The 2021 Los Angeles Auto Show will be busy for Porsche as it is scheduled to reveal several new models. First, is the 718 Cayman GT4 RS, the most track-focused member of the 718 family to date. It features more downforce than the standard Cayman GT4 while weighing less. The high-revving 4.0-liter flat-six is also more powerful according to Porsche. You’ll be able to distinguish the 718 Cayman GT4 RS thanks to its larger wing and a revised aerodynamic kit. Porsche says that the 718 Cayman GT4 RS can lap the Nürburgring Nordschleife in 7:04.511, that’s 23.6 seconds faster than the standard Cayman GT4 with the seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. Expect a six-speed manual transmission to also be offered in the 718 Cayman GT4 RS. The 718 Cayman GT4 RS Clubsport, the racing version, will also debut at the 2021 Los Angeles Auto Show.
When the 718 Cayman GT4 RS goes on sale sometime next year, it will be the least expensive way to get into a Porsche wearing an RS badge. It will slot below the 911 GT3 RS in terms of performance but don’t expect anything less than breathtaking capabilities, especially on the track. You’ll likely be able to get a bunch of creature comforts but they’ll probably be optional. Like in the 911 GT3 RS, luxury features aren’t standard on the 718 Cayman GT4 RS to keep the weight down.
Alongside the 718 Cayman GT4 RS, Porsche will also show off two new versions of the Taycan. It describes one of them as “an incredibly dynamic variant positioned between the Taycan 4S and Taycan Turbo.” That can only mean a new GTS version, which has always served as the sweet spot in Porsche’s vehicle lineup. This version could get all the suspension bits and slit the difference between the 4S and Turbo models in terms of power. Expect the Taycan GTS’ two electric motors to make somewhere in the neighborhood of 500 hp and 500 lb-ft of torque before going into overboost. The larger 93.4-kWh battery should also come standard on the Taycan GTS.
The second version of the Porsche Taycan debuting at the 2021 Los Angeles Auto Show is a new body style. Based on the single teaser released, we think this is the Sport Turismo, which will be a more traditional wagon instead of a rugged-looking one. A leak earlier this year revealed that Porsche was adding the GTS and Sport Turismo variants to the Taycan lineup. From the looks of it, the Sport Turismo may only be limited to the GTS version and may not be available on the standard, 4S, Turbo, and Turbo S versions. Like the Cross Turismo, the Sport Turismo will likely get the larger battery as standard equipment.
Like other GTS models, the Taycan GTS sedan and Sport Turismo should offer a nice blend of performance capability and luxury. Unlike hard core Porsche models like the 911 GT3 RS and the 718 Cayman GT4 RS debuting alongside the two Taycan models, cars wearing the GTS badge get all the handling upgrades while retaining all the creature comforts. While they’re not the most powerful, GTS variants are more than potent enough to throw you back into your seat when you put your foot down.