2022 Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS arrives to challenge the 911

The in-house rivalry between Porsche’s sports cars has been taken to the next level with the reveal of the all-new 718 Cayman GT4 RS.

The German brand had already shown us what this new hero model for the 718 range can do, revealing last month that it had lapped the Nurburgring Nordschleife in 7:09.30 seconds – 23.6 seconds faster than the existing 718 GT4. Now, the car has been revealed in all its glory, and it puts the 911 on notice after decades playing a clear second-fiddle.

Unveiled overnight at the Los Angeles Motor Show, the GT4 RS is powered by the brand’s potent 4.0-litre flat-six. It’s tuned to make 368kW of power and 450Nm of torque, a significant 59kW/20Nm upgrade over the already rapid Cayman GT4.

The engine will rev to 9000rpm and to ensure the best possible performance, but with the bonus of improving the aural experience, Porsche has replaced the rear side windows with air intakes for the engine, so induction noise is right behind the occupant’s ears.

The engine is paired to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, with the option of paddle-shifters on the steering wheel or a redesigned gear lever beside the driver’s leg.
Porsche claims the GT4 RS will run 0-100km/h in just 3.4 seconds, which is half a second quicker than the GT4.

Naturally Porsche didn’t just upgrade the engine, but the entire package has been overhauled to improve performance.

That means weight has been reduced to just 1415kg, with the introduction of carbon fibre reinforced plastic panels for the bonnet and front fenders. The rear window has been replaced by a lighter version and even the carpet used weighs less.

Handling has also been improved, starting with a 30mm ride height reduction as well as a new aerodynamic package. This includes the obvious swan neck rear wing, as well as an adjustable front diffuser, new front spoiler lip and new wheel arches. All totalled Porsche claims the GT4 RS has 25 per cent more downforce than the GT4.

If that’s not fast enough for you, Porsche has also developed the optional Weissach package with even more go-fast bits. These include the front bonnet, air intakes, airbox cover, and rear wing with a carbon-weave finish, as well as titanium exhaust tips similar to what you’ll find on the Porsche 935.

The Weissach pack also includes a titanium roll cage, 20-inch forged magnesium wheels and a large Porsche logo integrated into the rear window.

2022 Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS and the Clubsport version

Porsche Australia has confirmed the GT4 RS will arrive locally by the middle of 2022, priced from $300,800 (plus on-road costs)

Porsche also launched the new 718 Cayman GT4 RS Clubsport track car at the LA show alongside the road-going version. This replacement for the GT4 Clubsport features a more powerful engine, with the 368kW output, as well as a new seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox with shorter ratios.

This will be available for customers to compete in GT4 series around the world, including Australia.