Porsche has revealed the new 718 Cayman GT4 RS Clubsport at the Los Angeles Auto Show. The mid-engine race car from Weissach is based on the new, and recently revealed, 718 Cayman GT4 RS road car.
As with its road-going sibling, the new 718 Cayman GT4 RS Clubsport is equipped with a mighty 4.0 liter six-cylinder boxer engine. This high-revving power plant is taken directly from the 911 GT3 Cup race car and develops 500 hp in the 718 Cayman GT4 RS Clubsport – 75 hp more than the previous GT4 Clubsport model.
Fitted as standard is a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission (PDK), replacing the GT4 Clubsport’s six-speed version. All gears feature shorter ratios than on the GT4 Clubsport.
The homologated 718 Cayman GT4 RS Clubsport is track-ready from the factory and can be used in SRO racing series around the world without further modifications. The starting price of the new 718 Cayman GT4 RS Clubsport, which will be sold and distributed through Porsche Motorsport North America in the U.S., is $229,000, not including tax.
“We thrive on competition, and will always push for improvements,” said Volker Holzmeyer, President and CEO of Porsche Motorsport North America. “This is what our customer teams expect of us and what we demand of ourselves at Porsche. Acting on their feedback, we’ve made the new 718 Cayman GT4 RS Clubsport more capable than ever. It’s quicker, even more rewarding and confidence inspiring to drive – exactly what drivers competing in the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge and SRO series need to be successful.“
Porsche began offering the Cayman GT4 Clubsport of the 981 generation in 2016, entering into this new customer racing format early with a competitive car, and 421 units were built up to 2018. In 2019, the next generation model debuted based on the 718 Cayman GT4. It was also a success: Around 500 units have been produced to date. The strong demand for these vehicles is also due to the low running costs. The use of proven series production technology combined with racing-specific components reduces the cost for customer teams.
“The GT4 Clubsport has a special place in my heart,” adds Holzmeyer. “As I’ve been deeply involved with the car from the start, ever since it first began development. Therefore, it’s also a personal ambition for me to continuously improve it, to make it better and better.”
The 718 Cayman GT4 RS Clubsport in detail
The 500 hp 4.0 liter six-cylinder boxer engine is taken directly from the current 911 GT3 Cup racing car and is 18 percent more powerful than the 3.8 liter engine used in the previous model – the 718 GT4 Clubsport. Thanks to an optimized air intake, maximum power is achieved at 8,300 rpm – 800 rpm higher than previously. The new engine can rev up to 9,000 rpm and develops 343 lb.-ft. at 6,000 rpm, while the previous engine generated 313 lb.-ft. at 6,600 rpm. The result is a much wider, more usable power band of the new engine, improving the drivability of the car for pro-racers as well as amateur drivers alike.
The suspension of the 718 Cayman GT4 RS Clubsport was also extensively enhanced. The damper technology was revised from the ground up to offer an optimized responsiveness and a further improvement in body control, making a significant impact on track performance and handling. Two-way racing adjustable shock absorbers with further improved valve characteristics as well as adjustable double-blade anti-roll bars, front and rear, are among the updates. Ride height, camber and toe are also adjustable. Additionally, three different spring rates for front and rear axle are available. Special NACA ducts in the front lid feed air efficiently to the large race braking system with 380 mm multi-piece rotors that are vented and slotted. The Porsche Stability Management-System (PSM) is programmed specifically for the track and includes a switch for traction control, ABS and an updated stability control programming.
The aerodynamics of the 718 Cayman GT4 RS Clubsport have also been enhanced in great detail. Front dive planes as well as an enlarged front spoiler lip increase downforce at the front axle. Fender vents inspired by the 911 GT3 R and special air curtains calm the air flow around the front wheels, while the enclosed underbody optimizes air flow to the diffusor at the rear of the car. The swan neck rear wing has been fitted with a 20 millimeter long Gurney flap and gains two further stages of adjustability.
