The Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS, already a formidable supercar contender, has been further enhanced with an optional Manthey Kit, pushing its track performance to the limits. This joint effort between Porsche Motorsport and the ‘Nordschleife specialists’ at Manthey, a German racing team with seven Nürburgring 24 Hours victories, offers more downforce and improved brakes. The Manthey Kit, whose price is yet to be confirmed, will be available through UK Porsche dealers from December.
A Powerhouse Unchanged
Despite the enhancements, the Manthey Kit does not increase the GT4 RS’s power. The 4.0-litre naturally aspirated flat-six engine, shared with the 911 GT3, continues to deliver 500hp at a heady 8,400rpm. This power enables the car to accelerate from 0-62mph in 3.4 seconds and reach a top speed of 194mph (ca. 312 km/h).
Aerodynamic Improvements
The Manthey Kit’s upgrades focus primarily on aerodynamics. The car’s front incorporates new air curtains, wheelarch Gurney flaps, and a carbon fibre undertray with built-in diffusers. At the rear, Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) aerodisc wheels reduce turbulence, and an 85 mm wider spoiler offers four stages of adjustment, almost doubling downforce to 169 kg at 200kph (124mph (ca. 200 km/h)) in its Performance setting.
Suspension and Brake Upgrades
Manthey has also stiffened the coilover suspension springs by 20 percent and offers optional racing brake pads. Additional features include front and rear towing loops and illuminated door sill guards bearing the Manthey logo, adding a touch of style to the functionality.
Nürburgring Lap-Time
The Manthey GT4 RS, driven by Joerg Bergmeister and equipped with super-sticky (but road-legal) Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tyres, lapped the Nürburgring in 7 min 3.12sec. This time is 6.18 seconds quicker than the standard car, although still behind the latest Porsche 911 GT3 RS.
While the real-world difference the Manthey Kit makes may be debatable, there’s an undeniable allure to owning the ultimate GT4 RS. This model represents the fastest, most extreme Cayman before its electric successor arrives in 2025. Whether you’re a track day enthusiast or a Porsche aficionado, the Manthey-enhanced GT4 RS is a testament to Porsche’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of performance and engineering.