Porsche Cayman GT4 RS debuts with 911 GT3-sourced flat six, confirmed for Australia

By taking the already potent Cayman GT4 and dropping a 911 GT3 engine into the back, Porsche’s hot mid-engined sports car just got even faster

Porsche has fully-unveiled the Cayman GT4 RS that holds the mantle as the fastest take on the mid-engine sports car yet.

Priced from $300,800 before on-road costs, deliveries of the Cayman GT4 RS will arrive in Australia mid-way through 2022.

The Cayman GT4 RS will arrive in Australia to rival the likes of the BMW M2 CS, Audi TT RS and even the incoming Lotus Emira.

Porsche Cayman GT4 RS driving — While the GT4 RS is designed for the track, owners will be able to drive it on the road.

What’s changed from the Cayman GT4?

The highlight addition to the Cayman GT4 RS can be found in the back, where Porsche engineers have fitted the same howling 4.0-litre flat six found in the 911 GT3 road car.

The highest spec Cayman now produces 368kW of power, which is 59kW more than the standard GT4 model. Peak torque is rated at 450Nm. The engine can rev to an impressive 9000rpm which would easily make it part of our Chasing Cars highest revving engines list.

Purists may wince but the Cayman GT4 RS comes exclusively with a PDK dual-clutch gearbox however this is common for Porsche’s ‘RS’ models that aim to leave nothing on the table performance wise.

Porsche Cayman GT4 RS rear view — Massive wing adds 25 percent more downforce than the standard GT4.

Porsche quotes a 0-100km/h of just 3.4 seconds which makes it 0.5 seconds quicker than the regular GT4. Top speed is an impressive 315km/h.

The Cayman GT4 RS looks more aggressive than the rest of the range and that’s for good reason. New air ducts behind the rear glass not only aid cooling for the bigger GT3 motor but also provide a new and improved induction noise which now finds its way into the cabin under load.

Porsche’s mid-engined marvel has gone on a diet, shaving off an extra 35kg than the standard GT4. The car now weighs 1415kg with a full tank of fuel.

This is thanks to the use of carbon fibre reinforced plastic for areas such as the bonnet and front wings. Lightweight carpets and door panels have also helped take weight off the car.

Porsche Cayman GT4 RS pit lane — Small air ducts behind the side glass aids cooling and adds induction sound.

The new rear wing has been inspired by the Porsche 911 RSR GT car and is aided by a multi-adjustable front diffuser, front spoiler and underbody panelling. In Performance mode (an aerodynamic mode reserved just for the track), the Cayman GT4 RS creates approximately 25 percent more downforce than the standard GT4.

If you want to spend the extra coin, Porsche will install the Weissach pack onto the GT4 RS, which transforms the luggage compartment lid, process air intakes, cooling air intakes, exterior mirror trims and rear wing into a carbon-weave finish.

A roll cage, titanium exhaust pipes, race-tex dashboard and 20-inch forged aluminium wheels are all part of the Weissach pack, too.

Porsche Cayman GT4 RS interior seats — The Porsche Cayman is often called the ultimate driver’s car.

And if you want to know if the Cayman GT4 RS is fast enough for you, a prototype recently lapped the Nurburgring 23.6 seconds faster than the 718 Cayman GT4. That’s impressive.

Australian Cayman GT4 RSs will also come fitted with automatic dimming mirrors, rain sensing wipers, cruise control, park assist, reversing camera, light design package and DAB radio.

Porsche 718 Cayman 2022: prices in Australia

All prices listed are before on-road costs.