- porsche has released the first photos of the cayman gt4 rs.
- this is the ultimate performance version of porsche's 718 mid-engine sports cars.
- it's likely to have a naturally aspirated 4.0-liter flat-six, possibly with over 500 horsepower.
while it is normally possible to reliably set a watch by the steady cadence of porsche's model launches, we have been waiting longer than expected to for the rs version of the cayman gt4. now it's nearly here, as the company has released images of a lightly disguised prototype version during testing surrounded by some spectacular alpine scenery.
beyond official confirmation of the car's existence—and the announcement of its nürburgring lap time of 7:09.3—other details are slight at the moment. rs models are more track focused than the gts they are based on, and we believe the new cayman will use a developed version of the naturally aspirated 4.0-liter flat-six engine found in the existing cayman gt4. we will have to wait a while longer for power and torque figures, although the fact that the rs has lapped the nordschleife 23.6 seconds quicker than the existing gt4 suggests a substantial increase in firepower. we previously predicted it will make up to 500 horsepower.
the images show that the gt4 rs has been given a substantial aerodynamic workout, with an extended front splitter, covers over what appear to be aero-exit vents on the front fenders, and a substantial rear wing with a design similar to that of the current 992-generation 911 gt3. the test mule's yellow brake calipers also indicate that porsche's pccb carbon-ceramic brakes are present, although we will have to wait to see if those are standard fitment or reserved for the options list.
images from the cockpit also show paddle shifters behind the steering wheel, demonstrating that the prototype is running with porsche's pdk double-clutch transmission. this is unsurprising given the rs's mission of delivering ultimate track performance, although we still have some hope that the confirmed production version will also be offered with the six-speed manual transmission that is still available in the regular gt4. the official release also confirms that the gt4 rs will be available with optional michelin pilot cup 2 r tires, which are street legal but designed for hard track use.
there is no word on price, but we can safely presume that porsche will charge a significant premium for what will be the ultimate performance version of the 718 cayman; be surprised if the base price comes in below $130,000. we'll bring you more details as soon as we get them.