Last month, Porsche released a video of the new car arriving at the Nürburgring for testing. The all-new 718 Cayman GT4 RS set a lap time of 7:04.511 on the 20.6 km track, which is 23.6 seconds faster than the 718 Cayman GT4. The data is quite impressive. The manufacturer also announced that the new car will make its debut at the end of November. Finally, the first RS-level new car from the 718 series has officially arrived.
The 718 GT4 RS, the new flagship model of the Porsche GT sub-brand, personally supervised by director Andreas Preuniger, has undergone a comprehensive upgrade from lightweight body structure, extremely flexible chassis setup, to re-calculated aerodynamic design and unique engine performance.
First, let’s introduce the engine aspect. The 718 GT4 RS is derived from the factory’s representative work, the 911 GT3 race car and the 911 GT3 series production models, equipped with the horizontally opposed N.A. (naturally aspirated) six-cylinder engine commonly known as the “flat-six”. The horsepower output is 500 horsepower, which is 80 more than the regular GT4 and only slightly less than the 911 GT3 by about 10 horsepower. The horsepower-to-weight ratio is 2.83 kg/PS, and the maximum torque has increased from 430 Nm to 450 Nm. It only takes 3.4 seconds to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h, with a top speed of 315 km/h. The engine’s redline reaches up to 9,000 rpm, which is quite impressive for this series of cars.
Like all modern RS models, the new 718 GT4 RS is equipped with Porsche’s exclusive PDK seven-speed gearbox, featuring a sporty low gear ratio PDK dual-clutch automatic transmission system, creating an unparalleled acceleration experience for this mid-engine sports car. In addition to its paddle shift operation, owners can also choose to use the newly designed “gear lever” located on the center console.
As mentioned above, the new car set a lap time of 7:04.511 on the 20.6-kilometer track, which is more than 23 seconds faster than the GT4, thanks to the lightweight body weight of only 1,415kg of the 718 Cayman GT4. Inheriting the typical RS style, the lightweight body structure defines the important elements of the all-new 718 Cayman GT4 RS. According to DIN standards, the new car is 35kg lighter than the 718 GT4 under the same conditions when the fuel tank is full. This lightweight design can be attributed to the lightweight CFRP hood and front spoiler made of a large amount of carbon fiber materials, as well as the use of lightweight carpets, reduced insulation materials internally, lightweight glass windows, textile door handles, and storage nets, allowing the 718 GT4 RS to achieve the ultimate weight reduction.
When it comes to exterior design, Porsche has made numerous upgrades to the 718 GT4 RS. In addition to the lightweight components mentioned above, the manufacturer has also added many exterior enhancements to the 718 GT4 RS in terms of performance.
The highlight is the all-new Swan Neck style rear wing and aluminum alloy side wing brackets. This highly efficient side wing design is derived from the 911 RSR GT race car and is being applied for the first time in the 911 GT3 series production cars. This time, it is equipped on the 718 GT4 RS body with a 30mm lower driving height. In addition to the heat exhaust vents on the front wheel arches, the body bottom plate, adjustable front diffuser, rear lower spoiler, and newly designed surrounding side blade front diffuser, the 718 GT4 RS instantly increases downforce by about 25%. Moreover, the ball joints tightly secure the chassis to the body, along with an adjustable setting integrated electronic circuit chassis, equipped with RS series exclusive shock absorber tuning, improved springs, and reinforced anti-roll bars, creating a more precise and direct driving experience.
In addition, the team has also added many details to enhance performance, such as a new intake design that effectively helps with engine cooling. The manufacturer claims that the intake sound can emit a loud roar next to the ear, allowing the driver to more directly experience a different sound enjoyment.
As a representative work of the GT4 and RS series, Porsche naturally also provides top-of-the-line Weissach package options for owners. Carbon fiber details can be selected for the front hood, air intake grille, cooling air intake grille, engine cover, upper mirror covers, and rear wing; the exhaust pipes similar to the Porsche 935, and the rear roll cage can also be made of titanium alloy material; the original aluminum alloy wheels can be upgraded to 20-inch magnesium alloy wheels under the Weissach package; additionally, the dashboard can be made with leather interior and Race-Tex material, adorned with a large Porsche logo. In addition to a large number of carbon fiber details and carbon alloy material reinforcement, owners can also personalize the body color.
As for the price, it is understood that the German factory price including tax is €141,338 euros, equivalent to over $2 million Hong Kong dollars. At the same time, Porsche also revealed that a track version based on the 718 Cayman GT4 RS – the 718 Cayman GT4 RS Clubsport – will bring more news at a later time. Porsche and racing fans, don’t miss out!
資料及圖片來源：Porsche、Web Photo