The previous 718 Cayman GT4 Clubsport was the first series production race car to use body panels made of sustainable natural fiber composites. This material is being used even more extensively on the new GT4 RS Clubsport. In addition to the doors and the rear wing, the front lid, fenders, aerodynamic components at the front and the steering wheel consist of this material. The use of this flax-based fiber as an alternative to carbon-fiber composite can be tested in racing for a potential future use in road cars. Porsche has been using motorsport as a test bed for technology, processes and materials potentially capable of being used in road cars for more than 70 years.
The 718 Cayman GT4 RS Clubsport is equipped to compete straight out of the box. This begins with the welded-in roll cage, as well as the longitudinally-adjustable Recaro racing seat, and extends to six-point harnesses with 2023 FIA standard, all the way to the fire extinguisher system and built-in air jack system with three jacks. The new foam on the driver’s side meets the international requirements of the SRO racing series. The FT3 fuel cell can accommodate up to 115 liters (30.4 gallons) of fuel, making it suitable for endurance racing. Additionally, Porsche offers two different exhaust systems, allowing the GT4 RS Clubsport to compete at tracks with stricter noise limits. Special Fitment preparations for homologated additional headlights or openings in the front lid for quick refueling allow a quick conversion to suit nighttime endurance racing.
Racing fans in the U.S. can look forward to seeing the car compete in the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge and the SRO GT4 America and GT America series in the 2022 U.S. season. Interested customers can contact Porsche Motorsport North America at info@porschemotorsport.com.
The Flat Six Is Back for the 718 GTS Models. (718 Cayman GTS 4.0 and 718 Boxster GTS 4.0)
Porsche is bringing in more mid-engine flat six models for those of us who miss the bark associated with historical Porsche engines.
It was announced on January 15th, 2020 that the new 718 Boxster and Cayman GTS models will be getting the same 414 horsepower 4.0 liter engine that is featured in the 718 Spyder and Cayman GT4. A variable intake manifold with switchable resonance valves ensures optimal ventilation. As well as direct fuel injection (DFI), integrated dry-sump lubrication and adaptive cylinder control. Redline is 8000rpm and maximum torque is over 300 lb-ft at 5000.
The new mid-engine GTS models will accelerate to 60 mph in 4.2 seconds. Top speed is over 185 MPH. The new models will begin shipping in late March.
Colorful stickers and paintwork are as much a part of Porsche Motorsport as the boxer engine. In the latest episode of the Porsche Top 5 series, the company looks back on five historical color combinations of the various 917 models. 917-001 with green and white color...
Developed by the Porsche Motorsport department, the 2020 Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 and 718 Spyder represent the most powerful and engaging variants of the 718 line-up yet created. Offering a blend of pure, unfiltered driver’s car character and track-oriented performance, both models are powered by a new 4.0-liter naturally-aspirated flat-six engine developing 414 horsepower and 309 lb.-ft. of torque.
Recently Autogefühl had the chance to review these incredible new machines side by side. Check out the review in the video below. The cars are available to order now at: www.Porsche.com
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Three years after the premiere of the first Cayman GT4 Clubsport, Porsche launched a successor: The new 718 Cayman GT4 Clubsport represents a consequent further development of the successful model from Weissach. For the first time, the near-standard mid-engine racer comes in two versions ex-works: the “Trackday” model for ambitious amateur racing drivers and the “Competition” variant for national and international motor racing.
Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 Clubsport Three years after the premiere of the first Cayman GT4 Clubsport, Porsche launched a successor: The new 718 Cayman GT4 Clubsport represents a consequent further development of the successful model from Weissach. For the first time, the near-standard mid-engine racer comes in two versions ex-works: the “Trackday” model for ambitious amateur racing drivers and the “Competition” variant for national and international motor racing.
