Like it or lump it, both 718 models’ horizontally opposed “lumps” are getting tossed when the two sports cars’ fifth generation debuts in three years. According to Porsche CEO Oliver Blume, the…
The next-generation 718 Boxster and Cayman will be 100-percent electric when they debut in 2025.
Like it or lump it, both 718 models’ horizontally opposed “lumps” are getting tossed when the two sports cars’ fifth generation debuts in three years.
According to Porsche CEO Oliver Blume, the mid-engine 718 Cayman coupe and 718 Boxster convertible, plus the Spyder if offered, will say goodbye to their flat-four and flat-six engines by 2025, replaced by fully electric power.
No announcements about powertrain specifics are available, but Porsche’s entry-level sports cars are being designed to keep their lightweight DNA intact, while plenty of lessons learned from building the all-electric Porsche Taycan, as well as the upcoming 2024 Macan EV (that we covered previously), should aid development of the two-place performance duet.
Tech from LMP1 Le Mans racer and 919 hypercar expected for 911 hybrid power unit
The 911 will keep its combustion powerplant lineup in 2025, but a hybrid will join the fray.
Additionally, Porsche’s 911 will continue forward with a lineup of internal combustion engines for the unforeseen future, but take note that its powertrain choices will expand to include a hybrid-electric option for 2025. Blume stated this electrified 911 will even source its tech from the brand’s multi-championship-winning motorsports division, with a nod to the LMP1 Le Mans race-spec power unit, which was also used in the phenomenal 919 hybrid supercar. Blume went further to suggest that a future 911 GT3 would receive a version of new hybrid powerplant.
Hybrids in mind, could F1 be in Porsche’s future? While we wouldn’t want to guess, Blume did tease that more surprises could be expected in the near future.
Story credits: Trevor Hofmann
Photo credits: Porsche
Just in case Porsche’s new 2022 718 Cayman GT4 RS isn’t intense enough for you, a new Clubsport model adds a handy helping of track-ready components after almost completely gutting the interior, resulting…
Porsche’s 2022 718 Cayman GT4 RS and new Clubsport model (left) are perfect track warriors for your next Sunday afternoon autocross session.
Just in case Porsche’s new 2022 718 Cayman GT4 RS isn’t intense enough for you, a new Clubsport model adds a handy helping of track-ready components after almost completely gutting the interior, resulting in one of the most enticing OEM race cars the auto industry has ever produced.
Let’s face it. The 718 Cayman GT4 RS is already one of the best road-going performance cars available, thanks to a lightweight mid-engine layout, plenty of 911 components, and a 4.0-litre horizontally opposed six pulled from the fabulous GT3 RS, this mill good for a sensational 500 horsepower and 343 pound-feet of torque. The engines spins to a stratospheric 9,000 rpm, makes peak thrust at 8,300 rpm, maximum twist at 6,000 rpm, and comes with a special six-speed manual transmission that’s said to be pure bliss to shift.
The Clubsport’s huge rear wing is adjustable, just like most other track-ready components that make it an out-of-the-box force to be reckoned with.
The new Clubsport version does away with the DIY gearbox, however, substituting it for a quicker shifting seven-speed dual-clutch PDK with paddles, which is more ideally suited for track use, while additional racecourse-ready performance parts include a gargantuan swan-neck rear wing that teams can adjust for optimized downforce or increased straight-line speed, while under this special Cayman are two-way adjustable shocks as well as a set of anti-roll bars that can be tweaked individually too. Likewise, the Clubsport’s ride height, toe, and camber can also be adjusted as required, plus teams can opt for one of three pre-set spring rates with either the front or rear axle.
Clamping down on velocity, performance calipers bite into sizeable 15.0-inch front rotors that are actually cooled by the big NACA vents atop the 718 Cayman GT4 RS Clubsport’s hood, while enhancing braking control and handling further is race-tuned stability control system.
