When Porsche first introduced the Cayman GT4 Clubsport it was billed as a 385 hp mid-engine, entry level racer built for amateur and club racing. However, that didn’t stop a number of teams from entering GT4 Clupsports into IMSA’s Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge and winning.
Now comes word from Porsche Motorsport North America that Mathey-Racing has developed an upgrade kit for the Clubsport (the Clubsport MR) that qualifies it as an SRO-homologized GT4 racing car. With this qualification the Clubsport MR can participate in national and international races in the GT4 Category.
But wait, doesn’t the existing Clubsport already do that?
Yes and no. Right now the 2016 Cayman GT4 Clubsport can participate in any type of amateur or club based racing and track day events. In addition it competes in the GS class of the Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge. However, come next year, we’ve heard, but haven’t been able to verify, that there will be a new set of internationally recognized class rules for GT4 (similar to the GT3 class) that could make the 2016 Cayman Clubsport ineligible for the GS Class of IMSA.
That’s where the Manthey Racing Cayman GT4 Clubsport MR comes in
Basically, the MR is a Porsche Cayman GT4 Clubsport fitted with a comprehensive upgrade kit developed by Manthey-Racing.
Technical highlights of the upgrade package include:
- lightweight elements such as carbon fiber doors, carbon fiber front bonnet, a polycarbonate windscreen and an optional lightweight battery, which reduces the vehicle weight by around 40kg (88 pounds).
- The two-way adjustable race suspension kit with linear bearings and an adjustable sway bar with blade adjustment further improves driving dynamics and adjustability.
- Performance optimization is rounded off with a rear wing larger than that of the basic vehicle, combined with extended wing brackets.
Available exclusively from Porsche Motorsport North America, the Porsche GT4 Clubsport MR can be purchased as a complete car (6 have already been sold) or you can purchase just the upgrade kit to retrofit your 2016 GT4 Clubsport. With the kit in place, the car will be eligible for Pirelli World Challenge GTS class competition as well as IMSA’s Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge GS class and various international events.
Jens Walther, president/CEO, Porsche Motorsport North America had this to say about the new MR package,
“We welcome the updated Porsche Cayman GT4 Clubsport package into our offerings for motorsport customers in North America. Customer racing is the structure on which all sports car racing is built, and as the GT3 and ACO classes become more manufacturer-oriented, the GT4 category provides a more attainable entry point to compete in sports car racing.”