More power, greater sustainability
In developing the new 718 Cayman GT4 Clubsport, the focus was put not only on further improved driveability and faster lap times but also on the sustainable use of raw materials. The 718 Cayman GT4 Clubsport is the first ever production race car to feature body parts made of natural-fibre composite material. The driver and co-driver doors and the rear wing are made of an organic fibre mix, which are sourced primarily from agricultural by-products such as flax or hemp fibres and feature similar properties to carbon fibre in terms of weight and stiffness.
Powering the 718 Cayman GT4 Clubsport is a 3.8-litre flat-six engine producing 313 kW (425 hp). Compared to its predecessor, this represents a 40-hp increase in performance. The power is transferred to the rear wheels via a Porsche dual-clutch gearbox with six gears and mechanical rear axle differential lock. The lightweight spring-strut front suspension is taken from its big 911 GT3 Cup brother. The impressive racing brake system features steel brake discs all round measuring 380-millimetres in diameter. Tipping the scales at 1,320 kilograms, the 718 Cayman GT4 Clubsport, delivered ex-works with a welded-in safety cage, a racing bucket seat as well as a six-point harness, is a real lightweight.
Porsche Cars North America Inc. (PCNA) is celebrating the 25th anniversary of its Boxster family with a special anniversary model: the 2021 Boxster 25 years. Based on the 718 Boxster GTS 4.0 model, and powered by a 394 hp naturally aspirated 4.0-liter six-cylinder boxer engine, the special production model is limited to 1,250 units worldwide. It incorporates numerous design features of the original Boxster concept car first shown at the 1993 Detroit Auto Show. The production version of the Boxster first launched in Europe in 1996 and in the U.S. in 1997, closely resembling the concept car. Today the mid-engine sports car is in its fourth generation, and more than 357,000 units have been produced thus far.
One of the most striking features of the new special model are hints of the original concept car, through the use of Neodyme, a copper-like color, which provided a unique contrast to the GT Silver Metallic color on the pioneering 1993 concept. On the anniversary 718 model, it appears on the front and side air intakes as well as for the lettering and the specially designed two-tone, five-spoke, 20-inch alloy wheels and in the special “Boxster 25” badge on the rear. Porsche is offering the Boxster 25 years in GT Silver Metallic, although Jet Black Metallic and Carrara White Metallic are also available. Another striking element can be found on the fuel filler cap, which is enhanced by Porsche script from the Exclusive Design range. The cap is painted in an aluminum look as are the high-gloss tailpipes of the Sport Exhaust system while the windshield frame is finished in black.
Staying true to the style of the historic original, the special model combines a Bordeaux Red leather interior with a red roadster top made of fabric. The roadster top bears embossed “Boxster 25” lettering. Both interior and top are also available in Black. An interior package in Brushed Aluminium, 14-way electrically adjustable sport seats, door sill trims with “Boxster 25″ lettering and the heated GT multifunction sport leather steering wheel are also included as standard equipment on the special edition model.
The 4.0-liter flat-six engine, which is shared with the 2021 718 Boxster GTS 4.0 model, offers exceptional throttle response, power delivery and a rich exhaust note. The high-revving 394 hp naturally aspirated powerplant, which is available with either a six-speed manual transmission or an optional seven-speed Porsche dual-clutch transmission (PDK), creates an especially emotional driving experience. The special-edition model reaches a top track speed of 182 mph with the manual transmission and, in combination with the PDK gearbox and standard Sport Chrono package, sprints from zero to 60 mph in 3.8 seconds.
Other standard features include Porsche Active Suspension Management suspension (PASM), which lowers the ride height 0.39 inches as compared to a standard 718 Boxster, and Porsche Torque Vectoring (PTV) with mechanical limited-slip differential. They combine remarkable ride comfort and agile handling. The PASM Sport Suspension with a ride height reduction of 0.78 inches compared to a standard 718 Boxster and particularly sporty calibration is available as an option.
The new Boxster 25 years is available for ordering now and expected to arrive in U.S. showrooms this Spring as part of the 2021 model year with a starting MSRP of $98,600 excluding $1,350 for delivery, processing and handling.
