The Porsche 718 Cayman GT4RS
The 718 Cayman GT4RS is finally here, and Porsche have done it again. The German giants have produced an absolute engineering marvel that adds a bout of excitement and ultimately a flagship new model in the middle-engined 718 Cayman line up. A perfectly balanced car that seemingly needed no improvements just got better, much better.
We learned about this model not so long ago and its release was imminent but today on 17th November 2021, the GT4RS was unveiled at the LA International Auto Show – and what a beautiful thing it is!
Prices are set to start from £108,370 for the new GT4RS and an optional Weissach pack (as seen in the pictures) will be available for it too. That brings a carbon-weave finish for various exterior components, aluminium exhaust tips, a titanium roll cage and bespoke 20in Forged aluminium or magnesium wheels.
Shedding weight and adding power in the pursuit of quicker lap times are arguably its key focus over and above the standard GT4. We learned from their testing video that the GT4RS is an astonishing 23.6 seconds quicker than its sister car around the Nurburgring, and now it has been fully unveiled we can understand why.
The GT4RS gets the incredibly revvy (9000rpm red line) 4.0L flat six engine from the 991.2 GT3, and since its inception, has been one of the most exciting naturally aspirated engines to be presented to us in recent years. Having this unit in the GT4RS is a big thumbs up from us. Its power output over and above the regular GT4 is a staggering 79bhp more and its total output is 493BHP – translating to a 0-62mph time of just 3.4 seconds and a top speed of 196mph.
With an increase in power must come some changes to aerodynamics and in true Porsche fashion, these have not only been implemented for function but also form too and the GT4RS presents itself as a real automotive eyeful. A swan-necked rear wing based on that used by the 911 RSR GT racer has been added, along with new air intakes and an adjustable front diffuser. Take these components and the 30mm drop in ride height and this increases the overall downforce by as much as 10% over the regular GT4, and in track-orientated ‘performance’ mode, this figure climbs to 60%.
One of the coolest features of the new GT4RS is the removal of the rear windows, with the replacements being optimised air-intakes. The result of this is not just a cool look & improved engine cooling, but it is also said to make an incredible intake noise right next to the car’s occupants’ ears.
To reduce weight, the bonnet & front wings have been replaced with carbon-fibre reinforced plastic items, lightweight carpets have been added, door handles have been removed and replaced with pull cords, insulation has been reduced and the rear windscreen is lighter too.
The first cars to the hit the UK are likely to be in March and we can’t wait to see one. Looking to buy a regular GT4? We have one in stock here and you can find it by clicking here.
