2022 Porsche 718 GT4 RS Unveiled As The Most Extreme Cayman Ever

Porsche is storming the this week’s 2021 Los Angeles Auto Show with the 718 Cayman GT4 RS, the performance flagship of the 718 range and, in all likelihood, the swan song of the current generation which is probably the last ICE-powered mid-engined sportscar from Zuffenhausen.

The 718 Cayman GT4 RS has already proven its capabilities on the Nürburgring-Nordschleife, where it clocked a 7:04.511 lap time (7:09.300 for the full 20.832 km), making it 23.6 seconds faster than the GT4. But how did Porsche engineers managed to extract that level of performance? Let’s take a dive into the official specs.

N/A Engine Derived From The 911 GT3, Sporty Chassis

The GT4 RS is fitted with a mid-mounted naturally aspirated 4.0-liter flat-six producing 493 hp (368 kW / 500 PS) and 331 lb-ft (449 Nm) of torque and revving all the way up to 9,000 rpm. This means it is only slightly detuned compared to the 503 hp (375 kW / 510 PS) and 347 lb-ft (470 Nm) of the larger 911 GT3, while representing a significant increase over the 414 hp (309 kW / 420 PS) and 310 lb-ft (420 Nm) of the Cayman GT4.

Unlike the GT4 which is also available with a manual, the engine in the GT4 RS is exclusively mated to the seven-speed dual-clutch PDK transmission that has shorter gearing for the occasion. However, the driver can still change gears manually using the shift paddles or through the new shift knob that’s mounted high on the center console.

The extra 79 hp (59 kW / 80 PS) in combination with the tweaked gearbox and the lower weight, has a noticeable effect on performance figures. As a result, the Cayman GT4 RS accelerates from 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 3.2 seconds, matching the 911 GT3’s time and shedding 0.5 seconds off the Cayman GT4. Top speed has also been increased to 196 mph (315 km/h).

As you would expect, the setup of the adjustable suspension is track-focused, with revised dampers, springs, and anti-roll bars. Ball-joints are connecting the suspension to the body while the car sits 30 mm lower than a standard 718 Cayman.

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Lower Weight And Visual Tweaks Focused On Cooling And Aerodynamics

Visually, the 718 GT4 RS is instantly distinguished from the regular GT4 thanks to the massive rear wing with a swan-neck design inspired by the 911 RSR and the road-going 911 GT3. It also gets a couple of RS-specific air intakes replacing the rear quarter windows, which in combination with the revised side intakes improve cooling for the more powerful engine.

The dramatic appearance is enhanced by the more prominent front splitter integrating the side fins, the gills on the front fenders, the NACA-style intakes on the bonnet, the adjustable front diffuser, and the updated underbody/rear diffuser. All those changes allow the GT4 RS to generate up to 25 percent more downforce compared to the GT4, making it faster around corners.

The RS badge is closely associated with lightweight components and the GT4 RS is no exception. The US-spec model weighs 3,227 lbs (1,464 kg) which is 49 lbs (22 kg) less than the PDK-equipped GT4. The 6.55 lbs/hp (2.97 kg/hp) weight-to-power ratio has been achieved thanks to the CFRP front fenders and hood, the lightweight glass used on the rear window, and the spartan interior door panels featuring fabric handles and storage nets.

For even less weight there is the optional Weissach Package including carbon fiber parts (front lid, intakes, air-box lid, mirror caps, rear wing), titanium exhaust pipes, Race-Tex upholstery for the dashboard, and optional Magnesium wheels fitted with sticky Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires replacing the stock 20-inch forged aluminum wheels.

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The 2022 Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS is expected to reach US dealers in summer 2022, with pricing starting from $141,700 plus $1,350 for delivery, processing, and handling fees in the U.S. and at £108,370 RRP in the U.K. Owners will gain exclusive access to a chronograph designed by Porsche Design for the track-focused sports car.

Given the specs and the timing of this model we expect it to become an instant future classic, and we won’t be surprised if prices in the used market are higher than the original MSRP since availability will likely become an issue. Besides the road-going GT4 RS, the track-only GT4 RS Clubsport variant will also premiere at the Los Angeles Auto Show.