The mid-engined duo of Boxster and Cayman has been around for over two decades. And while not 911- killers (as every Porsche that’s not a 911 is enthusiastically termed by many), these two have managed to create a demand for themselves. So much so that Porsche’s enthusiast-focused GT division has been seriously honing both the Boxster and the Cayman to turn them into cars that enjoy a hero status, both on the racetrack and off it. The latest, and most highly focused iteration of the Cayman, has made it to the Indian market. It’s called the Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS, and from the looks of it, it takes no prisoners…

Unlike the Cayman GT4, which came before this model, and proudly wore the crown of being the most-focused road-going Cayman, the Cayman GT4 RS can’t be specced with a manual gearbox. This is down to maximising the track potential of the car, and fittingly, it comes only with the quick-shifting seven-speed dual-clutch PDK transmission. Sending power only to the rear wheels, that gearbox is connected to quite easily the best engine Porsche offers in its current range: a 4.0-litre, naturally aspirated flat-six unit that makes 500hp and 450Nm. It’s the engine from the Porsche 911 GT3, albeit with only slightly less max power and torque figures. In comparison to the 718 Cayman GT4’s engine, the GT4 RS’ revs higher (to 9000rpm) and has more power (an extra 80PS). Around the Nurburgring Nordschleife, it’s partly responsible for making the Cayman GT4 RS quicker by a substantial 23.6 seconds. It does 0-100kph in a claimed time of 3.4 seconds, and the top speed is said to be 315kph, further displaying an advantage over the ‘regular’ GT4. 

It’s not just about the engine. As is the case with many GT-badged Porsches, you seen an extensive use of lightweight materials. The fixed wing may appear similar to that on the new 911 GT3 because it adopts the same construction. Porsche says modifications made to the chassis and aerodynamics have exhibited an improvement of 25 percent in terms of downforce (in comparison to the GT4). Of course, it can all be taken to another level with the optional Weissach package. Also, if you’re looking at entering a race series with the Cayman GT4 RS, there’s the Clubsport version, too.

Those who love to pair their favourite set of wheels with a matching timepiece will be glad to know that Porsche Design has brought out a special watch. Exclusively available to GT4 RS owners, the watch can be specced in various colours. Its winding motor is inspired by the car’s rims, says Porsche, and it has a titanium case. Like the car, it can be specced with the Weissach package.

The Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS is priced starting at Rs 2.54 crore (ex-showroom)