For those who want something more hardcore than the Porsche 718 Cayman GT4, there’s now the 718 Cayman GT4 RS which takes its place at the top of the 718 family. Just two weeks after its global debut in Los Angeles, the new model – the first 718 to carry the RS badge – was also introduced in Malaysia during the official opening of Porsche Centre Johor Bahru yesterday. Pricing starts from RM1,550,000.
Intended to be an uncompromising driver’s car, development of the 718 Cayman GT4 RS focussed on lightweight construction, extremely agile chassis set-up, sophisticated aerodynamics, and providing a stratospheric soundtrack.
Among the noticeable visual features are the process air intakes behind the driver and passenger windows (the 718 Cayman normally has small side windows here). The new air intakes improve both the intake airflow and, at the same time, create a thrilling intake noise right next to the occupants’ ears. The characteristic air intakes in front of the rear wheels have been retained and are used for engine cooling.
The naturally aspirated flat-six engine, revving as high as 9,000 rpm, has an extra 80 PS compared to the engine in the 718 Cayman GT4. Like every modern RS model, the 718 GT4 RS is exclusively available with Porsche’s dual clutch transmission (PDK) with 7 gears
The low-ratio PDK enables the mid-engined sportscar to go from standstill to 100 km/h in a claimed 3.4 seconds (half a second quicker than the GT4) and reach a top speed of 315 km/ in 7th gear.
In typical RS style, lightweight construction is a defining element of the 718 Cayman GT4 RS design. The two-seater weighs only 1,415 kgs with a full fuel tank, which is 35 kgs less than a PDK-equipped 718 GT4. This weight reduction is achieved thanks to the use of carbonfibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) for components such as the bonnet and front wings.
Lightweight carpets also save weight, as does reducing the amount of insulation material. The rear window is made of lightweight glass and the door panels with textile opening loops and nets on the storage compartments are also lightweight.
Modifications to the chassis also contribute to its greater performance. Ball joints bind the chassis tightly to the body to deliver even more precise and direct handling. The adjustable, circuit-ready chassis has an RS-specific shock absorber set-up, as well as modified spring and anti-roll bar rates.
The new fixed rear wing, its swan-neck attachment and aluminium wing supports, are a distinctive element of the exterior design. It is derived from the 911 RSR GT racing car and was first adopted in a Porsche series production car with the 911 GT3. In combination with the 30-mm lower ride height compared to the 718 Cayman, the GT4 RS has approximately 25% more downforce than the GT4 (using the Performance mode for racetracks).
The increased downforce is achieved by aerodynamic elements such as the distinctive vents on the front wheel arches, the aerodynamically optimised underbody panelling with connected rear diffuser, the multi-adjustable front diffuser and the new front spoiler lip with flow-around side blades.
