The stripped out, track-focussed Cayman GT4 RS is the new flagship model in the 718 range. On sale now priced from £108,370, first deliveries are expected next March.
Dubbed “an uncompromising driver’s car”, the lightened GT4 RS comes with a raft of trick aerodynamic aids and a titanium exhaust system that produces a “unique soundtrack”.
With a 9,000rpm redline, the 493bhp naturally-aspirated flat-six engine develops 332lb ft for a 0-62mph time of 3.4 seconds. Tipping the scales at 1,145kg, the two-seater’s top speed is just shy of 200mph.
This extra shove is in addition to a whole host of dynamic tweaks that consist of an adjustable suspension, a new shock absorber set-up, and modified spring and anti-roll bar rates.
Combined, Porsche says these changes allow the GT4 RS to circle the 12.94-mile Nürburgring circuit a whole 23 seconds faster than its sibling – the GT4. Power is sent to the rear axle through a seven-speed PDK automatic gearbox that can be operated by the driver via column-mounted paddles.
The GT4 RS is marked out by a new rear wing that obscures the mid-mounted flat six
Visually, the side air intakes in front of the rear wheels – which measure 20 diameters in size – are joined by new engine induction air intakes behind the driver and passenger windows.
Road-holding is improved by the swan neck-shaped fixed rear wing, adjustable front diffuser, underbody panelling with connected rear diffuser, and a 30mm drop in ride height. They increase downforce by as much as 10% over the GT4 – a figure that climbs to 60% in track-biased ‘Performance’ mode.
Mass has been shredded by using carbon fibre reinforced plastic for the bonnet and front wings, while the rear window is constructed from lightweight glass. Thinner carpets, the removal of sound insulation and paring back the front doors by replacing the handles with fabric straps, “complete the quest to eliminate every superfluous gram”.
The optional Weissach package is said to take “the dynamic design of the GT4 RS even further” as the front luggage-compartment lid, induction air ducts, cooling air intakes, airbox cover, exterior mirror upper trims and rear wing get a carbon-weave finish.