As cool as the Clubsport is, most of us would be much happier at the wheel of a regular 2022 Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS.
A quick peek inside shows an interior devoid of the types of leather, microsuede, carbon fibre and electronics normally found in a 718 Cayman GT4 RS, instead replaced by white painted metal for most surfaces, along with a welded-in roll cage, one sole Recaro driver’s seat with a six-point racing harness, and a fire extinguisher. The Clubsport gets a built-in air-jack too, while an optional 138.2-litre (30.4-gal) fuel cell can be included for longer races.
All added up, it only makes sense that removing the high-end hides, metals and electronics should decrease the price, right? Hardly. In fact, all the Clubsport fittings nearly double the window sticker, from a base of $160,600 for the 2022 718 Cayman GT4 RS, to $229,000 USD, or approximately $293,400 CAD for the race-spec version.
The new Clubsport is nevertheless considered a good value within racing circles, however, something you’ll know all too well if you’re actually considering buying one. Everyone else would be better served behind the leather-wrapped wheel of a regular 718 Cayman GT4 RS, and currently Porsche is offering factory leasing and financing rates from zero percent, while CarCostCanada members are saving an average of $1,000 off of retail. Check out how the CarCostCanada system works, and remember to download their free app from the Google Play Store or Apple Store.
The new 718 Cayman GT4 RS Clubsport (12:18):
Story credits: Trevor Hofmann
Photo credits: Porsche
Porsche has once again earned top spot amongst premium brands in J.D. Power most recent 2021 Customer Service Index (CSI) Study. It’s the second time in three years that Porsche was awarded first place…
After earning top spot in its class for dependability with its latest Macan, JD Power awarded Porsche with its highest CSI score for 2021.
Porsche has once again earned top spot amongst premium brands in J.D. Power most recent 2021 Customer Service Index (CSI) Study.
It’s the second time in three years that Porsche was awarded first place in the luxury sector, and this happened just a month after the brand earned a “most trouble-free new car overall” ranking for its 911 sports car in the same third-party analytics firm’s latest 2021 Vehicle Dependability Study, and the Macan achieved the highest position possible in its “Premium Compact SUV” class.
“Our dealers worked hard for our customers throughout the initial lockdowns of the past year and subsequent social distancing and health measures to make sure they could rely on Porsche,” stated Kjell Gruner, President and CEO of Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (PCNA). “We are continually striving to not just meet, but exceed the high expectations of our customers – and it’s vital that the quality of service must live up to that vision.”
The 2021 Porsche 911 earned the highest overall score amongst luxury vehicles in JD Power’s latest Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS).
The J.D. Power CSI Study measures “customer satisfaction with service for maintenance or repair work among owners and lessees of 1- to 3-year-old vehicles,” with the survey’s latest data collection period having taken place from July 2020 through December 2020. More than 62,500 new vehicle owners responded to this CSI study, allowing for a comprehensive ownership base to draw results from.
Porsche garnered 17 additional points since last year’s CSI study, incidentally, with its 2021 results totalling 899 points out of a possible 1,000. The automaker’s retail outlets were ranked in either first or second place in each of the survey’s five categories, which include Service Facility, Service Advisor, Service Initiation, Service Quality, and Vehicle Pick-Up.
According to JD Power, less things break on Porsches, and when they do (or its customers just need a service), they’re treated better by Porsche dealers.
According to CarCostCanada, Porsche is offering all models with zero-percent financing, so follow the links embedded into each model’s name (above) to see their body style and trim pricing, to configure a car with all of its colours and options, and learn about any other manufacturer incentives that may be available. Also, be sure to find out about a CarCostCanada membership so you can access dealer invoice pricing that can save you thousands when negotiating your next deal, and remember to download the free CarCostCanada app so you can access all of this important information when you need it most.
