When 500 PS (368 kW; 718 Cayman GT4 RS: Fuel consumption* combined (WLTP) 13.2 l/100 km, CO₂ emissions* combined (WLTP) 299 g/km) from a high-revving mid-mounted engine meets a purist 1,415 kg kerb weight, it is time for the term ‘driving pleasure‘ to be redefined: whether it is being driven on narrow, winding mountain roads or closed race tracks, the 718 Cayman GT4 RS is king of the compact mid-engined range. On the Nürburgring Nordschleife, it outperforms its sibling, the 718 Cayman GT4, by more than 23 seconds.

Sports car designed for maximum driving pleasure

The 718 Cayman GT4 RS is a sports car that has been engineered for ultimate driving pleasure, and its naturally aspirated flat-six engine is the heart of this high-performance vehicle. This engine, which is also used in the 911 GT3 Cup racing car and the 911 GT3 series production model, can rev up to 9,000 rpm and has a maximum torque of 450 Nm.

Compared to its sibling, the 718 Cayman GT4, the GT4 RS has an additional 80 PS, resulting in a weight-to-power ratio of 2.83 kg/PS. (For reference, the fuel consumption* combined (WLTP) of the 718 Cayman GT4 is 11.1 – 10.7 l/100 km, and the CO₂ emissions* combined (WLTP) are 251 – 242 g/km.)

The new 718 Cayman GT4 RS boasts an array of impressive features, including process air intakes located behind the driver and pᴀssenger windows, which enhance the intake airflow and produce a thrilling intake noise that can be heard by the occupants.

This is a departure from the 718 Cayman’s smaller side windows in this area. The car’s distinctive air intakes at the front of the rear wheels are still present and serve to cool the engine. With its svelte design and powerful performance, the 718 Cayman GT4 RS is sure to impress any driving enthusiast.

Like every modern RS model, the new 718 GT4 RS is exclusively available with the Porsche dual clutch transmission (PDK). This gearbox shifts through its seven gears at lightning speed and guarantees maximum performance. The gearshift paddles allow drivers to keep their hands on the steering wheel even when changing gear manually. Alternatively, they can use the re-designed selector lever on the centre console.

The sports low-ratio PDK underpins the incredible acceleration of this mid-engined sports car. The 718 Cayman GT4 RS sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.4 seconds (GT4 with PDK: 3.9 seconds) and has a top speed of 315 km/h (GT4 with PDK: 302 km/h), which it reaches in seventh gear.

Following the RS tradition, the new 718 Cayman GT4 RS design places great emphasis on lightweight construction. The two-seater vehicle weighs a mere 1,415 kilograms according to DIN standards, with a full fuel tank and without a driver, which is 35 kg less than the PDK-equipped 718 GT4.

To achieve this weight reduction, carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) is used for components such as the bonnet and front wings. The weight of the vehicle is also reduced by using lightweight carpets, reducing insulation material, and incorporating lightweight glᴀss for the rear window. The elimination of every superfluous gram is evident in the lightweight door panels with textile opening loops and nets on the storage compartments.

Highly efficient: the fixed rear wing with a swan-neck attachment

The 718 Cayman GT4 RS boasts a unique exterior design with a fixed rear wing, aluminium wing supports, and a swan-neck attachment, emphasizing its RS-style lightweight construction. This innovative wing design, inspired by the Porsche 911 RSR GT racing car and first introduced in the 911 GT3, is highly efficient.

Combined with a 30-millimetre-lower ride height than the 718 Cayman, aerodynamically optimized underbody panelling, a rear diffuser, vents on the front wheel arches, and a multi-adjustable front diffuser, the GT4 RS generates about 25 percent more downforce than the GT4 in Performance mode, perfect for track use. The front spoiler lip with flow-around side blades completes the aerodynamic package.

Modifications to the chᴀssis also contribute to its greater performance. Ball joints bind the chᴀssis тιԍнтly to the body to deliver even more precise and direct handling. The adjustable, circuit-ready chᴀssis has an RS-specific shock absorber set-up, as well as modified spring and anti-roll bar rates.

The optional Weissach package takes the dynamic design of the GT4 RS even further. The front luggage-compartment lid, process air intakes, cooling air intakes, airbox cover, exterior mirror upper trims and rear wing have a carbon-weave finish. The тιтanium tailpipes look similar to the exhaust system on the Porsche 935.

The fitted roll cage at the rear is also made of тιтanium. The upper section of the dashboard is upholstered in Race-Tex material and a large Porsche logo is integrated into the rear window. With the Weissach package 20-inch forged magnesium wheels can be ordered at additional cost instead of the 20-inch forged aluminium wheels.

All of these enhancements compared to the 718 Cayman GT4 make the GT4 RS the most uncompromising and sharpest member of the 718 family. This is particularly evident on the Nürburgring Nordschleife. During the final phase of set-up adjustments, Porsche brand ambᴀssador Jörg Bergmeister lapped the 20.832-kilometre track in 7:09.300 minutes. The GT4 RS conquered the shorter 20.6 km version, which previously served as the benchmark, in 7:04.511 minutes – 23.6 seconds faster than the 718 Cayman GT4.

The most uncompromising and sharpest member of the 718 family

The Porsche Design Chronograph 718 Cayman GT4 RS is an exclusive watch created by Porsche Design for purchasers of the vehicle. It shares the same dynamic character as its four-wheeled counterpart, featuring a lightweight design concept with high-performance capabilities based on тιтanium’s durable, high-tech attributes. The watch’s winding rotor is designed after the sports car’s rims and can be customized in different colors, similar to the car.

The new Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS made its global debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show and is now available for order at a starting price of 141,338 euros (including 19% VAT). Delivery of the car will begin in March 2022. Furthermore, the GT4 RS can be equipped with the optional Weissach package, which enhances its aerodynamics even further. The 718 Cayman GT4 RS Clubsport racing version is also premiering in Los Angeles and will compete in various national and international racing series starting in 2022.