Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS: a cult of maximum performance

When a Porsche wears the RS badge, you can be sure driving fun is guaranteed. And in the case of the new Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS, unveiled at the Los Angeles Motor Show, that fun can be measured in seconds: no less than 23 seconds is how much the RS cuts from the Nürburgring lap time compared with the model it is based on, the 718 Cayman GT4. That’s quite something.

The first key to achieving this level lies in the naturally aspirated flat-six engine, the same one used in the 911 GT3 (and in the racing version, the 911 GT3 Cup), capable of revving up to 9,000 rpm. It delivers 500 CV of power (368 kW), which is 80 CV more than the 718 Cayman GT4, while maximum torque rises by 20 Nm to reach 450 Nm.

But the key lies in the power-to-weight ratio: 2.83 kg/CV, thanks to a slimming treatment that brings the RS down to just 1,415 kg, 35 kg less than its “sibling”. Among other measures, the bonnet and front wings are made of CFRP reinforced polymer, the rear window is lightweight glass, and the door panels and floor mats are also lightened.

As with the latest Porsche RS models, power reaches the tarmac through the PDK double-clutch gearbox, which has short gear ratios: the top speed of 315 km/h is reached in seventh gear, the longest, and acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h takes just 3.4 seconds, half a second less than the GT4. The chassis receives a setup that includes specific dampers, anti-roll bars and springs, with a body height lowered by 30 mm compared with the 718 Cayman.

Aerodynamics and chassis optimised for track driving

Externally, one of the most eye-catching features is the fixed rear wing, with its “swan-neck” supports, derived from the one first used on the 911 RSR racer and later carried over to the series production 911 GT3. Together with the front and rear diffusers, it generates 25% more downforce than the GT4 when the Performance configuration, designed for track driving, is selected.

With the optional Weissach package, the GT4 RS adds carbon-fibre finishes to various body elements, as well as titanium exhaust pipes and an interior roll cage, while the wheels can be forged 20-inch magnesium, lighter still than aluminium ones.

The price of the Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS for the Spanish market is 163,182 euros, roughly 53,000 euros more than the 420 CV GT4.

Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS Clubsport: ready to compete

Alongside the 718 Cayman GT4 RS, Porsche also presented the competition-oriented Clubsport version in Los Angeles. With the same technical base as the GT4 RS, its 500 CV represent a gain of 75 CV over the previous generation. Other changes affect the transmission, with seven gears instead of six. The adjustable dampers are two-way, and it incorporates adjustable anti-roll bars. Camber and toe angles can also be modified.

Porsche states that the new 718 Cayman GT4 RS Clubsport, which is homologated for track use and competition (it features a roll cage, Recaro seats, six-point harnesses, a fire extinguishing system and a three-pneumatic-jack lift), can improve lap times on track by up to 2%. The price starts from 196,000 euros, excluding taxes.

Image gallery Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS