2019 Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS
As expected the new GT4鈥檚 exterior design is a mix between the previous Cayman GT4 and the facelifted 718 Cayman. Specifically, Porsche took all the aero features of the old GT4, with certain updates of course, and mixed them with the 718 Cayman鈥檚 new styling cues. Up front, highlight include a slightly wider front end with a new bumper with larger vents. The bumper has a more aggressive design, while the splitter suggests that you鈥檙e looking at the Cayman鈥檚 911 GT3 equivalent. The new central outlet improves both downforce and cooling and makes the 718 Cayman GT4 recognizable as the most track-capable model in the range. The GT4 also features the new bi-xenon headlamps and it can be ordered with the optional units with four-point DRLs. Onto the sides, the wider wheel arches and beefed-up side skirts are complemented by the new character lines above and below the side intakes and the revised door handles. On the GT4, the air intakes have new blades with a bespoke design. A set of 20-inch wheels unique to this model round out the GT4鈥檚 profile. Much like the standard 718 Cayman, the GT4 changed dramatically around back.
It sports new taillights with 3D LEDs and four-point brake lights, as well as the vintage-looking black strip with integrated "Porsche" lettering. This feature was first used on 1990s 911 Carreras and looks absolutely gorgeous on the Cayman. The wing and aggressive diffuser that make the GT4 stand out in the lineup sport minor changes for improved performance. Down below, the exhaust pipes sit further apart and the center diffuser is a bit more aggressive. This element increases downforce by around 50 percent compared to the old model. The manually adjustable rear wing was redesigned, while the taillights are not tinted. Just like the exterior, the interior of the 718 Cayman GT4 benefits from all the upgrades that Porsche introduced on the standard supercar three years ago, including a revised dashboard with new A/C vents and an update instrument cluster. GT4-specific upgrades are quite numerous, starting with the GT Sport steering wheel wrapped in Alcantara and fitted with a black marker at the 12 o鈥檆lock position. It also features a shorter gear lever for a more direct feel when changing gears. Both the shifter and the lower section of the dashboard are wrapped in Alcantara for a race-inspired look.
The Sport Seats Plus package comes standard and adds sportier seats with raised side bolsters. The seating surfaces are covered in Alcantara, just like in true-blue race cars. Porsche also offers full bucket seats or electrically adjustable 18-way Adaptive Sport seats. Brushed aluminum trim replaces the usual black surfaces, but you can opt for carbon-fiber inserts. The air conditioning and the Porsche Communication Management (PCM) system with Sound Package Plus are fitted as standard. The infotainment system can be upgraded with features like navigation, including Porsche Connect, and Apple CarPlay. You can also opt for body-colored seat belts, door pull loops, and contrast stitching. There鈥檚 no doubt that the new GT4 RS will be the quickest and most powerful Cayman ever made, but the drivetrain is still a mystery as of this writing. As you might remember, the 718 Cayman went turbo all the way, with both the 2.0- and 2.5-liter engines using forced induction. There have been reports that the GT4 might continue as a naturally aspirated car, but again, the specific engine is unknown. The manual transmission is a certainty, but I expect Porsche to offer a PDK option too.
Yes, the old GT4 didn鈥檛 get a PDK, but Porsche will probably want to fully exploit the car鈥檚 potential before it goes turbocharged for the next generation. The more powerful engine and revised chassis components will also return improved performance. With the previous GT4 able to hit 60 mph in 4.2 seconds, the revised track car could hit the same benchmark in around four seconds. The PDK model will probably need less than four clicks. Top speed should also increase from 183 to around 187 mph. It鈥檚 way too early to talk about prices here, but it鈥檚 safe to assume the GT4 RS will become the most expensive Cayman ever. 90,000 before options. An official unveiling could occur at the 2018 Geneva Motor Show. Since 2009, Lotus has been giving the Cayman a good run for its money with the Evora. For 2016, the Brits have updated the sports car with a new body shell and a more powerful engine, making it a suitable competitor for the Cayman GT4 and the upcoming RS.
The updated supercharged, 3.5-liter V-6 is now capable of 400 horsepower and 302 pound-feet of torque, which should be enough to pose a threat to the GT4 RS. The extra grunt also enables the Evora 400 to hit 60 mph in just 4.1 seconds and top out at 186 mph. This race car for the road will arrive in the U.S. 89,900, which puts it on par with the GT4. Those not keen on rowing their own gears, the Lotus comes with an optional automatic transmission. Find out more about the Evora 400 in our detailed review here. Alfa Romeo鈥檚 first mass-produced vehicle to arrive in the U.S. 1995, the 4C is a milder proposition to the Cayman GT4 RS. Unlike the Porsche, it carries a much smaller, turbocharged, 1.75-liter four-banger rated at "only" 240 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. Though it鈥檚 less powerful than the base Cayman, the 4C is quite quick in a straight line, needing only 4.5 seconds to reach 60 mph from a standstill.