First there was the Cayman. A smaller, less powerful sibling of the iconic, all-conquering Porsche 911. More recently the perennially popular Cayman has been restyled as the 718 and that model has been universally acclaimed as one of the finest drivers’ cars around. Now the German brand has taken this sports model one giant leap forward: We give you the Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS; the most powerful and uncompromising Cayman yet.
On The Outside
The familiar looks remain but don’t be deceived. Among the striking features of this new, top-of-the-range 718 are the air intakes behind the driver and passenger windows where small side windows used to be. These air intakes improve both the intake airflow and, at the same time, create a thrilling intake noise right next to the occupants' ears; just how it should be. The characteristic air intakes in front of the rear wheels have been retained and are used for engine cooling. Front and rear spoilers and diffusers keep the car on the straight and narrow and the back end is dominated by the fixed, swan-neck rear wing.
The late, great Colin Chapman of Lotus fame is quoted as saying, “Simplify, then add lightness”. Although time has moved on and there is nothing simple about this technological automotive marvel, Porsche have taken the ‘add lightness’ principle to heart. This demon sports car is light alright as lightweight construction is a defining element of the new 718 Cayman GT4 RS design. The two-seater tips the scales at just 1,415 kilograms and that’s with a full tank of fuel. Carbon fibre solves the weight problem for components such as the bonnet and front wings. Even lightweight carpets are used! The rear window is made of lightweight glass too; the whole designed to eliminate every superfluous gram (or ounce, if you prefer).
On The Inside
Typically Porsche, the interior’s focus is all about the driver and the drive with the big rev-counter dominating the dashboard display. It is of course more hardcore than lesser models but there are still some nods to the passenger environment. The seats are carbon fibre buckets, as would be expected, fitted as standard. Thankfully, it’s not like sitting in a bucket however; the seats are accommodating, even for taller people, and there’s ample headroom, despite the low stance of the vehicle. The seats of course grip and hold even in the sharpest of bends and, as an optional choice, they can be uprated to 18-way electrically-adjustable versions.
Some creature comforts remain: There’s climate control and touchscreen infotainment supplying navigation, voice control and Apple CarPlay. As yet, Android Auto is not available in this car which seems like an oversight but in truth, the ability to stream music isn’t why buyers would choose this vehicle. It’s not a family SUV. If the interior is still too chintzy then a further option is the Clubsport Package which adds a steel roll cage, six-point harness and fire extinguisher.
On The Road
Rarely should the word ‘awesome’ be used in any descriptive context but it certainly applies here for this mid-engined powerhouse. Power is derived from a four litre, flat-six engine, naturally aspirated not turbo-charged, driving through a seven-speed sports low-ratio PDK gearbox which is all about incredible acceleration. Leave it in auto or make valiant use of the very well sited paddles for true manual control. If the driver is in an especial hurry to reach 62 miles per hour (100km) then 3.4 seconds should do it.
On the road, the performance is astonishing but it pays to remember the rules. Playfulness is all very well at circuit track days (for which this car is ideally suited) but highway driving requires a firm hand and necessary care as this sports vehicle can bite back in inexperienced hands. Thankfully, driver aids help maintain traction in tricky conditions. The ride is of necessity firm to deliver that awe-inspiring handling, but with care the ride will be sublime. In the past, Porsche have taken care that the Cayman and Boxster did not overshadow the bigger 911. It looks like they have now reached the tipping point.
Find out more about this fabulous sports car by contacting us here at MHH International if you wish to import this car from the UK to New Zealand, Kenya or to other global destinations.
