Since 2016, Porsche has built almost a thousand Cayman GT4 Clubsports; not those road cars with the Clubsport package for punters to show off at track days, either, but actual homologated race cars. Given the abundant choice available to those competing in GT4-spec series, that's a significant number of cars in five years. So it should be of little surprise to learn that Porsche has run with a successful idea and turned the new GT4 RS into a Clubsport racer.
On occasion the links between road and track have been somewhat less than tangible, but plenty is shared here: same 500hp, 4.0-litre flat-six, same seven-speed dual-clutch, most noticeably, just as the old Clubsport shared vital parts with the roadgoing GT4. With peak power of 500hp at 8,300rpm (up 75hp) and maximum torque of 343lb ft at 6,000rpm (against 313lb ft at 6,600rpm before), as well as shorter ratios than the old six-speed car, Porsche believes that the new RS Clubsport can lap up to two per cent faster than the old car.
Which perhaps doesn't sound like much, but over a two-minute lap that's almost 2.5 seconds. And that's on top of car that's said to be "much easier for pro-racers and amateur drivers alike"; a substantial claim, given the accessibility to an amateur (or maybe that should be novice) was one of the most impressive aspects when we drove the previous 718 GT4 Clubsport a few years ago.
The motorsport-specific upgrades ensure the RS is competition-ready from the factory, eligible for SRO championships globally as soon as the customer takes delivery. Overhauled, two-way adjustable dampers promise "an optimised vehicle responsiveness and a further improvement in body control", the stability control has been revised, three different spring rates are offered, and the new aero package ensures more efficient cooling. On top of more downforce, of course - something would have gone drastically wrong if wheelarch vents, dive planes and spoilers like these didn't have an effect.
There's more, too. Buyers who want to do endurance racing instead of sprints (or as well as) will appreciate the 115-litre fuel tank plus the fact the RS is prepared for both additional homologated headlights and bonnet openings for fast refuelling. There are also two exhaust systems offered for anyone competing at a circuit with especially strict noise limits. Elsewhere, the new car gets more renewable composite panels than the old Clubsport, with doors, rear spoiler, bonnet, wings front aero parts and steering wheel now made of the flax-based carbon alternative. It's not quite environmentally ethical motorsport, but it's a start.
"We have incorporated our experience of the last three years of running the previous GT4 Clubsport as well as customer wishes into the development of the new car," said Michael Dreiser, Manager of Sales and Distribution at Porsche Motorsport. "Faster lap times combined with a further improvement in driveability offer our customers a competitive product for the upcoming racing seasons in GT4 class racing competitions around the world." The lucky devils. Porsche hasn't yet confirmed a price for the RS Clubsport, but your friendly Porsche Motorsport contact can no doubt help with the order. Because you need one for 2022, right?
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