At the Los Angeles Auto Show, Porsche unveils the 718 Cayman GT4 RS, the new top model of the 718 series, as a world premiere. The powerful six-cylinder 500hp engine is the same as found in the 911 GT3 Cup racing car and is undoubtedly the most important part of the sports car designed for maximum everyday driving pleasure. This powerful motor runs up to 9,000 rpm, and achieves a torque of 465 NM at 6,000 giri / min. Compared to the 718 Cayman GT4, the RS version delivers 80 HP more power, reaching a weight / power ratio of 2.83 kg / CV.
Among the striking features of the new 718, there are also the air intakes behind the driver and passenger windows. These not only improve the flow of air entering the car, but also ensure that an exciting “intake” sound can be heard right next to the passengers’ ears. The characteristic air intakes in front of the rear wheels are also present in this model and serve to cool the engine. Like any modern RS model, the new 718 GT4 RS is only available with Porsche dual clutch transmission (PDK). This transmission ensures maximum performance when shifting between its seven gears. The presence of the gearshift levers allow the driver to keep his hands on the steering wheel even when shifting manually.
Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS, from zero to 100 in 3.4 seconds
The low-ratio sport PDK gives this mid-engined sports car incredible acceleration. There 718 Cayman GT4 RS goes from 0 to 100 km / h in just 3.4 seconds (GT4 with PDK: 3.9 seconds) and reaches a maximum speed of 315 km / h (GT4 with PDK: 302 km / h) in seventh gear. The usual lightweight construction in the RS model stands out as one of the defining elements of the new design of the 718 Cayman GT4 RS. The two-seater, as defined by the DIN standard, it weighs only 1,415 kg with a full tank and without a driver, ed is 35 kg lighter than a 718 GT4 with PDK. Weight is reduced thanks to the use of carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) in components such as the hood and front wings. In addition to lightweight carpets, the reduction in insulating material also contributes to weight reduction. The rear glass is made of a lighter material. Door panels with interwoven tabs and mesh in the storage compartments eliminate every unnecessary gram.
The new fixed rear wing, the gooseneck attachment and the aluminum wing supports are among the distinctive elements of the exterior design. Inspired by the Porsche 911 RSR GT racing car, this highly efficient wing was used for the first time in a Porsche production car with the 911 GT3. Together with the GT4 RS, a 30mm lower ride height than the 718 Cayman, eye-catching air intakes on the front fenders, aerodynamically optimized underbody panels connected to the rear diffuser, a multi-adjustable front diffuser and a new front spoiler with leading blades the air in the environment, producing approximately 25% more downforce than the GT4 in Performance mode, designed for track use.
The modifications to the chassis also contribute to improving the performance of the car. Ball joints firmly connect the frame to the body for a more precise and direct ride. The track-ready, adjustable chassis itself features an RS-specific shock configuration, as well as modified spring and anti-roll bar ratios.
Optional Weissach package
The optional Weissach package further enhances the dynamic design of the GT4 RS. The front luggage compartment cover, all air intakes, airbox cover, exterior mirror upper details and rear wing are covered in carbon fabric. The titanium tailpipes are reminiscent of the system used in the Porsche 935. The short rear safety cage is also made of titanium. The upper part of the dashboard is covered with Race-Tex material and there is a large Porsche logo on the rear window of the car. With the Weissach package, you can order 20 inch forged magnesium wheels at an additional cost instead of forged aluminum wheels of the same size.
All these improvements over the 718 Cayman GT4 make the GT4 RS the fastest car in the 718 family. This was particularly evident on the Nürburgring Nordschleife circuit. In the final stage of configuration Jörg Bergmeister he covered the 20,832 kilometers of track in 7: 09,300 minutes. which became 7: 04.511 minutes, in the oldest track, shorter than 20.6 km. Over this distance the new 718 Cayman GT4 RS was 23.6 seconds faster than the “standard” GT4.
The car starts at a price of 147,471 euros, and deliveries will begin in March 2022. Even the racing version, or the 718 Cayman GT4 RS Clubsport will premiere in Los Angeles and will take part in several national and international races starting in 2022.