New 368kW flagship joins 718 Cayman family

PORSCHE has unveiled a visceral new flagship of its 718 Cayman range in Los Angeles.

The range-topping Cayman GT4 RS will be priced from $300,800 when it arrives in Australia next year. It features the high-revving mid-mounted naturally aspirated 4.0-litre flat six from the 911 GT3 Cup and produces 59kW and 20Nm more than the regular Cayman GT4. The GT4 RS has maximum outputs of 368kW and 450Nm and a rev ceiling of 9000rpm.

Equipped with a sports low-ratio seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, the newcomer can accelerate from standstill to 100km/h in 3.4 seconds and achieve a top speed of 315km/h.

To put the enhanced performance in perspective, Porsche brand ambassador Jörg Bergmeister lapped the 20.6-km Nürburgring Nordschleife circuit in 7:04.511 minutes in the GT4 RS. That lap time was 23.6 seconds faster than the 718 Cayman GT4’s benchmark.

The coupe weighs just 1415kg (wet) – or 25kg less than a PDK-equipped 718 GT4. Porsche says the weight reduction come courtesy of the use of carbon fibre reinforced plastic for components such as the bonnet and front wings, lightweight carpets, reduced sound insulation material, lightweight rear window glass and door cards with textile opening loops.

The GT4 RS also features enlarged air intakes located behind the driver and front passenger windows. These are said to improve engine breathing and creating a “thrilling” soundtrack.

The model is further differentiated by a new lightweight fixed rear wing with aluminium supports, a 30-mm lower ride height (compared with the standard 718 Cayman), front wheel-arch vents, optimised underbody panelling and an adjustable front splitter. Porsche says the GT4 RS generates approximately 25 per cent more downforce than the GT4.

The GT4 RS’s adjustable, track-ready chassis is said to facilitate more precise and direct handling; it has a model-specific damper setup plus modified spring and anti-roll bar rates.

Last month, Porsche GT model line director Andrea Preuninger said his department had prioritised the development the Cayman GT4 RS, which he described as a “pure driver’s car”.

“During development, we gave the 718 Cayman GT4 RS everything that characterises a genuine RS: lightweight construction, more downforce, more power and, of course, an even higher level of responsiveness and feedback to driver inputs,” Mr Preuninger said.

“The fantastic lap time of the Nordschleife is impressive proof of how clearly noticeable these improvements in driving dynamics are,” he added.

The GT4 RS is optionally available with a Weissach package, which sees the front luggage-compartment lid, process air intakes, cooling air intakes, airbox cover, exterior mirror upper trims and rear wing finished in a carbon-weave material. 

Additionally, the titanium tailpipes are styled to look like those of the Porsche 935; a titanium roll cage and Race-Tex dashboard upholstery are fitted and 20-inch magnesium wheels substitute the standard forged aluminium alloys.

Buyers of the GT4 RS are also invited to purchase a bespoke Porsche Design Chronograph 718 Cayman GT4 RS watch whose winding rotor is modelled on the sportscar’s rims and can be specified in different colours, just like the car.

In Australia, the new 718 Cayman GT4 RS will additionally be equipped with automatically dimming mirrors including rain sensor, cruise control, ParkAssist (rear only), reversing camera, Light Design Package, and digital DAB+ radio reception. 

The vehicle is available to order now, with Australian deliveries are expected to commence from mid-2022.

2022 Porsche 718 Cayman pricing*

Cayman            $115,900

Cayman (a)            $117,328

Cayman S            $139,500

Cayman S (a)            $144,080

Cayman GTS 4.0        $175,100

Cayman GTS 4.0 (a)        $180,490

Cayman GT4            $210,100

Cayman GT4 (a)        $214,680

Cayman GT4 RS (a)        $300,800

*Prices exclude on-road costs.