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PORSCHE 718 Cayman GT4 Models/Series Timeline, Specifications & Photos

Generations: 3
First production year: 2015
Engines: Gasoline
Body style: Coupé (two-door)
PORSCHE 718 Cayman GT4 RS photo gallery

Porsche introduced the 718 GT4 RS in 2022 as one of the best sports cars on the market, and that was not just a marketing line since the vehicle was packed with true racing technologies, including the engine.

With its mid-engine layout, two seats, and not too much luggage space, the 718 Cayman GT4 RS was clearly in a different market segment than its more famous sibling, the 911. In addition, thanks to the engine carried over from the 911 GT3 Cup race car, it was supercar-fast.

On the outside, the car showed its sporty character from every angle. At the front, the automaker placed an air dam fitted with an extended chin at the bottom to increase downforce and a massive grille above it that cooled the radiators behind it. Strangely, the air intakes that cooled the brakes were on the hood, which was made from carbon fiber. Porsche used the same ultralight and strong material to make the front fenders, which sported exhaust vents at their top to extract the air trapped in the wheel wells, thus reducing lift. From its sides, the curved greenhouse was neatly sloped down, and instead of small rear windows, it featured air intakes for the engine. Finally, the automaker placed a swan-neck wing and a small ducktail at the back.

Inside, the carmaker added Alcantara on the dash, gear selector, steering wheel, and door cards. The sports seats featured holes for race harnesses for those who wanted to race the car. In front of the driver, the 718 Cayman GT4 RS featured an instrument cluster filled with a mix of analog and digital displays.

Porsche installed a 500 PS (493 hp) flat-six turbocharged engine mated to a seven-speed automatic (dual-clutch) PDK gearbox. Thus, the GT4 RS version of the 718 Cayman could smash the 0-62 mph (0-100 kph) run in less than four seconds.

full description and technical specifications
PORSCHE 718 Cayman GT4 (982) photo gallery

The GT4 category was the least powerful class in the FIA GT series. Its vehicles were based on cars available to the public. The Cayman GT4 was designed to fit in that category.

Porsche had a long history of motor racing and its target was to be on top places in all class categories. While the 911 was well known in the GT3 and GT2 classes, the GT4 category was assigned to the Cayman, even though the 911 had the FIA approval for that class as well. But the Cayman GT4 was built and it was a blast.

Unlike its siblings, the race-inspired look was striking. The front apron was lower with a much wider center grille. The side-sills and the side-intakes were larger. In the back, the carmaker installed an adjustable wing. For the rear apron, a diffuser was installed and, unlike the rest of the stable, it featured two exhausts that were not mounted in the middle.

Inside, a roll-cage was available behind the seats, to stiffen the bodywork. The carbon-fiber bucket-seats offered high bolstering. Their center was upholstered with Alcantara. On the center stack, there was no infotainment system. Just a big squared pocket good for some racing equipment.

The suspension was specially developed for the GT4 version. The 4.0-liter 6-cylinder flat engine was naturally aspirated and mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox, with a close-ratio developed for track use. The mechanical differential lock was standard as well. It was a true race-car which was dressed with airbags and a gasoline particulate filter so it could have been driven legally on public roads. It developed 420 hp and it could rev up to 8.000 rpm.

full description and technical specifications
PORSCHE Cayman GT4 (981C) photo gallery

It was the fastest version of a Cayman from its era. It was built to destroy competition over the race-track and to bring a huge smile on its owner's face and get closer to the super-car territory.

Not too much time before the Cayman GT4 was launched, a 4.4-second car from 0 to 100 kph (0-62 mph) was considered a supercar. The 2009 Ferrari 360 could top the same mark in 4.9 seconds and it was considered a supercar. The GT4 was not just a Cayman with more power. It was the most extreme Cayman to the release date. The car was produced by Porsche Racing Department.

In the front, a lower lip along the apron the big wheels, and the adjustable rear wing in the back were just the warning label. An exhaust scoop was placed on top of the front bumper, to extract the air after it cooled the front radiators. The side air-intakes for the engine were bigger than on the regular Cayman. Through the big, 20”, light-alloy wheels, the Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake discs were exposed.

The interior was not that different from a Cayman S fitted with a manual gearbox. The light race-bucket seats and the Alcantara materials used on the dashboard were a sign of quality.

The drivetrain received the engine from the Porsche 911 Carrera. It was a turbocharged flat-six that offered 385 hp and it was mated exclusively with a 6-speed manual. The rear-differential lock was a standard feature. With all the enhancements provided, the Cayman GT4 could lap the Nurburgring race-track in 7 minutes 40 seconds, a time which placed it in the same second with Lamborghini Murcielago (640 hp) and faster than a 2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1.

full description and technical specifications