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The Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS is the new king of mid-engine cars

Because it has the same screaming heart as the 911 GT3

A simple engine swap turns the 718 Cayman into a track monster. PHOTO FROM PORSCHE

While the mid-engine Porsche 718 Cayman is seen as a step below the rear-engine 911, that doesn’t mean you should ignore it. Recently unveiled at the 2021 Los Angeles Auto Show, the GT4 RS and the GT4 RS Clubsport are ready to take on anything at the track.

The GT4 RS is so fast that it beat the 718 Cayman GT4’s Nurburgring lap time by a massive 23.6 seconds. This is because of the new engine, which is ripped straight out of a 911 GT3. The 4.0-liter flat-six lump screams up to 9,000rpm. In the RS, output is at 493hp and 450Nm. The Clubsport gets a slighty better torque figure at 465Nm.

Mated to a seven-speed PDK gearbox, the vehicles can do the 0-100km/h sprint in 3.4 seconds, and reach a blistering top speed of 315km/h.

The flat-six engine in the GT4 RS screams at 9,000rpm. PHOTOS FROM PORSCHE

There are also aerodynamic and handling upgrades, like a new fixed swan-neck rear wing (just like the 911 RSR and the 911 GT3), 20-inch forged aluminum wheels, a lower ride height, an adjustable front diffuser, and additional aerodynamics and ducting. Weight-saving measures include the use of carbon fiber reinforced plastics, lightweight mats, reduced insulation, lighter glass, and even door-pull loops and storage nets. The GT4 RS tips the scales at 1,415kg—35kg less than the GT4.

If you opt for the Weissach package, body parts come in a carbon-weave finish, you’ll get 20-inch forged magnesium wheels, the dashboard will be covered in Race-Tex material, and you’ll receive a titanium roll cage and exhaust. Oh, and there will be a large Porsche logo in the rear window, so you won’t forget what car you’re driving as you look in the mirror.

Porsche's PDK is now the transmission of choice for its range-topping models. PHOTOS FROM PORSCHE

The Clubsport will be race-ready from the factory, coming with a built-in roll cage, a Recaro racing seat, safety nets, a fire extinguisher, and a built-in air jack system. The FT3 fuel tank will allow it to carry 115L of fuel, and it will be equipped with two different exhaust systems, and provisions for various homologation rules like hood openings.

The improved suspension is adjustable for height, camber and toe angle, with three different spring rates for both front and rear axles. The GT4 RS Clubsport will have plenty of natural fibers in its body parts just like the GT4 Clubsport.

Taming the GT4 RS Clubsport will be as difficult as beating it. PHOTOS FROM PORSCHE

The 718 Cayman GT4 RS starts at €141,338 (P8.055 million). Deliveries will commence in December. As for the track-ready Clubsport, it might be harder for the average person to get their hands on one of these, but you’ll be able to catch it in action in several international racing series next year.



Sam Surla

Sam is the youngest member of our editorial team. He specializes in photography and videography, but he also happens to like writing about cars a lot.



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