Story credits: Trevor Hofmann
Photo credits: Porsche
It’s official, a new Guinness World Record for fastest slalom time has been set by 16-year old Chloe Chambers who managed to slice through 50 evenly placed cones in just 47.45 seconds. Chambers, with…
Talented 16-year old kart racer Chloe Chambers just set a Guinness World slalom Record while driving a new 2020 Porsche 718 Spyder.
It’s official, a new Guinness World Record for fastest slalom time has been set by 16-year old Chloe Chambers who managed to slice through 50 evenly placed cones in just 47.45 seconds.
Chambers, with five years of kart racing under her belt, joined up with Porsche to achieve the feat, and did so at the wheel of a 2020 Porsche 718 Spyder, smashing the previous record of 48.11 seconds set in 2018 by Jia Qiang, who was driving a Chevrolet Camaro.
“It looks easy, but it’s really not – to weave between 50 cones as fast as possible, trying to beat a record time and knowing I couldn’t touch a single one for the run to count – I definitely felt the pressure,” said Chambers. “Everything came together on my final run; the car worked beautifully and I found the grip I needed. Thank you to my family and to Porsche for supporting and believing in me.”
Chambers looking confident at the wheel of Porsche’s 414-hp 718 Spyder.
The 718 Spyder is powered by a special naturally-aspirated 414 horsepower 4.0-litre “boxer” six-cylinder engine that comes complete with a lofty 8,000-rpm capability (and 7,600-rpm redline), while it’s exclusively mated up to a six-speed manual transmission. Like the 718 Boxster roadster and 718 Cayman coupe, the 718 Spyder mounts its motor just ahead of the rear wheels for an optimal mid-engine layout, making it particularly adept at high-speed handling.
The 718 Spyder, which shares mechanicals with the 718 Cayman GT4, also incorporates a “track-bred” Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) system including adaptive dampers, helper springs at the rear axle, plus a 30-mm (1.18-inch) ride height reduction when compared to the standard 718 Boxster or 718 Cayman.
Chambers signed this Guinness World Records hat with a record-setting slalom time of 47.45 seconds.
“We couldn’t be more proud that Chloe set the record,” said Klaus Zellmer, President and CEO of Porsche Cars North America. “From the whole Porsche family, we send our heartfelt congratulations – we’re pleased to have been able to support Chloe with her ambitious record attempt and share her relief that it was successful.”
3D printing is nothing new in the auto industry, but customizing form-fitted sport seats for customer racers is an innovative way to test out a potential new personalization product. Then again, Porsche…
Porsche’s new “3D-printed bodyform full-bucket seat” uses sandwich construction for form-fitted comfort. (Photo: Porsche)
3D printing is nothing new in the auto industry, but customizing form-fitted sport seats for customer racers is an innovative way to test out a potential new personalization product.
Then again, Porsche has long used motorsport to hone its road cars, so the act of creating 40 prototypes of its “3D-printed bodyform full-bucket seat” for some European-based 911 and 718 client racers isn’t too much of a stretch.
Porsche Tequipment will start producing the new six-point safety belt-equipped “bodyform” driver’s seat prototypes in May 2020, and after it receives enough feedback from those customers, which will be incorporated into the seat’s development, it will start making them available to road car customers in soft, medium and hard firmness levels and various colours though its Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur division from mid-2021.
The coloured components in the 3D-printed “lattice structure” give the seat a wholly unique look. (Photo: Porsche)
Just to be clear, custom-fitted driver’s seats have been part of the motorsports world for almost as long as car racing has existed, but 3D-printing technology will allow the same level of personalization in Porsche’s road cars, as long as enough owners expressed an interest.
Together with a driver’s seat specifically designed around an individual customer’s body contour, the new 3D-produced seats would allow for “an extended range of colours” so that owners could match their cars’ interiors to Porsche’s available “Special” colour palette, and their “Custom Colour” requests.
