REVEALS ULTIMATE MODIFIED CAYMAN GT4 RS

THEPorsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS is already a pint-sized supercarslayer. Now an optional Manthey Kit, with enhanced aero and better brakes, stretches its potential still further.

The upgraded GT4 RS was developed by the 'Nordschleife specialists' at Manthey. Never heard of them? The German racing team has seven Nürburgring 24 Hours victories to its name, and has been majority-owned by Porsche AG since 2013.

As the top rung on the 718 Cayman ladder, the GT4 RS starts from £123,000, although we've seen 'flipped' cars advertised for twice that amount. The price for the Manthey Kit is still to be confirmed, but it will be sold through UK Porsche dealers from December.

The first thing to note is that the Manthey Kit doesn't include any extra power. Its 4.0-litre naturally aspirated flat-six engine still develops 500hp at a heady 8,400rpm: good for 0-62mph in 3.4 seconds and a top speed of 194mph.

Instead, the improvements are mainly focused on aerodynamics. The front of the car incorporates new air curtains, wheelarch Gurney flaps and a carbon fibre undertray with built-in diffusers. At the rear, aerodisc wheels help reduce turbulence, while an 85mm wider spoiler can almost double downforce to 169kg at 124mph.

Further modifications by Manthey include 20 percent stiffer springs for the coilover suspension and optional racing brake pads. You can also specify front and rear towing loops, in case it all ends in the crash barrier.

Inevitably, all this obsessive attention to detail leads to a Nürburgring lap-time. Wearing supersticky Michelin Cup 2 R tyres, the Manthey GT4 RS lapped the 'Green Hell' in 7min 3.12sec. That's 6.18 seconds quicker than the standard car, albeit still behind the latest Porsche 911 GT3 RS (6min 49.33sec).

Lastly, if you're less concerned about lap times and want even more emotional appeal, Porsche recently revealed the drop-top 718 Spyder RS. We'll be reviewing it right here next week.