A quarter century of pure driving pleasure: the Boxster family turns 25
The Boxster carries a very special meaning for Porsche as it marked a new orientation of the sports car manufacturer’s model strategy and provided a way forward through the difficult economic times of the mid-1990s. This was reflected in the first water-cooled production flat-six engine and also in the intelligent carry-over parts concept that started with the launch of the agile mid-engine roadster. This concept was incorporated into the 996 generation 911, which was launched a year later, and made it possible for Porsche to return to profitable production.
The attractively priced two-seater captured the hearts of new, younger customers right from the start. Visually, it incorporated features of the renowned history of the brand. The appearance of the Boxster concept car shown in Detroit rekindled fond memories of the legendary 550 Spyder and the 718 RS 60 Spyder racing car. It was received so well by the public in January 1993 that the Porsche Executive Board intervened in the ongoing design development of the production model and advised, without further ado: “Build the concept car just like that”. As time would tell, it was a wise decision.
When the production model was launched in August 1996, it bore a strong resemblance to the star of the 1993 Detroit Auto Show. Because it shared its front end with the 996 generation 911, there was no question about its lineage. The Boxster was a true Porsche. At the same time, its centrally mounted flat-six engine, which initially had a displacement of 2.5 liters and an output of 201 hp, was engineered to meet stricter emissions standards thanks to water cooling, four-valve technology and variable intake timing.
An increase in power and further model enhancements followed soon after. The first 986 Boxster generation received a larger 2.7-liter engine in the U.S. in 2000, initially with 217 hp and later with 225 hp. The newly launched Boxster S was powered by a 3.2-liter six-cylinder engine with 250 hp, which soon became 258 hp. The 987 generation followed in 2004 with a new design, standard 17-inch wheels (18-inches on the S model) and a redesigned interior. For the first time, performance enhancing options from the 997 generation of Porsche 911 such as optional PASM with variable damper characteristics, PCCB (Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake) ceramic brakes and an optional Sport Chrono package were available. With unchanged displacement, the engines of the second generation Boxster delivered 225 hp and 258 hp, respectively. By the end of their production run, engine outputs had reached 255 hp from a displacement of 2.9 liters and 310 hp from a displacement of 3.4 liters. The optional PDK dual-clutch transmission also replaced the previously offered Tiptronic S automatic transmission. At the Los Angeles Auto Show 2009, the 320 hp Boxster Spyder model was introduced. Featuring a lightweight manual fabric top, shorter side windows and a unique rear decklid with striking bulges, it was the lightest Porsche available for sale at the time.
In 2012, Porsche presented the comprehensively restyled and visually sharpened 981 generation Boxster. Thanks to a completely new lightweight body and a fully revamped chassis, the newcomer was, more striking to look at, more capable in the corners and faster than ever before. The fully automated fabric roof did without a convertible top compartment lid, the axle overhangs were even shorter, and the windshield moved further forward. The updated boxer engines were equipped with direct gasoline injection and started out as a 2.7-liter six-cylinder engine developing 265 hp and a 3.4-liter engine putting out 315 hp. In April 2014, the first GTS variant of the Boxster followed with 330 hp, offering a performance value proposition with many performance enhancing features as standard that were optional on the S model. One year later, the lightweight Boxster Spyder was undoubtedly the highlight of the range, with a naturally aspirated 3.8-liter engine derived from the 911 Carrera S that delivered 375 hp, making the Spyder variant a particularly sensational car to drive – also because it was paired exclusively with a six-speed manual transmission. It was the lightest Boxster of all 981 generation models.
The current 982 generation Porsche 718 Boxster models set a new course in January 2016, making their debut for the 2017 model year with four-cylinder turbo engines and enhanced styling. The 2.0-liter motor in the standard and T variants delivers 300 hp and the larger 2.5-liter boxer engine in the S model generates 350 hp thanks to a variable turbine geometry turbocharger. The 718 Boxster GTS followed shortly after with 365 hp. In mid-2019, the new 718 Spyder marked the top of the range. It shares a 414 hp 4.0-liter engine with the flagship Cayman model, the 718 Cayman GT4, and is the first Boxster model to be developed by the Porsche Motorsport department, sporting brakes and chassis components from the 911 GT3. Most recently, this six-cylinder engine also powers the 394 hp 718 Boxster GTS 4.0, which was introduced for the 2021 model year in the U.S.
The Executive Board at Porsche AG has given the green light to the development of an LMDh prototype. After a lengthy evaluation phase, Porsche Motorsport received the order to build a vehicle based on future regulations. From 2023, the LMDh cars will make up a new top class in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) and the North American IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. Both championships are hugely significant for the Stuttgart sports car manufacturer. Porsche very much welcomed the introduction of the new class for hybrid prototypes when it was jointly announced by the organizers at ACO/WEC and IMSA.
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The racing cars, which tip the scales at around 1,000 kilograms, are powered by a hybrid system with an output of 500 kW (680 hp). “The new LMDh category allows us to fight for overall victories with a hybrid system at the Le Mans, Daytona and Sebring classics – without breaking the bank. The project is extremely attractive for Porsche. Endurance racing is part of our brand’s DNA,” explains Oliver Blume, CEO at Porsche AG. For the first time in more than 20 years, it will be possible to fight for overall victories with identical vehicles at endurance races around the world. Moreover, the new LMDh category focuses on high cost-efficiency. The cars are based on an upgraded LMP2 chassis, and the spec for the hybrid system including the control electronics is standardized. Chassis from four different manufacturers are available. Each brand is free to select the concept for the combustion engine and the body design within the framework of the regulations.
Michael Steiner, Board Member for Research and Development at Porsche AG, adds: “In the medium term, Porsche focuses on three different drive concepts: fully electric vehicles, efficient plug-in hybrids and emotional combustion engines. We want to represent this trilogy in both the development of our cutting-edge road cars and in motorsport. We use the all-electric drive to contest the FIA Formula E as part of our works commitment, and the highly efficient and emotional combustion unit in GT racing. Now, the LMDh class closes the gap for us. There, powerful hybrid drives – like the ones that are mounted in many of our brand’s models – go up against each other. If the regulations eventually allowed the use of synthetic fuels, then that would be an even greater incentive for me in terms of sustainability.”
“I’d like to thank our board of directors for the immense confidence they have in the motorsport strategy we’ve developed,” explains Fritz Enzinger, Vice President Motorsport. “We hold a record with our 19 outright wins at the 24 Hours of Le Mans and we’ve climbed to the top podium step many times at major races in the USA. We can continue this tradition with an LMDh vehicle while at the same time keeping costs reasonable. There has been huge interest from other manufacturers. I hope we can pick up where we left off with the famous clashes against many other marques in the eighties and nineties. That would give the entire motor racing scene a huge boost.”
High-performance hybrid drives have enjoyed a long and extremely successful tradition at Porsche Motorsport. In 2010 and 2011, the revolutionary Porsche 911 GT3 R Hybrid set new benchmarks at races on the Nürburgring-Nordschleife. At that time, there was no other comparable vehicle with a hybrid drive. Between 2014 and 2017, the sports car manufacturer from Stuttgart underlined its expertise in the field of highly efficient, high-performance hybrid drives with the 919 Hybrid. In the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC), the LMP1 class prototype achieved a hat trick, winning three times in a row at the Le Mans 24-hour classic. Porsche also clinched the manufacturers’ and drivers’ championship titles three times straight.
Facebook Twitter Pinterest reddit LinkedIn Following the Coupe and Cabriolet, the third body style of the new 911 generation is now making its debut with the all-wheel drive 911 Targa 4 and 911 Targa 4S models. The innovative, fully automatic roof system remains its...
