2022 Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS unveiled

The Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS produces almost 80bhp more than the standard GT4. And that’s not all – the GT4 RS also is faster by 23 seconds at the Nürburgring Nordschleife.

The 2022 Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS has been unveiled at the Los Angeles Auto Show, and its prices start at 141,338 Euros (approximately Rs 1.18 crore). Delivery for the new GT4 Rs in international markets will begin early next month.

Let’s begin with the power output of the new GT4 RS. It makes 493bhp, which is 79bhp more than the Standard 718 Cayman GT4. The torque output has been increased from 430Nm to 450Nm as well. All of this has been achieved by using a naturally aspirated 4.0-litre flat-six from the 911 GT3 series production models, which goes all the way up to 9,000rpm. Just for the record, the 4.0-litre flat-six motor in the standard GT4 is not a derivative of the 911 GT3’s engine and revs only up to 8,000rpm.

Now, to harness all this power and torque from the almost race-grade (but road-legal) engine, Porsche has kitted up the GT4 RS with a seven-speed close-ratio dual-clutch automatic gearbox. The GT4 RS will be sold exclusively with an automatic transmission, which could be a problem for those that crave three pedals! However, the GT4 RS gets paddle shifters for you to manually control gearshifts.

This powertrain helps the 718 Cayman GT4 RS to sprint from 0 to 100km/h in just 3.4 seconds (claimed) and achieve a top speed of 315km/h.

Now, the 718 Cayman GT4 RS is not just a fast car – according to Porsche, it's faster by 23 seconds than the standard Cayman GT4 on the Nürburgring Nordschleife. That’s only a few seconds off the current 911 GT3 timing. 

The GT4 RS also weighs 35kgs less than the standard Cayman GT4, at 1,415kgs (kerb). Porsche has done weight shaving on most body panels and used carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) to make the bonnet and front wings. The GT4 RS gets lightweight carpets, rear glass, and door cards, which have also helped it shave off a few grams of the kerb weight. 

Porsche engineers have also worked to enhance the overall aerodynamics of the GT4 RS. The car rides 30mm lower than the 718 Cayman. The air ducts on the front apron channel the air towards the back to cool the mid-mounted engine. There is underbody panelling, which is connected to the diffuser at the rear, creating a smoother airflow underneath the GT4 RS. The GT4 RS gets the fixed aluminium swan neck wing, which is inspired by Porsche’s 911 RSR GT race car.

Other highlights include stiffer chassis, titanium roll-cage, anti-roll bars with modified spring rates, and RS-specific suspension setup. The car rides on 20-inch forged aluminium wheels as standard, but buyers can upgrade to 20-inch forged magnesium wheels for an extra cost.

Will the 2022 Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS be launched in India? It is too soon to say that with any certainty. However, if Porsche India considers the GT4 RS for the Indian market, thanks to our taxation structure, it will be easily priced over 2 Crore (ex-showroom). Not to mention that the GT4 RS will most likely be sold via the CBU route and in limited numbers.

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