Since Porsche introduced the new 2022 718 GT4 RS in November, the phrase “race car for the street” has been tossed about quite often in news stories and online comment sections, and for good reason. It provides much of what makes the fabulous 911 GT3 RS so highly sought after by performance enthusiasts, but in a smaller, lighter, mid-engine package.

Now, following in the tire tracks of the even more intensely impressive 911 GT3 Cup race car, the 718 Cayman GT4 RS Clubsport is a track-ready alternative to the luxury- lined road-going model. It boasts the same high-revving engine as its street-legal sibling and the GT3, a naturally aspirated 4.0-litre flat-six capable of revving to 9,000 rpm, albeit making its 500-maximum horsepower at 8,300 revs and 343 pound-feet of potential torque at 6,000 rpm. Unlike the street model, however, which comes with Porsche’s six- speed manual gearbox, the Clubsport is only available with Porsche’s seven-speed dual- clutch transmission, and therefore provides quicker shifts for heightened performance.

Additional motorsport-focused features include a massive swan neck rear wing that can be adjusted to optimize downforce or straight-line speed, while below the car are two- way adjustable dampers and adjustable anti-roll bars. Ride height, toe, and camber can also be tweaked as needed, while teams can choose one of three spring rates for both front and rear axles.

Putting a quick stop to forward momentum happens via giant 15.0-inch front discs, which are in fact cooled by the 718 Cayman GT4 RS Clubsport’s NACA hood vents, while maintaining control under braking is aided by a special track-tuned stability control program.

 

Say so-long to all the luxury and convenience features

In place of the luxuries found in the regular 718 Cayman GT4 RS, a roll cage is welded into the Clubsport’s cabin, while a single Recaro racing seat provides ultimate support via a six-point harness. A fire extinguisher is always close by, too, as is required for entry in every legitimate racing series, while the Clubsport also features a built-in air-jack. Lastly, a 138.2-litre (30.4-gal) fuel cell can be added for longer stints.

If you were starting to question whether removing all the pricey leather, infotainment and other niceties from a regular GT4 RS might reduce the price of this race-spec Clubsport, think again. Compared to the road-ready 718 Cayman GT4 RS, which starts at $160,600, the Clubsport hits the track at $229,000 USD, or about $293,400 CAD. Motorsport has never been a poor person’s pastime, although compared to most racing cars’ build costs, this turnkey solution is very reasonable.

Those wanting a new Clubsport can certainly inquire at Porsche Centre Vancouver, whereas the rest of us can rest assured that the regular 718 Cayman GT4 RS is as close to race-ready perfection as road-going cars get.

 

Acquire yours by contacting Porsche Centre Vancouver at (604) 736-7911, or visiting us in our showroom at 688 Terminal Ave, Vancouver.