Porsche produces this “lattice structure” in a 3D printer and then incorporates it into the seat. (Photo: Porsche)
Along with the ergonomic fit for enhanced comfort and control, the new 3D-printed bodyform driver’s seat will allow for a totally unique interior design, plus lowered weight, and even “passive climate control” says Porsche, the latter due to the seat’s sandwich construction.
The base support, which is produced from expanded polypropylene (EPP), gets bonded to a “breathable comfort layer consisting of a mixture of polyurethane-based materials.” The external skin, made out of “Racetex,” features a perforation pattern that allows for climate control, while “window panels” expose the coloured components in the 3D-printed “lattice structure” and therefore give the seat a completely original look.
The breathable material allows for “passive climate control”. Photo: Porsche)
“The seat is the interface between the human and the vehicle, and is thus important for precise, sporty handling. That’s why personalized seat shells customized for the driver have been standard in race cars for a long time now,” commented Michael Steiner, Member of the Executive Board for Research and Development at Porsche. “With the ‘3D-printed bodyform full-bucket seat’, we’re once again giving series-production customers the opportunity to experience technology carried over from motor sports.”
Porsche introduced its exciting new 718 T trim line to the European market last year, and now it’s time for Canadian sports car enthusiasts to benefit from these lighter weight, better handling new…
The new 718 Boxster T provides sportier styling, suspension upgrades and interior modifications for less money than an S or GTS. (Photo: Porsche)
Porsche introduced its exciting new 718 T trim line to the European market last year, and now it’s time for Canadian sports car enthusiasts to benefit from these lighter weight, better handling new models.
Starting at $74,400 for the 718 Cayman T and $76,800 for the 718 Boxster T, which is an increase of $10,700 over their respective base models, the new entries slot in just above the base models and below the 718 Cayman S and 718 Boxster S. The well-rounded 718 lineup also includes even sportier GTS trim, while the Cayman can be had in track-ready GT4 form, and the Boxster can be upgraded to the sensational Spyder.
While not as powerful as some of the other trims, Porsche is promising less of what you don’t want and more of what you do, or in other words those looking for more performance features in a car that costs less than a GTS will probably like what the Stuttgart-based premium brand has in store.
Like with other 718 models, the Cayman T incorporates all of the same upgrades as the Boxster T, plus a hardtop. (Photo: Porsche)
Powered solely by the base 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder boxer engine, which puts out a strong 300 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque, the T designation adds a short-throw shifter, a mechanically locking differential, and Porsche Torque Vectoring (PTV) to six-speed manual cars, or alternatively the Sport Chrono Package comes standard with seven-speed dual-clutch automated PDK models, the latter resulting in a 0.2-second whack to the backside off the line from a car that’s already 0.2 seconds quicker than the DIY gearbox.
The Sport Chrono Package also includes Launch Control and a “push-to-pass” style Sport Response button in the centre of the steering wheel-mounted driving mode switch, making this transmission the best option for those purely focused on performance.
718 T models get plenty of updates inside, but don’t worry, Canadian-spec models will include a centre touchscreen. (Photo: Porsche)
Porsche created the 718 T for “driving pleasure in its purest form” as stated in its January 7, 2020 press release, however, adding that “T stands for ‘Touring’ in Porsche models” and therefore “the 718 T will be most at home on winding country roads,” so therefore you may want to satisfy your soul with the traditional six-speed manual even if it’s not quite as quick off the line.
The new 2020 718 Cayman T and 718 Boxster T pull off the same straight-line acceleration times as the already quick entry-level Boxster and Cayman siblings, with standstill to 100 km/h arriving at just 5.1 seconds apiece, while PDK-equipped cars manage the feat in just 4.9 to 4.7 seconds, just like the base 718 models. Likewise, both T cars’ top track speeds are identical to their base counterparts at 275 km/h.
