The rumors were wrong. The new Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS does not make use, as might be expected, of a more powerful six-cylinder boxer version of the 718 Cayman GT4.
Surprisingly, Porsche took the naturally aspirated six-cylinder boxer from the 911 GT3 and 911 GT3 Cup (although both are 4.0 liters of capacity, they are separate engines) and placed it in the engine compartment of the most radical 718 Cayman ever .
A positively unexpected decision, as well as the 500 hp of power it advertises; way more than the 450-480 hp that most rumors pointed out and only 10 hp less than the 911 GT3. Never before had Porsche brought the 718 Cayman closer to its iconic 911.
It is also partly justified the 23.6s less than the 718 Cayman GT4 RS achieved at the Nürburgring compared to the 718 Cayman GT4. With more than 80 hp of power, no wonder he managed to gain more than a second per kilometer, with a final cannon time of 7min09.3s (20.832 km).
With 500 hp and 450 Nm (20 Nm more than the GT4), the exclusive use of the fast seven-speed PDK gearbox and also the more contained mass — at 1415 kg (DIN), the GT4 RS is 35 kg lighter than the GT4 — guarantee the new star of Porsche respectful benefits. It only takes 3.4s to reach 100 km/h (0.5s less than the GT4) and it announces a top speed of 315 km/h (more 13 km/h), reached in seventh gear.
Don't stay by the engine
The use of the 911 GT3 engine may be the big surprise in this first revelation of the 718 Cayman GT4 RS, but in its evolution from GT4 to GT4 RS, nothing was left to chance.
Starting with the way the air reaches the engine, where the small rear windows of other Caymans disappear to make way for air intakes on the GT4 RS. Not only do they improve intake air flow, they enhance the intake sound of the flat-six, which is much closer to the occupants' ears.
The new “weapon” from Porsche also comes with a new, more extreme aerodynamic package, highlighting the new fixed rear wing “swan neck”, as we saw in the 911 GT3.
When combined with the 30mm less ground clearance than the 718 Cayman, the air vents over the front mudguards, the aerodynamically optimized bottom which is linked to a new rear diffuser, the adjustable front diffuser and the front spoiler with Side “blades”, is capable of generating 25% more downforce (negative support) in Performance mode (recommended for circuits) than the 718 Cayman GT4.
As you would expect from a Porsche RS, the 718 Cayman GT4 RS also went through a strict diet, despite the substantial increase in power and performance.
To keep the mass at controlled values, Porsche made use of more carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) — the front hood and fender —, cut into the sound-absorbing material, used lighter glass for the rear window, the inner handles. the doors are now fabric ribbons, the storage compartments are now meshed, and even the used mats are lighter.
Last but not least, the chassis was also modified. This is now joined to the bodywork with ball joints, increasing, says Porsche, even more the precision and responsiveness of the behavior of the 718 Cayman GT4 RS. The suspension — shock absorbers and springs — comes with a specific adjustment, as do the stabilizer bars.
Weissach package
Optionally, the Weissach package adds a typical carbon fiber textured finish to the rear wing, front compartment, multiple air intakes, air box cover and mirrors.
The titanium exhausts are similar to those of the special Porsche 935 and titanium is also the material chosen for the roll cage. The dashboard is covered in Race-Tex and the rear window incorporates a huge Porsche logo.
To complete the optional package, the standard 20-inch forged aluminum wheels can be exchanged for 20-inch forged magnesium wheels.
When arrives?
The new Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS will be publicly unveiled at the Los Angeles Motor Show, which opens its doors today, but can already be ordered in Portugal. The price starts at 197 143 euros.
In addition to the 718 Cayman GT4 RS, Porsche also unveiled the Clubsport version, exclusive to competition.