After 16 years, Porsche has finally given its mid-engine Cayman sports car the RS treatment, and it’s a great car. The 2022 Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS debuted Tuesday night ahead of the Los Angeles Auto Show, powered by a 4.0-liter six-cylinder engine from the Porsche 911 GT3.
Yes, you read that right. instead of the menu Cayman GT4Derived from the regular 3.0-liter 911 Carrera without a turbocharger, the GT4 RS uses the exclusive 4.0-liter engine of the 992 GT3. The Cayman produces 493 hp and 331 lb-ft of torque, 79 hp and 14 lb-ft more than the standard GT4 and slightly less than the GT3. The best part is that the GT4 RS engine runs at 9,000 rpm, identical to the GT3. The current GT4 goes down to 8000 rpm “only”, so the GT4 RS must have a totally obsessive sound and personality – especially with the optional titanium exhaust tips.
The only transmission option is the seven-speed dual-clutch PDK automatic transmission, which has shorter gears than Optional PDK in the standard GT4 and the same manual transmission design as the 911 GT3. Porsche says the GT4 RS will reach 60 mph in just 3.2 seconds, half a second faster than the regular GT4 with PDK and at the same time as the GT3, and will reach a top speed of 196 mph. MPH, 9 MPH is higher than standard. GT4 is 1 mph slower than GT3.
Its heart is the 911 GT3.
Porsche
As a Porsche RS model, there are a number of aerodynamic and structural changes designed to extract maximum performance on the track. The most notable difference is the swan neck rear spoiler, which was inspired by the 911 RSR race car. The GT4 RS also has an adjustable front splitter, new side blades in front of the front wheels, front mudguards, NACA ducts in the hood, a new rear diffuser and underbody, and radial air intakes that replace the rear side windows of the Cayman. Porsche says the GT4 RS generates 25% more downforce than the regular GT4.
The ride height has been reduced by 1.2 inches, and the GT4 RS uses 20-inch aluminum wheels with center locks, a Cayman innovation. Standard tires are Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 or Dunlop Sport Max, but Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R high-viscosity rubber is optional. The adjustable suspension system has new shock absorbers, modified springs, stabilizer bars and new ball joints. Porsche says the GT4 RS is 49 pounds lighter than the PDK-equipped GT4, with weight-saving measures including a lightweight rear window, new door panels with fabric handles and carbon fiber-reinforced plastic construction for the hood and front fenders.
The GT4 RS generates a lot of downforce.
Porsche
An optional Weissach package gives the hood, air intakes, side mirrors and rear spoiler a carbon fiber finish. The Weissach package also adds titanium exhaust tips, Porsche text on the rear window, Race-Tex suede panel, Weissach RS badge and headrest stitching. An additional option for vehicles equipped with Weissach are magnesium wheels, which are available in a Deep Sea Blue radiant to match the titanium exhaust color when hot. Porsche expects around 70% of GT4 RS buyers to choose the Weissach package, similar to the purchase rate for the 991 GT3 RS and GT2 RS models. The images here show a European spec model with the Clubsport package that adds a step-down cage that will not be offered in the US.
All of this results in an absolute beast on the race track. GT4 RS is already defined Time from vault de Violent Nurburgring At 7 minutes and 9.3 seconds in the longest track configuration and the shortest track used previously, the RS is about 24 seconds faster than the standard GT4. Porsche’s original goal for the loop was 7 minutes and 15 seconds – the RS became much faster.
Blue wheels!
Porsche
Andreas Breuninger, Porsche’s GT boss, says the GT4 RS is “the most powerful car we’ve ever made, including the 911 R”, adding that it “will make history as one of the most exciting GTs to date”. This is a great statement, but I believe it. Brueninger says the GT division has always wanted to make an RS version of the Cayman, with customers asking for it since the original GT4 was released in 2015, but it had to adjust to the car’s lifecycle. “Now is the best time to climax.”
When it goes on sale next summer, the GT4 RS will start at $143,050 including destination, $40,500 more than the standard GT4 but $20,700 cheaper than the 911 GT3. Porsche does not limit production. The GT4 RS will be on sale as long as the 718 Cayman remains, which should last at least a few years until the 718’s electrical replacement takes place in the mid-decade.
