EXTREME CAYMAN: Getting To Grips With The Porsche GT4RS
In the world of high-performance sports cars, Porsche has always been a name that commands respect and admiration. With a legacy of producing some of the most exhilarating drivers cars on both the road and track, Stuttgart’s principal brand continues to stretch the boundaries of automotive engineering. Whilst the 911 is undoubtedly the most famed model in their lineup, the Cayman is often described as perhaps a more reasonable approach when entering the Porsche family. It’s generally more subdued, respectable and doesn’t shout for unnecessary attention. Well, until Porsche threw all that out of the window.
Meet the GT4RS. One of the latest additions to the Porsche lineup, the Cayman GT4 RS is a testament to Porsche’s relentless pursuit of automotive excellence. This is the first of its kind and is undoubtedly the most hardcore and extreme variant of the Cayman ever produced. With recent news revealing that the life of the petrol-powered Cayman will come to an end in 2025, it is clear that Porsche wanted to send off the thoroughbred model in the best way possible; by throwing the 4.0 litre, naturally aspirated engine flat six from the latest 911 GT3 into its baby-brother counterpart. Essentially, this project was the opportunity for the Porsche GT department to be let loose, without limitations. Put simply, it’s a track focused beast. Producing 493 horsepower, which is 79 horsepower more than that of the regular GT4, the RS completes the 0-100 sprint in 3.4 seconds, before reaching a top speed of 315 kilometres per hour. While limited only to the PDK gearbox, the engine capable of revving to 9,000rpm is sure to provide abundant theatrics.
Porsche’s commitment to refinement and precision is evident throughout every aspect of the GT4RS. The suspension and chassis have been thoroughly tuned to result in a much stiffer set up in comparison to the regular Cayman, with weight reduction also being a major point of focus. 35 kilograms have been shaved off from the GT4, with plenty of carbon fibre utilised to reach this. Aerodynamically, the implementation of an adjustable swan neck rear wing and carbon front splitter result in increased downforce.
Stepping inside, the purposeful interior prioritises driver performance. Alcantara is used in abundance, with race inspired bucket seats and carbon fibre accents balancing the track focus and luxury of Porsche. Essentially, like the rest of the car, the interior of the GT4RS is just more extreme than that of the regular Cayman whilst maintaining the familiar charmful characteristics of the standard model.
What sets the Cayman GT4 RS apart from its competitors is its perfect balance of power and agility. The mid-engine layout, combined with precise steering and a responsive chassis, allows the car to corner with remarkable composure, inspiring confidence in the driver at every turn. Whether attacking a series of tight hairpin bends or blasting down a straight stretch of tarmac, the Cayman GT4 RS delivers a driving experience that is truly unmatched.
