If the first Cayman GT4 was the Porsche we didn't think would happen, then the GT4 RS seemed like an absolute no-go. Porsche wouldn't, would they? Even though it's quickly become the worst kept secret in automotive, the prospect of a Renn Sport Cayman seemed too awesome to actually happen. But it's now a matter of weeks away, so get excited. Or prepare your most scathing jokes about availability, one or the other.
Today's news is significant, with a GT4 RS development car having lapped the Nordschleife in a staggering 7:09.300. Which is rapid for any car, leave alone a naturally aspirated one that, given the GT3's output, is going to have less than 500hp. But look (and listen) to the video quickly - this is revving higher and sounding better than a GT4. Might it have the GT3's 4.0-litre onboard? That would certainly be a way to help justify the premium...
There are a couple of caveats to the time, perhaps the most important one being the tyres fitted. The record car ran on a set of Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tyres, rubber that clings on like a spurned lover, never relinquishing their grip. Though they'll be optionally offered to RS customers, expect them to be worth a good few seconds over a 20km lap compared with the standard Cup 2. And wear out a heck of a lot quicker. The second proviso is that Jorg Bergmeister lapped the lightly disguised car and, y'know, he's pretty handy. And he's already clocked 500 hours in GT4 RS prototypes. So don't go expecting to get anywhere near 7:09.
As a point of reference, this new 718 has also lapped the slightly shorter Nordschleife layout (the 20.6km lap) in 7:04.511, an incredible 23.6 seconds faster than the regular GT4. Though the tyres will account for some of that time, a significant aerodynamic overhaul - look at that rear wing! - will have played its part as well. The RS Porsches are not known for huge power gains over standard GT cars, so we'd expect this Cayman to be in the region of 450hp.
Porsche GT boss Andreas Preuninger said of the upcoming RS: "During development, we gave the 718 Cayman GT4 RS everything that characterises a genuine RS: lightweight construction, more downforce, more power and, of course, an even higher level of responsiveness and feedback to driver inputs. The fantastic lap time of the Nordschleife is impressive proof of how clearly noticeable these improvements in driving dynamics are... Our customers can look forward to a pure driver's car that makes a thrilling driving experience an absolute priority." Which sounds pretty good to us, as RS Porsches often tend to. The global premiere is coming in November - watch this space...
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