We always knew that whenever Stuttgart , it was going to be a bit of a beast. Anytime Porsche adds the RS moniker to a car, you can be sure that good things will follow.
But, excitement for the fine-tuned 718 was amped up earlier this year when a loosely camouflaged prototype than the standard 718 Cayman GT4.
Now, Porsche has finally unleashed its new top-tier Cayman on the world and good god does it look like a lot of Porsche.
Where that lay beneath, this RS iteration looks a bit like the engineers have thrown everything from a race team’s spares cupboard at it.
Up front, you’ll find a carbon fiber hood and fenders, while the rear of the car is dominated by a new “swan neck” wing. That rear spoiler was adopted from the 718’s big brother, the Porsche 911 race car, and .
The prevalence of shared parts between the 911 GT3 and the Cayman GT3 RS is a running theme throughout the new car.
Under the hood, there’s even the same naturally aspirated flat-six engine that Porsche fits to its 911 GT3 Cup Car and the road-going 911 GT3. But if you’re hoping for race car-performance you’ll be disappointed to know that , anyone buying a new Cayman GT4 RS will be stuck with just 493 HP. The struggle is real.
This flat-six motor is paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, which Porsche says features shorter gearing than you’ll find in the standard GT4. Porsche has also enhanced the ride by fitting adjustable and track-focused suspension, which includes an RS-specific damper setup and revised springs and anti-roll bars.
Because of these new additions, the Cayman will accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 3.2 seconds – the same as a 911 GT3. Top speed for the 718 Cayman GT4 RS is 196 mph, just shy of the 911’s 197 mph.
The price for all this Porsche? $141,700 plus a $1,350 delivery fee when it reaches dealers in summer 2022.
As well as the Cayman GT4 RS, Porsche has also created a track-only model, called the 718 Cayman GT4 RS Clubsport. Catchy.
The Clubsport model is also fitted with a six-cylinder engine, but this boxer unit is lifted straight out a 911 GT3 Cup race car and develops 500 HP.
Porsche has further tweaked the suspension to “offer an optimized responsiveness.” The car also features adjustable shock absorbers, customizable double-blade anti-roll bars, and the ride height, camber and toe can all be tweaked.
The Clubsport is ready to compete “straight out the box” and comes with race-ready features like a welded-in roll cage, Recaro racing seats, six-point harnesses, a fire extinguisher and a built-in air jack system.
The new 718 Cayman GT4 RS Clubsport starts at $229,000.