2021 Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS 4.0L 7AT RWD (500 HP)

Vehicle Overview

When Porsche installed the six-cylinder engine in the 718 Cayman/Boxster lineup, its fans were happy, but they were thrilled when the automaker released the hard-core version of the car, the GT4.

There was just one problem with the 718 Cayman GT4. While it was street-legal, it was too harsh on the road. Its suspension was too stiff, its seats uncomfortable on long roads, and it was noisy. Sure, some might call that music to their ears, but only for short distances. Nobody would want to listen to that loud induction noise for a long time without wearing a helmet to lower its volume. As a result, the German sports car manufacturer developed the GT4 RS version. It was still a race-ready vehicle, but its manually adjustable suspension, options, and several other tricks transformed it into a better vehicle to drive on public roads.

Porsche was known for creating functional designs for its cars, and the 2024 718 Cayman GT4 RS was no exception. As a result, the car featured the same headlights with a black background but had a unique-looking bumper. It featured an exhaust vent in the middle, on its upper side, to release heat from a radiator. At the same time, in the lower area, the apron was split into three distinct parts, and each of them sported an air intake to cool something. But still, none of them was to lower the temperature of the front rotors. That was a job for the air intakes mounted on the carbon fiber frunk lid.

From its profile, the 30 mm (1.2-inch) drop in the suspension compared to a regular 718 Cayman made the GT4 RS look meaner. Its carbon fiber front fenders sported a set of vents on their upper sides to release the air trapped inside the wheel wells and reduce lift. Behind the aluminum doors, the automaker installed specific quarter panels that sported enlarged air intakes that cooled the engine. For other 718 Cayman/Boxster versions, these were used to feed the engine with air, but not in this case. The automaker installed a set of air intakes behind the door’s windows, replacing the former small glass areas between the B- and C-pillars. Out back, the automaker installed a gooseneck-styled massive wing on the tailgate to increase downforce. The aerodynamic package also included a ducktail wing behind and a large diffuser under the redesigned bumper.

Inside, the cockpit featured a pair of carbon fiber bucket seats with Alcantara upholstery. These featured two-way adjustments. However, Porsche also included a set of comfort seats on the options list for those who wished to enjoy the car more on public roads and less on race tracks. For those craving a race-oriented vehicle, the automaker offered a fixed roll cage that stiffened the bodywork even more. Fronting the driver was a three-dial instrument cluster where the tachometer sported the GT4 RS lettering. It was flanked by a speedometer on the left and a 4.6-inch color display on the right. The center stack housed a seven-inch touchscreen for the PCM infotainment system, while on the center console, the automaker placed the gear selector for the transmission and several other buttons.

But the real magic of the car was under its skin. Behind the cabin, Porsche installed a four-liter flat-six naturally aspirated engine from the 911 GT3 Cup race car. It could rev up to 9,000 rpm and rocket the car from naught to 100 kph (0-62 mph) in less than four seconds. The power was sent to the rear wheels via a seven-speed automatic (dual-clutch) PDK gearbox, and the Porsche Torque Vectoring system was included as standard, and the same went with the mechanical locking rear differential. In addition, the PASM (adaptive suspension) was also standard, controlling the dampers.