Performance Cars

Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS: A Track-First Driver's Car That Gets Almost Everything Right

Wet circuit miles with the Porsche GT4 RS reveal a car with an animalistic flat-six, crisp PDK shifts, and chassis communication that borders on telepathy.

Published: 10/15/2026 Updated: 10/15/2026

Low mid-engine performance coupe with rear wing parked on wet tarmac

Introduction

Few cars arrive with as much expectation as the Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS. The standard GT4 was already a celebrated performance car, but the RS version takes a noticeably bigger swing. This is not a slow-burn upgrade; in most respects it feels like an almost completely different car.

First Impressions: Wet Circuit, Full Commitment

On a soaked circuit, with standing water in the pit lane and grip levels dropping by the lap, the GT4 RS does something remarkable: it keeps you informed. As grip ebbs and flows, you feel it nibbling at the edges through the steering, which makes even slippery laps feel manageable rather than frightening.

Performance coupe on a wet circuit with spray rising from the tyres

That level of communication is a credit to the chassis. It is demanding in the sense that it is very precise, and it rewards drivers who pay attention.

The Engine: Loud, Immediate, Unforgettable

The engine is the headline act. With around 500 horsepower on tap and character to spare, it responds to the throttle with something best described as animalistic. Short gearing amplifies everything, making the whole acceleration process feel incredibly intense.

Rear deck of a sports car with engine intake vents in soft light

Because the engine sits right behind your head, the induction noise is raw and all-consuming. Even with a helmet on, it frazzles your brain on first contact, and the crisp downshifts from the PDK transmission complete the experience.

Steering, Braking and the Manual Question

The chassis is exactly what you would expect from a GT4: fantastic. The steering is precise, confident, and pure in the way it steers, which is impressive given it uses an electric rack rather than hydraulic assistance. Braking is exemplary, with wonderful feel through the pedal.

Driver's hands on a steering wheel inside a focused performance cockpit

As for the manual question: purists will always choose three pedals, but with this engine, this level of performance, and the crispness of the shifts, the PDK suits the car exceptionally well. A manual would simply keep you too busy.

Things to Consider Before Buying

On a damp circuit it was not possible to fully explore the aerodynamics or the outright grip ceiling, so buyers focused on maximum lap performance should aim for a dry-weather drive before committing. That said, the overall picture is remarkably consistent: there is very little here to criticize.

Sports car parked in a pit lane on a damp overcast morning

This car encapsulates what makes a great driver’s car: a wonderful engine, a balanced chassis, precise steering, a superb gearbox, and looks that match the substance.

Buying Advice

The GT4 RS makes sense for drivers who prioritize engagement over convenience. If you want the most intense version of the Cayman experience and can accept the PDK over a manual, it delivers on nearly every front. Try to secure circuit time in the dry to explore its full potential.

Conclusion

The Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS is a big step on from the car it replaces in spirit as well as name. Raw, communicative, and genuinely exciting, it earns its place among the very best driver’s cars on sale.

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