 |
| Photo Source: Porsche |
What makes the 2023 Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS special is that it is the first Cayman model to have the RS treatment. And it’s a stunner! Earlier the exceptionally hardcore model you could have from Porsche was the Cayman GT4, with it is the Porsche 911's 4.0-liter derived from the 911 Carrera's 3.0-liter flat-six. But this new GT4 RS model packs the stupendous 4.0-liter naturally aspirated flat-six engine from the current 992-generation 911 GT3, rather than utilizing that same engine of the Carrera's. Overall, it is the most hardcore, powerful, and track-hungry Cayman Porsche has ever made. Moreover, GT4 RS’ front fenders and hood are made from carbon fiber. The wheel wells’ air vents are great for brake cooling but also make it aerodynamically sleek, and they are strikingly impressive! Same thing with the side air ducts that replace the Cayman's rear quarter windows. Excellent!
Yes, it has 493bhp – that is 79bhp (brake horsepower) more
than the standard GT4, but 10bhp less than the GT3 - owing to the exhaust having to take up a more circuitous way around the rear suspension. The torque gets a small jolt to 332lb-ft and
it’s PDK only - as per the ‘RS’ principle. Exceptionally sporty gears – the
7-speed PDK, superior agility, and short shift throws is the hallmark of 718
Cayman.
Exceedingly, the RS is a lot better than a GT4, and is far
hotter! Porsche integrated the front end from a 991-generation 911 Carrera 4S
into the GT4's body frame configuration. However, it is still allowed to be
equipped with an electronic front-axle lift – to some extent, no other Cayman
offers. The front diffuser is designed for the lowest possible air resistance
thereby achieving maximum speed. In total, this helps make the RS more
rigid.
 |
| Photo Source: Porsche |
Here, the measure of success exists on the ultimate experience and specifics, not on figures. Although the throttle response is slightly flat at low RPMs, nonetheless it keeps the engine on the heat and that thing is instantaneous. The goal here is to always drive hard, pin it to get the best of it, at peak power and torque way up in the rev range. A mechanical limited-slip differential from the previous-generation 911 GT3 helps retain traction even with the added torque.
This 4.0-liter, highly agile mid-engine concept with a
six-cylinder naturally aspirated engine is paired with six individual throttle
valves for an immediate and direct response. This concept results in high
revving that easily screams the 9,000 marks. The 4.0-liter mill delivers power
to the rear wheels through Porsche’s renowned PDK (Porsche double-clutch
transmission) seven-speed transaxle. This transmission system receives a
dedicated oil line and dual-mass flywheel to handle such high revs. The GT4 RS
gearbox is automatic-only (there is no manual gearbox on RS models) and
features shorter gear ratios as a gesture to pervasive complaints of the GT4’s
gearing system.
The brakes? Precisely, the GT4 RS has bigger, unflappable
brakes, wider front, and rear tracks, and more rear camber, at 49 less
poundage. Its more than truculent aero-efficient features add up to 220 pounds
of downforce at 124 mph. Combine it with the optional carbon-fiber-heavy
Weissach package plus magnesium wheels and a mucilaginous Michelin Pilot Sport
Cup 2R tires, the result is a good sports car-focused track machine… a thing to
envy.
 |
| Photo Source: Porsche |
In a strict sense, where a weight-saving scheme is paramount, the GT4 RS's inside looks are characterized by spareness and simplicity in appearance and functions. This comprises of lightweight glass rear window, lightweight carpets, simpler door panels, fabric door pulls straps, carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic for the hood and front fenders, and less insulation - all adds up to a kerb weight of around 1,415kg. That is 35kg less than a PDK-equipped GT4 even with all its extra hardware. Want more? There is an optional Weissach Pack, which can get you a hood, mirrors, intakes, wing, and swan necks made from exposed carbon fiber and titanium exhaust tips.
|
Model: |
Porsche
718 Cayman GT4 RS |
|
Price: |
£108,370 |
|
Engine: |
4.0-litre
flat-six petrol |
|
Power/torque: |
496bhp/450Nm |
|
Transmission: |
Seven-speed
dual-clutch automatic, rear-wheel drive |
|
0-62mph: |
3.4
seconds |
|
Top
speed: |
196mph |
|
Economy/CO2: |
23mpg/281g/km |
|
On
sale: |
Now |