Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS revealed

The Porsche Cayman GT4 RS is the new flagship of the mid-engined 718 range, shedding weight and gaining power over the existing GT4, in pursuit of quicker lap times.

• The 718 Cayman GT4 RS is lighter and has retuned suspension
• Uses a 500hp, naturally aspirated 4.0-litre flat-six engine
• Goes from 0-100kph in 3.4sec and top speed limited to 315kph

Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS: what’s new

Porsche has slashed the weight of the GT4 RS by swapping the bonnet and front wings for carbon fibre-reinforced plastic items, installing lightweight carpets, replacing the door handles with pull straps, reducing insulation and installing a lighter rear windscreen. These measures, combined with the engine modifications, give a power-to-weight ratio of 353hp per tonne.

Porsche has also further optimised the GT4’s aerodynamics. A swan-necked rear wing based on the 911 RSR GT racer, new air vents and adjustable front diffuser – together with a 30mm drop in ride height over the standard Cayman – are said to increase downforce by as much as 10 percent over the GT4, that climbs to 60 percent in track-oriented Performance mode.

The rear windows, meanwhile, have been swapped for air intakes to improve airflow to the engine. There is also a bespoke shock absorber set-up and a specific tune for the spring and anti-roll bar rates for keener handling.

An optional Weissach package, as seen here, brings a carbon-weave finish for various exterior trim items, aluminium exhaust tips, a titanium roll-cage and bespoke 20-inch forged aluminium or magnesium wheels.

Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS: engine, gearbox and performance

Engineers at Porsche’s motorsport division have liberated an extra 80hp and 20Nm from the Cayman’s naturally aspirated 4.0-litre flat-six, which redlines at 9,000rpm. That takes the total output to 500hp and 450Nm for a 0-100kph time of just 3.4sec and a top speed of 315kph. Power is sent to the rear axle through a seven-speed PDK automatic gearbox.

The latest addition to Porsche’s hallowed RS line up is a substantial 23.6sec quicker around the Nürburgring than the existing GT4, hinting at the effectiveness of the extensive mechanical and dynamic modifications.

In the final stage of testing, ex-racer and brand ambassador Jörg Bergmeister lapped the slightly shorter 12.8-mile Nordschleife circuit in an impressive 7min 4.51sec, while a 7min 9.3sec lap time around the full 12.9-mile circuit makes it very nearly as quick as the previous 911 GT3 RS.