Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS
2022-2024
The GT4 RS distills everything Porsche knows about mid-engine dynamics into its purest form. With the GT3's screaming flat-six mounted behind the driver and aggressive aerodynamics creating genuine downforce, it's a street-legal race car that prioritizes lap times over comfort.
Quick Take
The 718 Cayman GT4 RS represents the pinnacle of Porsche's mid-engine sports car engineering. It features the most powerful naturally aspirated flat-six engine ever fitted to a 718, borrowed from the 911 GT3. With its track-focused aerodynamics and PDK-only transmission, it's designed for ultimate performance.
Best For
Key Strength
Track-Bred Performance
Watch For
Extreme Pricing Premium
The Story
Heritage & Legacy
Born from Porsche's motorsport expertise, the GT4 RS carries forward the legacy of legendary mid-engine racers like the 904 and 906. It represents the culmination of decades of racing development applied to the modern 718 platform, creating the most track-focused Cayman ever built.
Design Philosophy
Every element serves aerodynamic or weight-saving purposes, from the massive rear wing to the lightweight carbon fiber hood with NACA ducts. The interior strips away luxury in favor of functionality, featuring racing seats, cage-ready mounting points, and a focus on driver engagement over passenger comfort.
The Driving Experience
Engine Character
The 4.0-liter flat-six howls to 9,000 rpm with the intensity of a proper racing engine, delivering linear power that builds relentlessly toward redline. Unlike turbocharged engines, it rewards commitment and high revs, creating an addictive connection between throttle input and mechanical response that defines the driving experience.
Chassis Dynamics
The GT4 RS features track-tuned suspension with adjustable anti-roll bars and Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires that provide incredible grip. The mid-engine layout creates perfect balance and rotation, while the aerodynamic package generates real downforce that increases confidence at speed on track.
Sound Signature
The naturally aspirated flat-six produces a spine-tingling wail that intensifies dramatically as it approaches the 9,000 rpm redline. The exhaust note is pure and mechanical, reminiscent of classic racing engines.
Strengths & Tradeoffs
Defining Strengths
The GT4 RS delivers genuine race car performance with its 493hp naturally aspirated engine, advanced aerodynamics, and suspension tuned by Porsche Motorsport. Every component is engineered for maximum track capability while remaining street legal.
The mid-engine layout provides perfect weight distribution, while the sophisticated suspension and steering deliver telepathic communication with the road. The car rotates with precision that few supercars can match at any price.
Honest Tradeoffs
At $165k base price before options, the GT4 RS costs nearly twice as much as a regular GT4. Dealer markups often push prices well beyond $200k, making it difficult to justify financially even for the wealthy.
The track-focused suspension setup makes daily driving uncomfortable on anything but perfect roads. Road noise, harsh impacts, and constant feedback can be exhausting for regular street use.
Ideal Owner
Serious driving enthusiasts who prioritize track performance above all else and appreciate the purity of naturally aspirated power. This car demands skill and rewards those who can exploit its capabilities on a circuit.