Porsche history · 2022–2025
Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS: History, Specs & What to Know
By CarWhere Research · Updated
The Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS is the most powerful Cayman, revealed at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November 2021. Its 4.0-liter naturally aspirated flat-six makes 500 PS (493 hp US) in a car weighing 1,415 kg, and it lapped the Nürburgring Nordschleife in 7:04.511 — 23.6 seconds quicker than a PDK GT4.
The GT4 name arrived on the 981 Cayman in 2016 with a 3.8-liter flat-six. The 718 GT4 of 2020 moved to a 4.0-liter engine. The GT4 RS, which Porsche billed as the sharpest Cayman ever, went further with a high-revving 4.0-liter six derived from the 911 GT3's.
Orders opened at the LA show and deliveries began in the second quarter of 2022. In the US it launched at $141,700. A 718 Spyder RS followed for 2024, which Porsche says was the first open-top mid-engine car with the GT3's naturally aspirated engine.
GT4 RS history: what changed, year by year
- 2015 — Cayman GT4 (981) announced for the 2016 model year: 3.8-liter flat-six, 385 hp.[1],[2]
- 2019 — 718 Cayman GT4 revealed with a 4.0-liter flat-six, 414 hp, for the 2020 model year.[1],[2]
- Nov. 2021 — 718 Cayman GT4 RS world premiere at the LA Auto Show, alongside the GT4 RS Clubsport race car; 7:04.511 at the Nordschleife.[3]
- 2022 — First deliveries in the second quarter; US launch price $141,700.[1],[3]
- 2023 — The 718 Spyder RS brings the GT3-derived engine to an open car.[2]
GT4 RS variants and engines
| Variant | Years | Engine | Power | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cayman GT4 (981) | MY2016 | 3.8 L flat-6 | 385 hp[1] | US launch MSRP $84,600. |
| 718 Cayman GT4 | MY2020–2025 | 4.0 L flat-6 | 414 hp[1] | |
| 718 Cayman GT4 RS | MY2022–2025 | 4.0 L naturally aspirated flat-6 | 500 PS (493 hp US)[1],[3] | 1,415 kg; PDK. |
| 718 Spyder RS | MY2024–2025 | 4.0 L naturally aspirated flat-6 | 493 hp[1],[2] | Open-top sibling. |
Full trim-by-trim figures (US hp, torque, 0–60, weight, launch MSRP): Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS specs.
GT4 RS engine and drivetrain facts
What to check before you buy a GT4 RS
- Check open recalls by VIN: GT4 RS and Spyder RS center-lock wheel cars are covered by the wheel-bolt recall (NHTSA 24V-809).[4]
- Confirm the Weissach Package and other options from the factory record; they change the car's value.
- Ask about track use and look at brake, tire and suspension wear accordingly.
- Look for proof of routine services at a Porsche dealer; this is a high-revving engine and documented care matters to the next owner too.
Documented problems, recalls and pre-purchase checks: Center-lock wheel bolt recall · Boxster & Cayman known issues.
How to verify a GT4 RS's factory options
GT4 RS cars carry modern 17-character VINs, so a build sheet can show the factory paint, interior and option codes for a specific car — including whether it has the Weissach Package.
See exactly how this GT4 RS left the factory.
The CarWhere build sheet decodes a US-market Porsche VIN into its factory record: paint, interior, option codes and equipment as built. $9.99, and the free availability check shows whether build data exists before you pay.
Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS FAQ
How much horsepower does the Porsche GT4 RS have?
500 PS (368 kW) by Porsche's figure, rated 493 hp in the US, from a 4.0-liter naturally aspirated flat-six.
When did the GT4 RS come out?
Porsche revealed the 718 Cayman GT4 RS at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November 2021. Deliveries started in the second quarter of 2022.
What is the GT4 RS Nürburgring time?
7:04.511 for the full 20.6 km Nordschleife, which Porsche says is 23.6 seconds faster than a 718 Cayman GT4 with PDK.
How much was the GT4 RS new?
The US launch price was $141,700 for the 2022 model year, before options and destination.
Does the GT4 RS have the GT3 engine?
It uses a 4.0-liter naturally aspirated flat-six derived from the 911 GT3's engine.
Related Porsche history
Specs, production and buying research
Sources
Production counts, power outputs and dates on this page come from the sources below. Where sources disagree, the page says so or uses Porsche's own figure.
- Porsche Boxster & Cayman specs by generation (US-market figures, each sourced on the page) — CarWhere Research
- Porsche Historical Background: 1948-2025 — Porsche Cars North America (Porsche Newsroom)
- The sharpest Cayman ever is the highlight of the LA Auto Show — Porsche Newsroom USA
- Porsche 911 known issues by generation (each issue sourced on the page) — CarWhere Research
Independent reference published by CarWhere — not affiliated with or endorsed by Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG. Porsche, 911, Carrera, Targa and Boxster are trademarks of their owner.