Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS sets record time for model around Nürburgring-Nordschleife

MANILA: Porsche is set to launch the new 718 Cayman GT4 RS in November.

During its final testing and evaluation drives, the first-ever 718 to wear the RS badge has impressively proved its dynamic capabilities on curvy mountain roads and on the racetrack.

Porsche's brand ambassador and development driver Jorg Bergmeister lapped the 20.832-km Nurburgring-Nordschleife circuit in 7:09.300 minutes in a barely disguised production car. The 718 Cayman GT4 RS finished the shorter 20.6-km lap in 7:04.511 minutes, 23.6 seconds faster than the 718 Cayman GT4.

A racing seat was installed in the mid-engined sports car to protect the driver. The car was also equipped with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires, which will be available as an option. The car’s standard condition and weight were verified by a notary.

In a statement, Porsche GT Model Line Director Andreas Preuninger said, “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. The fantastic lap time of the Nordschleife is impressive proof of how clearly noticeable these improvements in driving dynamics are. Our customers can look forward to a pure driver's car that makes a thrilling driving experience an absolute priority.”

Bergmeister also talked about his experience in driving the soon-to-be-released car saying, “The 718 Cayman GT4 RS is an uncompromising driving machine. It feels as nimble as a go-kart on mountain roads, yet is impressively stable and well-balanced on the racetrack. Otherwise, such a lap time wouldn’t even be possible. The GT4 RS is one of the sharpest cars Porsche has ever developed. And you really have had to experience the breathtaking noise it makes for yourself.”

Bergmeister has spent more than 500 hours on the testing and tuning drives of the 718 Cayman GT4 RS as part of the car’s development.

Photos from Porsche

Also read: All-new Porsche 911 GT3 almost a minute faster around Nürburgring Nordschleife vs. predecessor