Porsche gives the world an early Christmas gift with the Cayman GT4 RS and GT4 RS Clubsport

For years Porsche enthusiasts have been begging for the next big thing in mid-engine speed from Porsche. Ever since the GT4 launched customers have been asking for a GT4 RS. Not only is there one, but now Porsche has launched a second. There is a road-going GT4 RS and the track-only GT4 RS Clubsport. Both models will get the 4-liter naturally aspirated flat six cribbed directly from the 911 GT3 and track-only GT3 Cup. It’s a 493-horsepower engine that revs up to 9,000 RPM, so you know it’s a good quality piece. Torque is also up to 331 lb-ft.

Unlike the standard GT4, the GT4 RS will only be available with a 7-speed PDK gearbox. Drivers will be given a choice between firing off lightning-fast shifts from the paddle shifters behind the steering wheel, or using the new push-and-pull lever in the center console cribbed from the GT3.

With the car’s increased demand for airflow some significant design changes needed to be made. One of the first you might notice is the new air inlets behind the car’s side windows which help feed air to the new high-rev motor. The traditional Cayman quarter panel side intakes have been fitted with larger scoops, and now help feed air to the car’s radiators for cooling.

Obviously a focus has been put on getting the car to weigh as little as possible. Porsche managed to find 49 pounds to pull out of a Cayman GT4 to make the GT4 RS. The front fenders and hood are carbon fiber, and the rear window is now crafted from thinner light weight glass. The door panels were fitted with door opening loops instead of metal handles, and the storage bins have been replaced with netting.

The street GT4 RS has a new aerodynamic profile which contributes 25 percent more downforce than the current GT4. In addition to a race-derived swan-neck rear wing, the car has front fender venting to keep lift air from building up under the front fender openings. There is a new adjustable front diffuser, a new front spoiler, and a new rear diffuser. It’s pretty intense. Similarly the car’s suspension has been overhauled for track performance. The new 20-inch center-lock wheels are a first for Cayman models.

As with the GT3 RS, you get a choice of an optional Weissach Package, which helps reduce weight even further. This gives you a thinner and lighter carbon luggage compartment lid, air intakes, air box lid, mirror caps, and rear wing are all carbon. You also get a lightweight titanium exhaust tip set. If you’re really looking to cut weight, you can order the magnesium wheel package.

Perhaps the most stunning piece of news is the 718 Cayman GT4 RS’ new Nurburgring lap time. During final testing, Porsche brand ambassador Jörg Bergmeister completed a lap of the 20.832 kilometer track in 7:09.300 minutes. On the shorter track variant, which was formerly used as a benchmark (bridge to gantry), the GT4 RS set a time of 7:04.511 minutes – 23.6 seconds quicker than the 718 Cayman GT4.

The new 2022 Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS is celebrating its world premiere at the Los Angeles Auto Show and has an MSRP of $141,700, not including a $1,350 delivery, processing and handling fee. It is expected to reach U.S. dealers in the course of summer 2022.

The race-only Clubsport version will cost $229,000, not including tax, and will be eligible for FIA GT4 regulations. In this market that means the car will be able to race in SRO World Challenge and IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge. If you’re into that kind of thing, you could also just buy one to take to PCA trackdays. The Clubsport should be able to deliver to customer teams ahead of the 2022 racing season, which kicks off in a little over two months.