After setting a blistering lap time at the 20.8 km long Nürburgring Nordschleife, Porsche finally reveals the new 2022 Porsche Cayman GT4 RS. Text: Luca W. © Images: Porsche AG ©
7:09.300 minutes, that’s what it took the 718 Cayman GT4 RS to complete the legendary Green Hell track — 23.6 seconds faster than its little brother, the Cayman GT4. Is it worthy of wearing the RS badge? The stopwatch says it all.
- Driving experience as a lead
- More than an upgraded GT4
- Revving to 9,000 RPM, just like the 911 GT3 (RS)
- Porsche Cayman GT4 RS price
- Porsche Cayman GT4 RS wallpapers
- Porsche Cayman GT4 RS specs
Driving experience as a lead
There is a general agreement about the Porsche Cayman abilities, mainly because of its rear mid-engine architecture. On contrary to the Porsche 911 that is rear engined (for the moment — the 911 RSR might initiate a change), the Cayman has better genetics, physically speaking. Due to the engine position, it has a better weight distribution and is healthier to drive during weight transfers.
Many professional drivers tend to think that Porsche voluntarily demean the Cayman parts (and power output) so that it stays behind the 911 on track and in sales. So what’s the point for Porsche of making a Cayman GT4 RS? To prove them wrong.
More than an upgraded GT4
Fitted with new aero elements, such as a top-mounted rear wing — just like the 992 GT3 —, this new raw of a car can destroy any other on a short track. Combined with an optimized underbody, working with an adjustable rear diffuser, the RS version is, in total, generating 25% more downforce. Adding this advantage to a weight reduction of 30 kg (from the GT4), the RS version can undoubtably go at breakneck speeds. Sure, a 911 GT3 is faster on the Nordschleife. Yet, on a track like the Pembrey Circuit in Wales, the Cayman GT4 RS should show who the big guy really is.
Moreover, specific RS shock absorber set-up, modified springs and anti-roll bar rates improve handling, so that the aero is not alone.
Just like the 911 GT3 RS, the GT4 RS is available with the optional Weissach package.
The optional Weissach package takes the dynamic design of the GT4 RS even further. The front hood, air intakes, cooling air intakes, airbox cover, exterior mirrors and rear wing are made of carbon fiber. Exhaust tailpipes are in titanium, just like the fitted roll cage at the rear (to improve overall stiffness). Last but not least, with the Weissach package, you can get optional 20-inch forged magnesium rims, which look absolutely meaty.
Revving to 9,000 RPM, just like the 911 GT3 (RS)
Just like the Cayman GT4, the 4.0-litre flat-6 engine enlivens the RS version. Taken from the 911 GT3 and GT3 RS, this engine is, to many, probably Porsche’s GOAT in giving eargasms. Surprisingly, Porsche didn’t turn the power/torque output down: 493 hp and 450 Nm (+ 79hp and +20 Nm compared to a Cayman GT4). In other words, more than enough to push hard in every situation.
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As every car enthusiast likes Porsche, this adoration seems mutual by delivering a cutting-edge Cayman. However, purists won’t be happy with the gearbox: the Cayman GT4 RS is exclusively available with the dual-clutch 7-speed (PDK) gearbox. This choice is understandable, as RS means hardcore and track efficiency, and what other alternative than the PDK, one of the best gearbox on the market.
But is the Cayman not putting a foot in the 911 GT3 territory? Seems like the teenage cub is challenging the beta (the alpha being the GT3 RS) and it might not be a good operation for Porsche. Sure, the Cayman GT4 RS has a lot to offer, but what if it offers more than the GT3? At the moment, the only fact we have is the Nordschleife lap time: under 7 minutes for the GT3, so in average, 10 seconds faster than the GT4 RS. On a 20.8 kilometers long, very fast racetrack.
And, what if the Cayman is more pleasing to drive than the 911 GT3? They both have the same engine, the same gearbox (in most cases — which can be a huge turning point in the final verdict), the same logo, the same amount of seats, a huge rear wing and are eye-pleasing. On paper, they are very close in every aspect, and only a test drive can highlight the point of divergence.
Porsche Cayman GT4 RS price
Starting at around $143,050 in the US (£108,370 — CHF176,900 and €141,338), the Cayman GT4 RS is kind of alone in its category. Except the Lotus Exige Cup 430 Final Edition ($210,000), there is little to no competition. At this price range, a Chevrolet Corvette C8 would probably fit in the Cayman GT4 RS category, even though it is more moderate. But we can’t stop thinking that the Cayman GT4 RS main opponent is… the 911 GT3.
The good news is that, exclusive, raw sports cars still have a future in the automotive industry, as every car enthusiast (or speculator) is keen to own one, for fun (or financial, sadly) purposes. Because yes, this car is going to be a collector one. Be quick: deliveries start in December in Europe. And yes, before saying goodbye, you already can customize the Cayman GT4 RS of your dreams through the official Porsche builder.
Porsche Cayman GT4 RS wallpapers
Porsche Cayman GT4 RS specs
| Engine | 4.0-litre flat-6 |
| Power/torque | 493 hp / 450 Nm (332 ft-lbs) |
| Weight | 1415 kg (3120 lb) |
| Power/weight ratio | 2.87 kg/hp (6.33 lb/hp) |
| Fuel consumption | 13.2 l/100km (21.4 mpg) |
| Transmission | 7-speed dual clutch gearbox (PDK) |
| Top speed | 315 kph (196 mph) |
| Acceleration (0-100 kph / 0-62 mph) | 3.4 seconds |
| Price | €141,338 ($143,050 – £108,370 – CHF176,900) |
