Razor sharp

718 Cayman GT4 RS is as sharp on the road as it is on the track

Porsche’s 718 Cayman GT4 RS is the new flagship model of the 718 family – sharp in design with razor-edged power. Driven on narrow winding mountain roads or a racetrack, this car is the undoubtable King of the compact mid-engined Porsches – as nimble as a go-kart but impressively stable and well-balanced. With 368 kW of power from its naturally aspirated flat-six engine strapped to a light 1415kg body, it's a thrill ride not to be discounted. In fact, on the Nürburgring Nordschleife it outperforms its sibling the 718 Cayman GT4 by more than 23 seconds. Compared with the 718 Cayman GT4, this 718 Cayman GT4 RS has an extra 59 kW, revving out to a mighty 9000rpm pushing out 450Nm of torque. Match that power to the intuitive PDK dual clutch transmission offering seven gears at lightning speed, and it simply takes your breath away. The sports low-ratio PDK underpins the incredible acceleration, enabling it to achieve 0 to 100 km/h in 3.4 seconds with a top speed of 315 km/h.

Steering wheel paddle shifts allow drivers to keep their hands on the wheel even when manually changing gears. Lightweight construction is achieved thanks to the use of carbon fibre reinforced plastic for components such as the bonnet and front wings, and the rear window is also made of lightweight glass. But Porsche didn't stop there. Inside, lightweight carpet and reduced insulation material assist with the impressively low 1415kg weight, which is calculated with a full fuel tank. From the outside, the distinctive fixed rear wing with its swan-neck attachment and aluminium supports has a subtle GT4 RS moniker stamped into the sides. This highly efficient wing principle is derived from the Porsche 911 RSR GT racing car. To help glue this 718 Cayman GT4 RS to the road, a combination of changes were implemented including a 30mm lower ride height compared with the 718 Cayman. Then came aerodynamically optimised underbody panelling incorporating a connected rear diffuser, a multi-adjustable front diffuser, and a new front spoiler lip with a flow-around side, so that in Performance mode – reserved for racetracks – the RS generates 25 percent more downforce than the 718 Cayman GT4. Modifications to the chassis contribute to the 718 Cayman GT4 RS's greater performance, with ball joints binding the chassis tightly to the body for precise and direct handling. The adjustable circuit-ready chassis has an RS-specific shock absorber setup as well as modified spring and anti-roll bar rates. ‘During development, we gave the 718 Cayman GT4 RS everything that characterises a genuine RS – lightweight construction, more downforce, more power, and of course, an even higher level of responsiveness and feedback to driver inputs. The fantastic lap time around the Nordschleife is impressive proof of how clearly noticeable these improvements in driving dynamics are,’ says Andreas Preuninger, Director GT Model Line.

CLIC K HERE TO LEARN MOR E ‘Our customers can look forward to a pure driver's car that makes a thrilling driving experience an absolute priority.’ Step it up a notch by choosing the optional Weissach package utilising a carbon-weave finish to the process air intakes, cooling air intakes, airbox cover, exterior mirror upper trims, rear wing, and front luggage compartment. 20-inch forged magnesium wheels are available to order with the Weissach package instead of the standard 20-inch forged aluminium wheels. Titanium tailpipes finish off the rear look, while the interior roll cage rear is also titanium. Race-Tex material covers the upper section of the dashboard, and a large Porsche logo is integrated into the rear window while the car’s two seats feature the Weissach RS logo with an outline of the Wiessach Development Track as a nod to the car’s obvious sharp abilities. Typically reserved for the most track-focused cars. To date, you could only order the Weissach package for the 911 GT3 RS and 911 GT2 RS, plus the 918 Spyder. In place of the usual small side windows, new air intakes in the 718 Cayman GT4 RS improve intake airflow while creating a thrilling noise right next to the driver’s ears. The characteristic air intakes at the front of the rear wheels have been retained for engine cooling. ‘The GT4 RS is one of the sharpest cars Porsche has ever developed. And you really have to experience the breathtaking noise it makes for yourself,’ says Jörg Bergmeister, a world-class driver who has devoted more than 500 hours to the 718 Cayman GT4 RS during test and tuning drives as part of the car’s development. All of these enhancements make the 718 Cayman GT4 RS the sharpest, most uncompromising member of the 718 family. This was proved on the Nürburgring Nordschleife during the final phase of setup adjustments, when Porsche brand ambassador Jörg Bergmeister lapped the 20.83km track in 7:09.300 minutes. The 718 Cayman GT4 RS conquered the shorter 20.6km version, which previously served as the benchmark, in 7:04.511 minutes – 23.6 seconds faster than the 718 Cayman GT4. For these high-speed laps, the car was equipped with a racing seat. The tyres fitted to the car were Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R, which will be optionally available.

The new Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS stole the show at its premiere at the Los Angeles Auto Show and is available to order now. The optional Weissach package is available to further enhance performance. In Australia, the new 718 Cayman GT4 RS will also be equipped with automatically dimming mirrors including rain sensor, cruise control, ParkAssist (rear) incl. reversing camera, Light Design Package, and digital radio. To complete the look, a unique Porsche Design Chronograph 718 Cayman GT4 RS was created by Porsche Design exclusively for buyers of the vehicle. The watch also benefits from a lightweight design concept with high-performance features based on the robust, high-tech characteristics of titanium. Its winding rotor is modelled on the sports car’s rims and can be specified in different colours, just like the car. The Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS starts at $300,800. Australian deliveries are expected to commence from Q3 2022. •