2022 Porsche 718 GT4 RS Is The Most Aggressive Cayman Yet

The 718 Cayman GT4 RS, the most powerful model in the 718 line-up, will be on display at this week's Los Angeles Auto Show. Porsche 718 GT4 RS has previously demonstrated its potential on the Nürburgring-Nordschleife, where it set a lap time of 7:04.511 (7:09.300 for the entire 20.832 km), beating the GT4 by 23.6 seconds.

Let's have a look at the official specifications. The GT4 RS is powered by a mid-mounted naturally aspirated 4.0-liter flat-six engine that produces 493 horsepower (368 kW / 500 PS) and torque of 331 lb-ft (449 Nm) while revving to 9,000 rpm.

That indicates it's only minimally detuned compared to the larger 911 GT3's 503 hp (375 kW / 510 PS) and 347 lb-ft (470 Nm), but it's a significant improvement over the Cayman GT4's 414 hp (309 kW / 420 PS) and 310 lb-ft (420 Nm).

The motor in the GT4 RS is exclusively paired to the seven-speed dual-clutch PDK gearbox, which has shorter gearing for the event, unlike the GT4, which is also offered with a manual gearbox. The user can still switch gears manually with the shift paddles or the new shift knob, which is located high on the center console.

The additional 79 hp (59 kW / 80 PS) combined with the modified gearbox and lower weight has a considerable impact on performance numbers.

Therefore, the Cayman GT4 RS speeds from 0 to 100 km/h (0 to 62 mph) in 3.2 seconds, mirroring the Porsche 911 GT3 and shaving 0.5 seconds off the Cayman GT4. The top speed has now been improved to 196 mph (315 km/h).
The large rear wing with a swan-neck design influenced by the 911 RSR and the road-going 911 GT3 instantly distinguishes the 718 GT4 RS from the normal GT4.

It also receives a pair of RS-specific air intakes in place of the rear quarter windows, which, when combined with the redesigned side intakes, assist ventilation for the more powerful motor.

The more pronounced front splitter, which integrates the side fins, the gills on the front fenders, the NACA-style intakes on the bonnet, the flexible front diffuser, and the redesigned underbody/rear diffuser, add to the spectacular look. All of these upgrades help the GT4 RS to create up to 25% more downforce than the GT4, allowing it to corner quicker.

Porsche 718 GT4 is no exception, as the RS emblem is synonymous with lightweight components. The US-spec variant weights 3,227 lbs (1,464 kg), which is 49 lbs (22 kg) less than the GT4 with PDK. The CFRP front fenders and hood, the lightweight glass used on the rear window, and the austere interior door panels with fabric handles and storage nets have all contributed to the 6.55 lbs/hp (2.97 kg/hp) weight-to-power ratio.

The Weissach Package adds carbon fiber parts (front lid, intakes, air-box lid, mirror caps, and rear wing), titanium exhaust pipes, Race-Tex dashboard upholstery, and extra Magnesium wheels with sticky Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires to replace the stock 20-inch forged aluminum wheels for even less load.

The 2022 Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS will go on sale in the United States in summer 2022, with prices starting at $141,700 plus $1,350 for shipping, processing, and service charges in the United States, and £108,370 RRP in the United Kingdom. The track-only GT4 RS Clubsport model will also debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show, in addition to the road-going GT4 RS.