 35 kg less than her “little sister” with PDK box, ie 1,490 kg empty (20 kg less than the 911 GT3 PDK) thanks to a hood and front wings in CFRP (carbon / plastic), a lightened rear window and less soundproofing.
Its aerodynamic performance has been thoroughly reviewed. The RS can be recognized by its specific front spoiler, the air intakes in its front hood, its gills replacing the rear quarter windows, its imposing rear spoiler taken from the 911 RSR and GT3, and its new diffuser. Its front fenders are hollowed out behind the wheels. Its steering ball joints are exclusive to it, as are its adjustable shocks and stabilizer bars. Result: 23.6 seconds saved compared to the GT4 on the 20.6 km track of the Nürburgring, long used as a benchmark. Enough to rise to the level of much more powerful cars, such as the Mercedes-AMG GT R Pro with a time of 7’04 ”511. On the entire 20.832 km circuit, the GT4 RS ran in 7’09 ”300 in the hands of Porsche driver Jörg Bergmeister.
The Cayman has long teeth
As an option, the 718 Cayman GT4 RS can be fitted with a Weissach pack including a titanium roll bar, exposed carbon bodywork elements (front cover, mirrors, air intakes, air box, spoiler), titanium exhaust inspired by those of the last 935 and 20-inch forged magnesium rims (forged aluminum as standard). In addition, Porsche offers buyers an exclusive watch that can be matched to the configuration of the car.
Even without these additions, the RS charges dearly for its services. It is available in France at a price of € 144,485 excluding ecological penalty, which will amount to 40,000 € at the time of the first deliveries scheduled for the second quarter of 2022. A 718 Cayman GT4 costs around 40,000 € less, but the RS clearly does not box in the same category and is revealed some 34,000 € cheaper than a 911 GT3 PDK. But the heck, what’s left of the 911? Ten seconds better in “Green Hell”. Honor is safe.
TO READ. Porsche eFuel. Fuel without petroleum to save heat!
A GT4 RS Clubsport for competition
In the wake of the 718 Cayman GT4 RS, Porsche presents a Clubsport variant designed for competition, therefore reserved for use on the circuit. The 500 hp 4L flat-six, which develops 465 Nm of torque in the RS Clubsport version, therefore replaces the 3.8 L of 425 hp and 425 Nm that animated the GT4 Clubsport, and the PDK box gains a seventh usable report. The new front air intakes improve the cooling of the front brakes, the suspension has been reworked and the links to the ground obviously offer a large range of adjustment.
On the track, Porsche announces a chronometric gain that can exceed 2%. Some GT4 Clubsport body panels were made from flax fiber; this is also the case on this RS version. This material is even more abundant since it is now found on certain front aerodynamic appendages as well as on the steering wheel. Roll cage, bucket seats with harnesses and specific safety equipment for use on the circuit characterize the coupé. Note that Porsche offers two different exhaust lines to allow customers to comply with the more or less severe regulations applied by circuit administrators on noise. The 718 Cayman GT4 RS Clubsport is sold for € 196,000 excluding taxes.
