Imagine a topless Cayman GT4 RS.
Last November, Porsche revealed what's likely to be the most powerful and extreme variant of its mid-engined combustion-powered coupe. The Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS has the same naturally aspirated flat-six from the 911 GT3 with a total of 493 horsepower and 331 lb-ft of torque. And, it revs to 9,000 rpm. Equipped solely with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, the GT4 RS will accelerate from 0-60 mph in 3.2 seconds and proceed to a top speed of 196 mph.
The total weight comes to just 3,227 pounds thanks to a heavy diet that consists of a hood and front fenders made from carbon fiber reinforced plastic, lightweight glass for the rear window, and fabric loop door latches. It's an incredible package that begins at nearly $142,000. How can it be made better? It can't, but Porsche is considering what many have been clamoring for.
Speaking to Australian publication Drive, Porsche's director of GT cars, Andreas Preuninger, admitted that a GT4 RS equivalent of the 718 Spyder is being considered.
"I could imagine something like that. I think it's manageable and feasible and interesting," said Preuninger, before adding, "but it's not confirmed." Dr. Frank-Steffan Walliser, vice president for both the 911 and 718 programs, added that "technically speaking, this is possible. If we do it, I don't know. The question is where to position it. As an open-top, it's not a track-orientated car, so it must be something different. As always, we have a lot of ideas on the table and we have to make decisions."
In its current form, the 718 Spyder is already a different type of GT car. While it shares the powertrain and much of the mechanical hardware with the Cayman GT4, it's not a track-focused car. It's not even a Boxster, as it gets bespoke styling, meaning it's more of a high-powered GT. How an RS version of that will work could be tricky to implement.
Assuming there's a business case that includes a sufficient number of buyers, there's a definite possibility the ultimate open-top 718 could happen. It would certainly be a milestone model and an incredible send-off for the combustion-powered sports car.
The next-generation 718 series will switch to an all-electric setup. The electric 718 will retain its mid-engined feel thanks to battery pack positioning in the same place as the engine is currently.
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