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With the 718 Cayman GT4 RS, Porsche is crowning its smallest series and delighting people who like to drive on closed slopes.
What were those times. A two seater Sportcars, directly behind the occupants is a thick six-cylinder engine with 500 hp that revs up to 9.000 rpm, doesn't have to fear anyone on the freeway and can outperform many rivals on the racetrack. Cramped inside and noisy outside, little space for luggage. Everything is still the same as the English coupés from the 50's onwards. But the most important thing is that PorscheCoat of arms with the Stuttgart “Rössle” ready to jump, which has hardly changed since 1952.
The model for success
Now it adorns the always dark-painted front hood of the strongest and fastest Cayman GT4 RS to date, which also bears the number sequence 718. The mid-engine coupé appeared 17 years ago and has since complemented the successful Boxster roadster. With him, Porsche drove out of the impending bankruptcy in the 90s. Actually, the two-seater was once thought to be the cheapest way to put a Porsche in the garage. Today, such a Cayman costs at least 58.000 euros. If you then let yourself be tempted to buy the new super model with the cryptic additions "GT4 RS", you'll lose three times as much with some equipment.
The equivalent are delicacies around the car. For example the pompous rear wing, which is held by a "swan neck" suspension. A fitting image, as the shape is reminiscent of the white bird whose beak is clutching the spoiler from above. Its inclination can be fixed manually in three possible stages beforehand. Depending on whether you want more pressing air kilos for winding curves or less for a tour on long straights. Porsche connoisseurs immediately discover that the larger 911 GT3 has the same ironing board.
Thought through to the last detail
The fathers of the Cayman GT4 RS devoted a lot of time and effort to playing with the wind. Four openings at the front, more than in any other 718. Louvred ventilation for the wheel housing on top of the fenders. Two slits in the front cover are designed to improve brake cooling without impairing the all-important drag coefficient. The tour reveals many of these aerodynamic tricks that are easily overlooked at a cursory glance. For example, forward-facing openings behind the side windows that supply the six-cylinder with breathing air. On the other hand, the slim scoops behind the doors serve to cool it. A total work of art by the designers and air lovers in Porsche's service.
The heart of the GT4 RS didn't have to be tinkered with for long. Finally, the four-liter six-cylinder from the classic 911 GT3 was on the shelves, ready to be used again. Since the tried-and-tested engine is not in the rear of the Cayman, but lurks behind the seats as a mid-engine, the exhaust pipes had to be lengthened compared to the "Elfer". That cost ten hp of power. 500 instead of 510 hp, future customers will be able to get over it.
He can
Before the ride across the ex-Formula 1 track in Estoril, Portugal, the wild crocodile first has to prove itself in real life. On the winding country roads along the Atlantic coast, the narrow streets in the everyday traffic jam of the small towns and villages with the typical snow-white houses. Hand on heart, this is not really the terrain of a real sports car. Following a pickup truck stop-and-go at low speeds through 30 km/h zones with the engine’s heartbeat gently bubbling makes you unreasonably impatient.
If a gap opens up and the gas foot twitches, passers-by threaten questioning looks thanks to the noise behind the seats. Later, in the rhythm of the many bends, such a Porsche is still underchallenged and requires an attentive look at the speedometer. No, the newcomer is definitely not at home here.
The mental leap into the left lane of a German autobahn without limits is more appropriate, but it is certainly not pure adrenaline in view of the imminent inconvenience caused by speeder bashing and the often strained "social compatibility" of such cars in times of climate concerns and fuel price explosions . So off to the asphalt strip of a closed race track. Reality remains in front of the chain link fence, the people with heavy right feet are among themselves. And are spoiled with everything that is later discussed in many technical discussions.
Rental cars for the rich
The 718 Cayman GT4 RS is designed to do just that. Get out of everyday life with the luxury toy. According to Porsche, there are many wealthy people who treat themselves to such a pleasure several times a year and therefore vehemently wanted such a bullet at their club meetings. 80 hp more than the previous GT4, plus 315 km/h faster with a top speed of 11 km/h. And another smooth second earlier on the 100 mark on the speedometer. Improvements that only the pro gets to feel in the Estroril chicanes or the full-throttle corners.
To the limits of physics
The larger brake discs with a diameter of 408 millimeters grip razor-sharp, as befits a crocodile, whose name Kaiman is based on the model designation of the athlete. Fast shifting between corners, either with the lever in the middle or with the shift plates behind the steering wheel. As expected, the furious acceleration and the possibility of approaching the grip limit of the fat tires were also breathtaking. It's a good thing that the interested layman also has the electronics on board, which will drop the anchor when there is a risk of high spirits.
The bottom line is that there is a conflict of conscience between the fascination of a technical masterpiece and the question of its usefulness. It's good that everyone can decide for themselves how they want to travel. The fact that the new 718 Cayman GT4 RS can also handle e-fuel could be helpful here.
Technical data
two-seater sports car; Length: 4,46 meters, width: 1,82 meters (2,00 m with exterior mirrors), height: 1,27 meters, wheelbase: 2,48 meters, curb weight: 1.415 kg. Trunk volume: 125 (front) + 136 liters (rear)
Six-cylinder boxer naturally aspirated engine, 3.996 ccm, 368 kW/500 hp at 8.400 rpm, maximum torque: 450 Nm at 6.750 rpm, seven-speed double-clutch automatic, 0 – 100 km/h: 3,4 s , Vmax: 315 km/h, standard consumption (WLTP) 13,2 liters/100 kilometers, CO2 emissions: 299 g/km, emission standard: Euro 6 d-ISC-FCM, efficiency class: G. Price: from 141.338 euros.
In brief
Why: Because there is still space in the garage next to the Taycan and the Cayenne
Why not: What the hell ?
What else: Jaguar F-Type R, Ford Mustang Mach 1, Aston Martin Vantage, Audi R8 coupe
When does he come? Already available to order