Who needs door handles? T trim replaces the inner release handles with these mesh pulls. (Photo: Porsche)
Bigger changes to 718 T models affect handling and control, thanks to standard Porsche Active Drivetrain Mounts (PADM) that incorporate dynamic hard and soft gearbox mounts for reduced vibration and improved performance, plus a sport exhaust system, special high-gloss titanium grey-painted 20-inch five-spoke alloy wheels, and lastly a first for the base turbocharged four-cylinder engine, the Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) electronic damping system that, depending on the Normal, Sport, Sport Plus or Individual driving mode selected, instantly adjusts for road surface conditions and changes to driving style. Everything just listed sits on a 20-millimetre lower ride height, resulting in a reduced centre of gravity and thus better control all around.
T models get red painted “H” patterns atop their manual shift levers. (Photo: Porsche)
Making the new models stand out visually, Porsche adds a grey side striping package with “718 Cayman T” or “718 Boxster T” script, while the mirror caps are painted Agate grey to match the just-noted wheels, and twin black chrome tailpipes poke out from the back.
Moving to the inside, the new 718 T models include a GT sport steering wheel, scripted “Cayman T” or “Boxster T” logos highlighting the black instrument dials, gloss black instrument panel inlays and centre console trim, red paint for the gear shift pattern atop the shift knob, two-way powered seats, seat upholstery featuring black Sport-Tex centre sections, embroidered “718” logos on the headrests, plus the most identifiable addition of all, black mesh fabric door pulls in place of the usual inner door handles, which can be changed for optional coloured pulls as shown in the photos.
Special side stripes include Porsche’s usual italicized model designations. (Photo: Porsche)
When you’re checking over those photos you may also notice something missing from both cars’ instrument panels, their Porsche Communication Management (PCM) touchscreens that were removed to reduce weight, and replaced by a large storage compartment. When your 718 T arrives this summer you it won’t have this glaring omission due to a regulation that made reverse cameras mandatory as of May 2018, so expect the same high-resolution infotainment display and full assortment of leading-edge features as found in the current 718 Cayman and 718 Boxster.
The two new T models will be available in a variety of colours to allow for plenty of personalization, including Black, Guards Red, Racing Yellow, and White exterior base coatings, optional Carrara White, Jet Black and GT Silver metallic paints, and finally Lava Orange and Miami Blue special colours.
To learn more or order one for yourself, contact your local Porsche retailer.
Also, be sure to watch the videos below to witness the new 2020 718 Cayman T and 718 Boxster T in action:
The new Porsche 718 Boxster T and 718 Cayman T. Welcome to life. (1:17):
The new Porsche 718 Boxster T and 718 Cayman T. First Driving Footage. (1:49):
JP Performance Test Drive: The Porsche 718 T Models. (1:08):
A significant coup for last month’s Canadian International Auto Show was the introduction of the new Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 Clubsport, a car rooted in the legendary brand’s racing heritage. The track-only…
The new 718 Cayman GT4 Clubsport is lighter, nimbler and faster than the outgoing version. (Photo: Porsche)
A significant coup for last month’s Canadian International Auto Show was the introduction of the new Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 Clubsport, a car rooted in the legendary brand’s racing heritage. The track-only Cayman, which was revealed in January at the Daytona International Speedway, made its first official motor show appearance at the Toronto event.
The updated 718 Cayman GT4 Clubsport is now in its second generation, the first arriving on the motorsport scene in 2016 sans “718” script on the rear deck lid. Unlike the previous version, the new GT4 Clubsport can be had in two forms: first as a “Trackday” car set up for “ambitious amateur racing drivers,” and second as “a ‘Competition’ variant for national and international motor racing,” the latter to notably be used for this year’s GT3 Cup Challenge Canada series.
Styling has changed thanks to the 718 update, but teams and drivers will only care about performance improvements. (Photo: Porsche)
Ahead of pointing out differences, both 718 Cayman GT4 Clubsport models receive an updated version of the old 3.8-litre flat-six “boxer” engine, now good for 425 horsepower at 7,800 rpm, a 40-horsepower improvement over the previous 2016 car, while torque is now 4 lb-ft greater, to 313 lb-ft at 6,600 rpm.
