2022 Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS teased, Nurburgring lap time set

We’re just around the corner from the full reveal of the 2022 Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS, but that hasn’t stopped Porsche issuing some teaser information and photos of the hardcore 'baby' RS model.

The production-ready sports car is depicted undergoing final testing in footage shot at the Nurburgring Nordschleife in Germany, highlighting the car’s 9000rpm rev limit, a PDK dual-clutch gearbox (expected to be the only transmission available) and a 7:04.511 Nurburgring lap time (around the shorter 20.6km configuration), which is 23.6 seconds faster than the standard GT4’s.

Porsche did not disclose any firm details about what we can expect in terms of upgrades over the standard Cayman GT4, but the brand will reveal all information about the GT4 RS – the first Cayman to wear an RS badge – next month, in November.

It is expected to be powered by an uprated version of Porsche’s naturally-aspirated 4.0-litre flat-six engine found in the 718 Cayman GT4, which currently develops 309kW and 420Nm (with a manual). The video depicts a rev range that extends to 9000rpm and a seven-speed PDK transmission.

A series of new official images shows new design highlights such as a 'swan-neck' wing inspired by the new 911 GT3, NACA bonnet ducts, centre-lock wheel design, air ducts in place of rear quarter windows, and what appear to be camouflaged front wheel arch vents.

Specifically for the Nurburgring lap attempt, Porsche fitted a full bucket seat with racing harnesses and Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tyres, the latter said to be optionally available for buyers. The car also gets a set of yellow brake calipers which indicate Porsche’s carbon-ceramic brakes were fitted.

Porsche development driver Jorg Bergmeister set the lap which comes perilously close to the sub seven-minute barrier and is just over seven seconds slower than Porsche’s own 918 Spyder hypercar. Bergmeister is said to have devoted over 500 hours towards the 718 Cayman GT4 RS development program.

"The GT4 RS is one of the sharpest cars Porsche has ever developed. And you really have to experience the breathtaking noise it makes for yourself," said Bergmeister.

Adding to the race driver’s comments, Porsche GT Model Line director Andreas Preuninger said “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.”

Porsche was reluctant to create a GT4 RS out of the previous generation '981' Cayman, suggesting such a model would be too close in performance to 911 GT models. But with the 718 Cayman GT4 RS lapping the ‘Ring just over five seconds off the 992 GT3’s pace, Porsche seems to have carved out a niche.

Full details of the 2022 Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS are expected in November 2021 and full pricing and specification information is expected closer to the car’s local launch.