Video: 2022 Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS blasts the ‘Ring ahead of Australian arrival

The 2022 Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS has shown off its abilities at the Nürburgring ahead of its proper reveal next month.

Porsche has released video and images of the 718 Cayman GT4 RS completing a lap of the famous German circuit in 7:04.511 – exactly 23.6 seconds quicker than the 718 Cayman GT4.

While details have yet to be confirmed by Porsche, MOTOR understands the GT4 RS will be fully unveiled in November, with a local launch set to occur in the second quarter of 2022 (April to June inclusive).

An unnamed source has told MOTOR up to 50 of the track-oriented Cayman GT4 RS models have been allocated to Australia.

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“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,” said Porsche GT boss Andreas Preuninger.

“Our customers can look forward to a pure driver’s car that makes a thrilling driving experience an absolute priority.”

To achieve the seven-minute lap time – piloted by development driver Jörg Bergmeister – Porsche fitted the vehicle with a racing seat and Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tyres. Buyers will be able to option the road-legal track tyres when ordering their GT4 RS.

Exactly what’s powering the mid-engined sports car hasn’t been announced, but it’s widely speculated a 4.0-litre naturally-aspirated flat-six will be fitted, pushing around 375kW – a healthy increase over the standard GT4’s 309kW – and suggesting the GT4 RS may borrow its powertrain from the 911 GT3.

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The video shows the RS with paddle shifters, confirming Porsche’s PDK dual-clutch transmission will feature – expected to be the only gearbox available.

The vehicle is also shown with large yellow brake callipers, indicating Porsche’s PCCB carbon-ceramic brakes have been fitted, and will likely be available as optional equipment for those who plan to do heavy track work.

Interestingly, while this is the first Cayman RS, it’s not the first 718 with an RS badge. The very first car to be given the honour was the 1957 Porsche 718 RSK Mittellenker – a development of the 550A, modified with a single, centrally-mounted seat for racing. The 718 RSK was released into the world six years before the Porsche 911 made its debut.

The 2022 Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS is expected to be unveiled in November, with the first vehicles set to arrive in Australia in Q2 2022. Pricing and specifications are expected to be announced closer to launch.

Neighbouring lap times

Data taken from Wikipedia