Porsche has unveiled the new 718 Cayman GT4 RS Clubsport, their 2022 GT4-spec offering and the third generation of GT4 machine on the Cayman platform.
The new car features a new 500bhp engine and handling improvements. The GT4-homologated vehicle is track-ready from the factory and can be used in SRO race series under their GT4 designation, and in other Series that accept GT4-spec cars under other class designations, without further modifications.
Based on the recently unveiled 718 Cayman GT4 RS road car, the new machine has several updates from its predecessor, including the 4.0-litre six-cylinder boxer engine taken directly from the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup.
This means the GT4 RS Clubsport produces 75bhp more than the previous model, an 18 per cent increase.
The seven-speed dual-clutch transmission now uses all seven gears and shorter ratios (the predecessor model was programmed to use only six gears). An optimised air intake is designed to produce a much wider useable speed band, with maximum power now produced 800rpm higher.
The new GT4 RS Clubsport is capable of achieving lap times more than two per cent quicker than the previous model, thanks to the use of revised damper technology to optimise vehicle responsiveness and body control.
Upgrades include two-way adjustable shock absorbers with improved characteristics, in addition to adjustable sword-type anti-roll bars front and rear. Vehicle height, camber and toe are also adjustable.
Three different spring rates for front and rear axle are now available. The Porsche Stability Management System is designed specifically for motorsports and includes a switch for traction control, ABS and an updated stability control system.
New aerodynamics see front downforce increased with an extended spoiler lip and new front dive planes. Special NACA ducts in the bonnet are designed to direct air to the 380-millimetre steel brake discs. The wheel arch vents take inspiration from the 911 GT3 R to reduce turbulence around the front wheels, while a fully enclosed underbody optimises airflow to the rear diffusor. The swan neck rear wing now has a 20mm gurney flap and two additional stages of adjustment.
The previous model was the first-ever production race car to use renewable nature-fibre composite materials for its body parts. The GT4 RS Clubsport expands on this around the vehicle, including the doors, rear wing, bonnet, front aero components and steering wheel. Testing the carbon fibre alternate material in motorsports optimises its transition to the road cars. For over 70 years, Porsche has been using motorsport as a development ground for road car technology.
The welded-in roll cage and adjustable Recaro racing seat means the GT4 RS Clubsport is ready to race directly from the factory. It also meets new regulations being introduced for 2023, including the six-point safety harness, safety nets to the fire extinguisher and built-in air jack system. The FT3 safety fuel cell has a 115-litre capacity, making it suitable for endurance racing. Porsche also offers two different exhaust systems, allowing the car to compete on tracks with stricter noise limits.
Porsche’s GT4 history has been hugely successful since the 981 generation car launched in 2016. 421 units were built prior to 2018 before the 718-based car debuted in 2019. To date, approximately 500 units have been sold.
