New 718 Cayman GT4 RS and Taycan GTS among numerous Porsche world premieres in California

Saudi Arabia: Porsche is cruising into the future in three lanes: alongside exhilarating petrol engines and powerful plug-in hybrids, electric powertrains form the third pillar of the powertrain strategy. This diversity is on display with numerous world premieres taking centre stage at the LA Auto Show. In addition to the new 718 Cayman GT4 RS, one of the highlights at this year’s event, the 718 Cayman GT4 RS Clubsport, the Taycan GTS and the Panamera Platinum Edition are making their first appearances.

Maximum driving pleasure: the 718 Cayman GT4 RS and 718 Cayman GT4 RS Clubsport

When 500 PS (368 kW) from a high-revving mid-mounted engine meets a purist 1,415 kg kerb weight, it is time for the term ‘driving pleasure‘ to be redefined: the Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS is the new flagship model in the 718 family. The uncompromising driver’s car designed to impress with its lightweight construction, extremely agile chassis set-up, sophisticated aerodynamics and unique soundtrack.

The naturally aspirated flat-six engine, familiar from the 911 GT3 Cup racing car and the 911 GT3 series production model, forms the centrepiece of a sports car that has been designed for maximum driving pleasure. The engine revs as high as 9,000 rpm. Compared to the 718 Cayman GT4, the 718 Cayman GT4 RS has an extra 80 PS (59 kW), resulting in a weight-to-power ratio of 2.83 kg/PS. Maximum torque has been increased from 430 to 450 Nm.

The sports low-ratio PDK underpins the incredible acceleration of this mid-engined sports car. The 718 Cayman GT4 RS sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.4 seconds (GT4 with PDK: 3.9 seconds) and has a top speed of 315 km/h (GT4 with PDK: 302 km/h), which it reaches in seventh gear.

The new Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS outpaced its sibling, the 718 Cayman GT4, on the Nürburgring Nordschleife by more than 23 seconds with a time of 7:04.511 minutes on the 20.6 km version of the circuit.

Among the striking features of the new, top-of-the-range 718 are the process air intakes behind the driver and passenger windows. They improve both the intake airflow and create a thrilling intake noise right next to the occupants’ ears.

In addition, the new fixed rear wing, its swan-neck attachment and aluminium wing supports, are a distinctive element of the exterior design. This highly efficient wing principle is derived from the Porsche 911 RSR GT racing car and was first adopted in a Porsche series production car with the 911 GT3. An optional Weissach package takes the dynamic design of the GT4 RS even further.

The new 718 Cayman GT4 RS is available for order from today with first deliveries set to commence in the second quarter of 2022.

At the same time, the 718 Cayman GT4 RS Clubsport racing version celebrates its premiere in Los Angeles. From 2022, the customer sports car will be launched in multiple national and international racing series. In addition to many upgraded details to further improve the overall performance, the standard 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (PDK) now uses all seven forward gears (rather than six) featuring shorter ratios. Depending on the track and series-specific regulations, the new 718 Cayman GT4 RS Clubsport can achieve lap times that are over two percent quicker than the previous model.

First Taycan with a range of over 500 km: the new Taycan GTS

With a range of up to 504 km, based on WLTP figures, the new Taycan GTS is the first representative of the model series to hit the 500-km mark. As the sporty all-rounder of the model range it has an impressive 440 kW (598 PS) of overboost power when using Launch Control. The sprint from zero to 100 km/h can be achieved within 3.7 seconds. The maximum speed is 250 km/h.

The adaptive air suspension, including Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM), is specifically adapted to the GTS to further enhance lateral dynamics. The set-up of the optional rear-axle steering is also even sportier. The richer sound pattern of the modified Porsche Electric Sport Sound underscores the character of the new GTS model.

The exterior and interior are distinctive. There are numerous Black or dark details on the exterior, such as the front apron, the bases of the exterior mirrors and the side window trims. Numerous Black Race-Tex features in the interior underscore the elegant, dynamic ambience, as does the standard brushed aluminium interior package with Black anodised finish.

A panoramic roof with Sunshine Control is available as a new optional extra for the Taycan GTS. An electrically switchable liquid crystal film can change the roof from clear to matt. This protects the occupants from glare, without darkening the interior. The roof is divided into nine segments that can be switched individually – a world first in the automotive sector. In addition to the Clear and Matt settings, Semi and Bold can also be selected. These are predefined patterns with narrow or wide segments.

The new Taycan GTS can be ordered as of today. First deliveries are expected to arrive in the second quarter of 2022.

Porsche’s world premieres at the LA Auto Show 2021 include the Panamera Platinum Edition combining elegant, sporty design and high-quality equipment at an attractive price.