The most powerful Cayman, the GT4 RS, packs a 4.0-liter flat-six stunner that revs to 9,000 rpm and provides a razor-sharp throttle response!
In order to launch a more budget-friendly car than the expensive 911, Porsche sought to create an introductory model that possessed the unmistakable thrill of driving without having to shell out an entire fortune. With that vision in mind, the German brand managed to breakthrough with an open-top roadster, packing a 2.5-liter six-cylinder boxer (horizontally opposed) engine.
Subsequently, Porsche carried out the Boxster updates for two more generations, later launching the Cayman coupe version. In the latest generation, though, Porsche switched to an efficient and powerful 2.5-liter i4 turbocharged unit, which wasn’t well-received by purists.
Fortunately, Porsche rectified that mistake with the Cayman GT4, which now gets an RS version. The most hardcore variant of the GT4 draws inspiration from its elder brother, the 911 GT3. It also gets the same special naturally-aspirated engine; the 4.0-liter flat-six produces an astounding 493 hp (+ 80 hp) and 332 lb-ft of torque. The best part — it redlines at 9,000 RPM! Imagine the symphonies the engine composes when you rev it out!
That’s not all, though. The GT4 RS shaves off an additional 143 lbs over the standard car, courtesy of lesser insulation, lighter carpets, Race-Tex inside the cabin, and the use of CFRP (carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic) components on the hood and front wing. Combined with the world-famous PDK, the Cayman GT4 RS can sprint from 0-60 mph in 3.4 secs and hit a top speed of 196 mph. It also lapped the Nordschleife in 7:09 mins (20.8 km section) and 7:04 mins (20.6 km), which is a massive 32.1 seconds quicker than its predecessor!
The Cayman GT4 RS retains the quintessential and timeless silhouette of the regular model, although it looks a bit more menacing. On the front, it features a sporty bumper with a larger radiator grille, a carbon fiber spoiler lip, and NAPA vents on the hood. The sides look equally rad with the addition of CF ducts above the front wheel and mirror caps.
Additional touches include replacing the GT4’s glass window with a carbon fiber intake chamber cover tweaking the frequencies to produce a raucous intake sound.
Over to the rear, Porsche fitted the new GT4 RS with a rather generous spoiler with a swan-neck joint. You can also adjust it manually to four different angles depending on your wish. Lastly, it retains the same diffuser design as the stock GT4, although the twin exhaust system now features similar titanium tips to the Porsche 935.
Buyers can also ditch the forged aluminum rims for lighter forged magnesium wheels as part of the top-spec Weissach package.
Porsche also launched the race-ready GT4 RS Clubsport. It uses the same 4.0-liter flat-six, replacing the older 3.8-liter unit and producing 18% more power at 493 hp and 342 lb-ft of torque at 8,300 rpm. Porsche also optimized the air intake to deliver a more linear response with a much more usable speed band.
Furthermore, the Clubsport features shorter gear ratios in the PDK to offer faster and more precise shifts. In terms of chassis and handling, the list of changes includes two-way adjustable shock absorbers, adjustable sword-type anti-roll bars, and 380 mm steel brake discs with Porsche Stability Management (PSM) tuned specifically for motorsports.
The GT4 RS Clubsport features a lot of aero tweaks, too. Notably, an extended front spoiler lip, wheel arch vents like the 911 GT3 R, and a swan-neck wing attachment to the rear wing with two additional angle adjustments. The entire kit is packaged in a natural-fiber composite throughout with similar characteristics to carbon fiber. Lastly, it also checks all safety requirements for SRO and endurance racing with a welded-in roll cage, six-point harnesses, fire extinguisher system, built-in air jack, and the inclusion of a 115-liter FT3 fuel cell.
The Cayman GT4 RS comes in at $160,740, almost similar to the 911 GT3. Meanwhile, the Clubsport will make its racing debut in national and other international competitions starting early 2022!
Gallery: Porsche Cayman GT4 RS & Cayman GT4 RS Clubsport
More information on Porsche’s website (Cayman GT4 RS, Cayman GT4 RS Clubsport)
