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Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS
Prior to the start of the 2021 Los Angeles International Auto Show, Porsche revealed a new performance version of its mid-engine 718 Cayman coupe, powered by the same naturally aspirated flat 6-cylinder engine as the Porsche 911 GT3. In 718 Cayman GT4 RS trim the engine revs to 9,000 rpm, producing 493 horsepower and 331 lb-ft of torque — a 79 horsepower increase compared to the 718 Cayman GT4 — while maximum torque increases from 317 lb-ft.
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Porsche Power
The powerful engine of the 718 Cayman GT4 RS gets mated exclusively to a 7-speed PDK dual-clutch transmission delivering lightning-quick shifts for maximum performance. The driver has the ability to select gears manually with shift paddles mounted on the steering wheel, or with a newly designed shift lever in the center console. With different gearing than the 718 Cayman GT4, the GT4 RS accelerates from zero to 60 mph in 3.2 seconds — a half-second quicker than the 718 Cayman GT4 with the PDK. Porsche specs indicate a top track speed of 196 mph.
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New RS Air Intakes
Two of the most noticeable changes for the Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS when compared with the 718 Cayman GT4 are new air intakes behind the side windows, which replace the small windows on other 718 Cayman variants. The new intakes improve airflow to the engine.
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Lightweight Construction
With a focus on lightweight materials, the curb weight of the U.S. 718 Cayman GT4 RS is 3,227 pounds — 49 pounds less than the 718 Cayman GT4 with the PDK. To achieve this weight reduction, the hood and front fenders are made of carbon fiber reinforced plastic, and the rear window is lightweight glass. Lightweight doors include fabric pulls in place of traditional door handles, as well as storage nets rather than storage bins.
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Fixed Rear Wing
Aerodynamic improvements for the new 718 Cayman GT4 RS include a fixed rear wing with swan neck mounts and aluminum supports for a different look than other 718 Cayman variants. The wing design was developed from the Porsche 911 RSR race car and first used on the 2022 Porsche 911 GT3.
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Aerodynamic Revisions
In addition to the fixed rear wing, other aerodynamic changes to the 718 Cayman GT4 RS include a ride height lowered by 30 millimeters; front wheelwell ventilation; an aerodynamically optimized underbody; a rear diffuser; an adjustable front diffuser; and a new front spoiler lip with flow-around side blades. In track-only Performance mode, the 718 Cayman GT4 RS generates up to 25 percent more downforce than the 718 Cayman GT4.
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Suspension Enhancements
In addition to the lower ride height, other suspension revisions for the 718 Cayman GT4 RS include adjustable suspension with RS-specific dampers, revised spring rates, revised anti-roll bars and ball joints connecting the suspension to the body. For the first time, 20-inch forged aluminum wheels with center locks are offered on a 718 Cayman.
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Weissach Package
An optional Weissach Package (named after the German town and location of Porsche’s research center) adds a carbon fiber hood, air intakes, airbox lid, mirror caps and rear wing; as well as titanium exhaust tips inspired by the exhaust of the Porsche 935/19. As part of the package, the top of the dash is covered with Race-Tex material, and Porsche script adorns the top of the rear window. Magnesium wheels are optional with the Weissach Package at additional cost.
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Performance Level
To gauge the performance level of the new 718 Cayman GT4 RS, Porsche Brand Ambassador Joerg Bergmeister completed a lap of the 20.832 kilometer racetrack at Germany’s Nurburgring-Nordschleife in 7:09:300 minutes. On the shorter 20.6 kilometer track previously used, the 718 Cayman GT4 RS lapped in 7:04:511 minutes — 23.6 seconds faster than the 718 Cayman GT4.
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Porsche Design Chronograph
In a nod to the exclusivity of this new 718 Cayman variant, Porsche Design created a Porsche Design Chronograph 718 Cayman GT4 RS that will be offered exclusively to 718 Cayman GT4 RS buyers. Like the car, the watch is a lightweight design using high-tech titanium materials. The winding rotor design features styling cues from the wheel of the car. The watch will be available in a variety of colors that match the car.
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World Premiere at Los Angeles Auto Show
After making its world premiere at the 2021 Los Angeles Auto Show, the 718 Cayman GT4 RS is scheduled to arrive at U.S. dealerships in summer 2022 at an MSRP of $141,700, which does not include a delivery, processing and handling fee of $1,350.
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Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS Clubsport
In addition to the production718 Cayman GT4 RS, Porsche also debuted the 718 Cayman GT4 RS Clubsport at the Los Angeles Auto Show. The racing version of the 718 Cayman GT4 RS street car, the Clubsport will be sold and distributed in the U.S. through Porsche Motorsport North America at a starting price of $229,000. Porsche race fans should expect to see the 718 Cayman GT4 RS Clubsport competing next year in the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge and the SRO GT4 America and GT America series.
