Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS and Taycan GTS: Performance duo unleashed

The Los Angeles Motor Show is underway with Porsche unveiling two new models in the form of the 718 Cayman GT4 RS and the Taycan model that wears the GTS moniker. ‍

Starting with the newly-revealed Porsche Taycan GTS, the newcomer sits above the Taycan 4S and below the Taycan Turbo variants and boasts distinctive exterior tweaks.

As per GTS tradition, the Taycan GTS features black or dark detailing on the front apron, exterior mirror bases and the side of the window trims. An optional panoramic roof with ‘Sunshine Control’ is available. The sunroof boasts an electrically switchable liquid crystal film that changes the roof from clear to matt to protect the occupants from glare without darkening the interior. 

The interior of the new Porsche Taycan GTS spawns numerous Black Race-Tex equipment, dynamic ambience, as well as a standard, brushed aluminium interior package with a Black anodised finish. 

When talking power, the new Porsche Taycan GTS packs a 93.4 kWh battery pack as well as a dual-motor. Power is rated at 440 kW and 850 Nm of torque sent to all four wheels giving the sedan a 3.7-second time sprint to 100 km/h from a standstill before maxing out at 250 km/h. 

Getting the battery recharged from 5-80% takes 22.5 minutes when using 270 kW charging power. According to the Stuttgart carmaker, the Taycan can travel up to 504 km before requiring a recharge. 

The new Taycan GTS is fitted with adaptive air suspension, Porsche Active Suspension Management that is specifically adapted to the GTS. Buyers can fit rear-axle steering at an additional charge. 

In the case of the new 718 Cayman GT4 RS, this is the new flagship model in the 718 family. It employs a naturally-aspirated 4.0-litre flat-six unit borrowed directly from the 911 GT3 but with 368 kW and 450 Nm of torque and yet it soldiers on with its ability to rev all the way to the 9,000 r/min mark. 

Tipping the scales at 1,415 kg, the new Porsche Cayman GT4 RS accelerates from a standstill to 100 km/h in 3.4 seconds while shuffling through a 7-speed PDK transmission. 

Features of the new Cayman GT4 RS include process air intakes behind the driver and passenger windows, small side windows and new air intakes for improved intake airflow. 

As a weight-saving measure, Porsche has made use of carbon fibre reinforced plastic for components such as the bonnet and front wings. There are lightweight carpets, textile opening loops, nets on the storage compartments plus a rear window that is made of lightweight glass. 

The exterior is bolstered with a new fixed rear wing derived from the 911 RSR GT racing car with a swan-neck attachment and aluminium wing supports. It further features a 30 mm lower ride height, vents on the front wheel arches, aerodynamically-optimised underbody panelling with a connected rear diffuser and a multi-adjustable front diffuser. 

At the front, it features a new front spoiler lip with flow-around side blades. 

For improved handling, the Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS boasts modifications to the chassis in the form of ball joints, adjustable and circuit-ready chassis with an RS-specific shock absorber set-up plus modified spring and anti-roll bar rates.

Buyers can fit the optional Weissach package that adds carbon-weave finish to the front luggage compartment lid, process air intakes, cooling air intakes, airbox cover, exterior mirror upper trims and rear wing. 

The exhaust tips and roll cage at the back are made of titanium. Inside, the upper section of the dashboard is upholstered in Race-Tex material while sizable Porsche insignia is imprinted into the rear window. Available with the Weissach package are 20” forged magnesium wheels that can be fitted at an additional fee instead of the 20” forged aluminium. 

Already, the Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS has lapped the 20.6 kilometre-long Nürburgring Nordschleife circuit in 7:09.300 minutes during its final testing and evaluation making it 23.6 seconds faster than what the 718 Cayman GT4 achieved.  

The new Porsche GT4 RS is priced at R2,507,000 while the Taycan GTS will set you back R3,169,000. Both prices include a three-year/100 000 km drive plan. 

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