With the kit, the GT4 RS is over six seconds quicker around the Nurburgring.
- Aerodynamic kit optimized for the track
- Almost double the downforce at 124 mph
- New rear wing is 3.4 inches wider
- Official Nurburgring lap time of 7:03.121 minutes
- Pricing and availability to be announced later
Porsche has slashed over six seconds off the Nurburgring Nordschleife lap time of the 718 Cayman GT4 RS thanks to a new track-optimized Manthey kit. Bound for the US market, the new package introduces a series of enhancements to the coupe's aerodynamics as well as its chassis components, with a braking upgrade also available at an additional cost.
With everything that the Manthey kit brings to the table, the 493-horsepower GT4 RS can now complete a lap of the 12.944-mile stretch of the Nurburgring in 7:03.121 minutes, exactly 6.179 seconds quicker than the standard model without the kit. It's a pity that the RS couldn't come in below the magic seven-minute mark, but it's quite a bit closer than it was.
Double The Downforce
As you walk up to the GT4 RS equipped with this kit, you can already spot the visual changes thanks to the new functional aero elements. In front, there are flaps and upgraded air curtains complete with a wheel arch Gurney flap. Together with a new carbon underbody with diffusers, these changes help to improve downforce at the front of the coupe.
At the back, there is a new rear wing that is around 3.4 inches broader than the standard one. It has four positions instead of three, along with larger side blades. The rear engine cover that conceals the brutish 4.0-liter flat-six mill is now reinforced with a carbon-weave finish, and aerodiscs on the rear wheels are formed from carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP), a change that lowers turbulence at the back of the car.
When the wing is in its Performance position, the GT4 RS now manages 372 pounds of downforce at 124 mph – almost double the 196 lbs achieved by the normal model at that speed.
Upgraded Coilover Suspension
Porsche and Manthey also worked on a unique coilover suspension that forms part of this kit. The inverted setup features changes like spring struts with four positions, as well as the ability to adjust the rebound and compression stages without any tools, not too dissimilar to the functions offered by the 911 GT3 RS. In front, spring rates are up by 20%.
Two chassis configurations will be available based on whether or not the front axle lift system is specified, a feature worth looking at considering that the standard GT4 RS had just four inches of ground clearance to work with.
To guarantee ideal braking performance, the kit comes with standard steel brake lines, but racing brake pads are also available. These pads have a constant friction behavior over a wide temperature range.
Manthey Kit Extras And Pricing
The kit also comes with illuminated door sill guards featuring the Manthey logo, and another option is a CFRP rear spoiler attachment with a carbon-weave finish, contributing even further to the maximum downforce. CFRP wheel arch vents on the front fenders are also on offer, and these resemble the appearance of the Weissach Package.
As for pricing and availability dates, Porsche will confirm both at a later stage. And since Porsche worked closely with Manthey to develop this kit, the Cayman's warranty is unaffected.
As for that blistering lap time, the car was driven by brand ambassador Jorg Bergmeister who also set a record for naturally-aspirated production cars last year in the latest 911 GT3 RS. The lap time was certified by an on-site notary, and the GT4 RS used was riding on Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires.
Manthey's expertise in unleashing the best of Porsche's sports cars is no secret. It took until late last year for the Nurburgring record for road-legal production cars – formerly held by the Manthey Racing Porsche 911 GT2 RS – to be shattered by the Mercedes-AMG ONE.
Keyword: Porsche Reveals Track-Optimized Manthey Kit For 718 Cayman GT4 RS