Photo: SB-Nedien
To somebody outside the Porschephile realm, it might seem odd that the base 718 Cayman, which costs nearly half as much as the range-topping GT4, can be had with an optional PDK, while the latter only comes in manual trim. This, of course, is the result of Zuffenhausen attempting to keep its mid-engined models out of 911 territory, but we shall be deprived of paddle shifters no more, thanks to the upcoming 718 Cayman GT4 RS.
The Rennsport badge means this is the all-out incarnation of the 718 formula, at least as far as street cars go - by the way, as the Zuffenhausen fans among you are well aware, you can have a 718 Cayman GT4 with a PDK, but only if this comes in Clubsport trim, which mean it's confined to the racetrack.
Regardless, Porsche has explained that the 991 and 992 incarnations of the GT3 RS and GT2 RS skip the optional manual due to this badge's dedication to maximum performance, which obviously involves the sharpest cronograph numbers.
So, despite the carmaker having kept its lips sealed on the matter, the 718 Cayman GT4 RS should come in double-clutch form only. In fact, we have on-site confirmation from the Nurburgring that the prototype(s) display the soundtrack of such a two-pedal setup.
And the news keeps getting better: remember how Porsche started out with the twin-turbo 3.0-liter flat-six of the 992 Carrera (S) and developed an all-new naturally aspirated 4.0-liter boxer for the Cayman GT4? Well, this engine should be pushed past the 420 hp output for the RS model.
The suspension, the brakes and the steering - these bits will go from Jalapenos to Habaneros for the newcomer and so will the aero.
Sure, the super-sized wing we have here will be chiseled en route to production, but don't worry, it will still be large enough to start a conversation when it's not busy adding downforce.
On the financial front, the standard GT4, if such an attribute is ever fit for a Porsche like this, already costs about $100,000, so you'd better get that piggy bank fat for the GT4 RS, which is coming next year.
Regardless, Porsche has explained that the 991 and 992 incarnations of the GT3 RS and GT2 RS skip the optional manual due to this badge's dedication to maximum performance, which obviously involves the sharpest cronograph numbers.
So, despite the carmaker having kept its lips sealed on the matter, the 718 Cayman GT4 RS should come in double-clutch form only. In fact, we have on-site confirmation from the Nurburgring that the prototype(s) display the soundtrack of such a two-pedal setup.
And the news keeps getting better: remember how Porsche started out with the twin-turbo 3.0-liter flat-six of the 992 Carrera (S) and developed an all-new naturally aspirated 4.0-liter boxer for the Cayman GT4? Well, this engine should be pushed past the 420 hp output for the RS model.
The suspension, the brakes and the steering - these bits will go from Jalapenos to Habaneros for the newcomer and so will the aero.
Sure, the super-sized wing we have here will be chiseled en route to production, but don't worry, it will still be large enough to start a conversation when it's not busy adding downforce.
On the financial front, the standard GT4, if such an attribute is ever fit for a Porsche like this, already costs about $100,000, so you'd better get that piggy bank fat for the GT4 RS, which is coming next year.
Google News