How Porsche's 718 Cayman GT4 RS Manthey Kit Redefines Sports Car Excellence - And Why It's Worth Audi Q5 Sportback Dollars
When the conversation turns to Porsche's lineup, the 718 series is often unfairly overshadowed by its more illustrious sibling, the iconic 911. Yet, for those in the know, the 718 series, particularly the Cayman GT4 RS, is a standout performer that doesn't just follow in the 911's tracks but forges its own path of excellence. It's a testament to Porsche's relentless pursuit of perfection, offering a driving experience that's razor-sharp, visceral, and utterly intoxicating.
The crown jewel in the 718’s lineup is undoubtedly the Cayman GT4 RS. Unlike its siblings, which are no slouches, the GT4 RS is a different beast altogether. This is in no small part due to its heart—a free-breathing six-cylinder engine that borrows its DNA from the high-revving powerplants found in the 992-generation 911 GT3 and GT3 RS. However, while all GT models are special, not all are created equal.
Exclusive Performance, Exclusive Price
The allure of the GT4 RS intensifies with the Manthey racing-kit-upgrade">performance kit, designed exclusively for this model. The kit, with its price tag of $53,946 excluding installation, places it in the realm of the Audi Q5 Sportback in terms of financial outlay. For an additional $5,890, enthusiasts can further enhance their GT4 RS with aerodynamic components aimed at boosting rear-axle downforce by four percent—a small percentage that translates into significant performance gains.
To quantify the utility of this kit, consider this: the base 718 Cayman GT4 RS commands a handsome sum of $160,700. Add the Manthey kit and the supplementary downforce package, and you're looking at a total expenditure of $220,536—excluding destination charges, dealer markups, and the cost of installation. A hefty sum, indeed, but one that's justified by the kit's considerable impact on performance.
A Proven Difference on the Nürburgring
The efficacy of the Manthey performance kit isn't merely theoretical. On the punishing tarmac of the Nürburgring, often referred to as the 'Green Hell', the kit helped shave off more than six seconds from the lap time of the standard GT4 RS. Piloted by Jorg Bergmeister, a former racing driver, the equipped GT4 RS clocked an astounding 7:03.121 on Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires. This improvement underscores the transformative effect the Manthey kit has on an already formidable sports car.
The Components of Excellence
What exactly does the Manthey kit comprise? The ensemble is a collection of meticulously engineered components designed to enhance the car's performance envelope. Highlights include a larger, adjustable rear wing, carbon-fiber reinforcements for the engine cover, a coilover suspension system with multiple settings for spring preload, and tailored brake lines. The $5,890 supplementary package further refines the car's aerodynamics, including enhanced front fender louvers and a more pronounced rear wing.
The Future of the 718
Looking ahead, the GT4 RS signifies the pinnacle of internal combustion performance within the 718 series, particularly as the series approaches its electrified future. By 2024, Europe will bid farewell to the internal combustion 718, paving the way for its all-electric successor. This transition, driven by stringent European Union cybersecurity and emissions regulations, heralds a new chapter for the 718, as it adopts the Premium Platform Electric jointly developed by Porsche and Audi.
As the internal combustion era of the 718 series draws to a close, the Cayman GT4 RS—enhanced by the Manthey performance kit—stands as a fitting tribute to the sheer driving pleasure and technical mastery that have defined Porsche’s mid-engine sports cars. For those fortunate enough to experience it, the GT4 RS Manthey-kit represents not just a significant financial investment, but an entry into a unique fraternity of automotive enthusiasts who understand that some driving experiences are truly priceless.