493bhp track weapon revealed
The Porsche Cayman GT4 RS is the new flagship model in the 718 family – an uncompromising driver’s car aimed to excite with its power gain, lightweight structure, enormously nimble chassis set-up, refined aerodynamics and exclusive soundtrack, all in pursuit of quicker lap times.
Porsche’s motorsport division have increased the naturally aspirated 4.0-litre flat-six engines power by an extra 79bhp and 15lb ft, which redlines at 9000rpm. Which should sound great with the new air intakes which replace the rear windows to improve both intake and airflow also creating a “thrilling noise right next to the occupants ears”. Total output is there for 493bhp and 332lb ft for a 0-62mph time of just 3.4sec and a top speed of 196mph.
Like every modern RS model, the new 718 GT4 RS’s Power is sent “at lightning speed” to the rear axle via the exclusively available seven-speed PDK automatic gearbox.
In usual RS style, lightweight construction is a major element of the new 718 Cayman GT4 RS design. The two-seater weighs only 1,415 kilograms, with a full fuel tank and without a driver, which is 35 kg less than a PDK-equipped 718 GT4. This weight has been reduced by the use of carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) for sections such as the bonnet and front wings, use of lightweight carpets and reducing the amount of insulation material. The rear window is made of lightweight glass, lightweight door panels with pull straps substituting traditional handles and nets on the storage compartments complete the pursuit to eliminate every extra gram.
Porsche has also further improved the aerodynamics, a swan-necked fixed rear wing, this highly efficient wing principle is derived from the Porsche 911 RSR GT racing car and was first adopted in a Porsche series production car with the 911 GT3.
New air vents on the front wheel arches and adjustable front diffuser – together with a 30mm drop in ride height, aerodynamically optimised underbody panelling with connected rear diffuser, the multi-adjustable front diffuser and the new front spoiler lip with flow-around side blades are said to increase the GT4 RS downforce over the GT4 by approximately 25% in Performance mode reserved for the tracks.
Adjustments to the chassis also contribute to its superior performance. Ball joints bind the chassis tightly to the body to deliver even more precise and direct handling. The adjustable, circuit-ready chassis has an RS-specific shock absorber set-up, as well as modified spring and anti-roll bar rates.
The optional Weissach package adds to the design of the GT4 RS even more. Bringing a carbon-weave finish to the front luggage-compartment lid, process air intakes, cooling air intakes, airbox cover, exterior mirror upper trims and rear wing. Titanium tailpipes similar to the exhaust system on the Porsche 935 and also titanium for the fitted roll cage at the rear. The upper section of the dashboard is upholstered in Race-Tex material and a large Porsche logo is integrated into the rear window. With the Weissach package 20-inch forged magnesium wheels can be ordered at additional cost instead of the 20-inch forged aluminium wheels.
All of these enhancements are particularly evident on the Nürburgring Nordschleife. During the final phase of set-up adjustments, Porsche brand ambassador Jörg Bergmeister lapped the 20.832-kilometre track in 7:09.300 minutes. The GT4 RS conquered the shorter 20.6 km version, which previously served as the benchmark, in 7:04.511 minutes – 23.6 seconds faster than the 718 Cayman GT4.
The 718 Cayman GT4 RS is on sale now priced from £108,370, which is £31,840 more than the GT4. The first UK cars are expected to be delivered in March 2022