Of note, this is the first six-cylinder 718 Cayman application since the car’s 2017 model year debut, due to the current 982-generation only using a turbocharged four-cylinder in various states of tune, causing some pundits to question whether a road-worthy Cayman with a horizontally opposed six-cylinder positioned just ahead of its rear axle will bolster the 718 Cayman ranks.
No doubt the race-spec brakes with 380-mm discs and six-piston front, four-piston rear calipers can manage high-speed vertical challenges. (Photo: Porsche)
That new GT4 Clubsport flat-six, which feeds on 98 octane Super Plus unleaded gasoline, packs a 12.5:1 compression ratio, integrated dry sump lubrication, racing-optimized engine and transmission water cooling with thermal management, four-valve technology with adjustable camshaft phasing and VarioCam Plus variable valve timing, a racing-optimized Continental SDI 9 electronic engine management system, plus more.
Where the previous GT4 Clubsport shifted gears through a short-throw six-speed manual transmission, the new 718 version will solely utilize Porsche’s dual-clutch PDK automated gearbox, albeit with only six forward gears instead of the usual seven. The new model also features a reinforced dual mass flywheel, a racing-optimized electronic control unit, a racing-optimized mechanical rear axle differential lock, plus an internal pressure oil lubrication system boasting active oil cooling.
The GT4 Clubsport utilizes 911 GT3-inspired aerodynamics to keep its nose and tail glued to the ground. (Photo: Porsche)
Additional modifications over road-going 718 Caymans include implementation of the 911 GT3 Cup car’s lightweight spring-strut front suspension; front and rear height, camber and track adjustable dampers; fixed shock absorbers with the Trackday car, or three-way racing shocks with rebound and two-stage high- and low-speed compression adjustment for the Competition; front and rear forged suspension links with optimized stiffness, double shear mountings, and high-performance spherical bearings; a three-hole design anti-roll bar up front; an adjustable blade-type anti-roll bar in the back; and five-bolt wheel hubs.
The new rims are single-piece forged light alloy wheels wearing a new “weight-optimized” design, and rolling on 25/64 front and 27/68 rear Michelin transportation rubber, while Michelin also supplies the slick/wet tires that measure 25/64-18 and 27/68-18 front and rear, too.
You’ll need a trailer to get the GT4 Clubsport to events, as it’s not street-legal. (Photo: Porsche)
What’s more, behind those wheels and tires are racing-spec brakes that feature four multi-piece, ventilated and grooved steel discs measuring 380 millimetres in diameter, plus racing brake pads, aluminum mono-bloc six-piston front and four-piston rear racing calipers with “Anti Knock Back” piston springs, plus a brake booster with the Trackday version or brake balance adjustment via a balance bar system with the Competition model.
Despite the GT4 Clubsport’s factory-installed (FIA Art. 277 certified) safety cage, plus its 911 GT3-inspired front spoiler and sizeable fixed rear wing, which appear mostly carryover from the previous Clubsport, the race-spec Cayman weighs in at just 1,320 kilos, making it lighter than the outgoing model.
Shown here at its Daytona unveiling on January 3, 2019, the 718 Cayman GT4 Clubsport presents itself as the ultimate track day beast. (Photo: Juergen Tap, Porsche)
Mass in mind, the GT4 Clubsport’s body structure is comprised of aluminum-steel composite and therefore light in weight; while additional features include a hood and rear deck lid fastened in place via quick-release latches; an (FIA Art. 275a certified) escape hatch in the roof; an FT3 fuel safety cell that measures 80 litres with the Trackday or 115 litres with the Competition model, both featuring an FIA-compliant “Fuel Cut Off” safety valve; pre-installed mounting points for a three-piston air jack system for the Trackday, or a factory-installed three-piston air jack system with the Competition; and FIA-certified towing loops front and rear.
Also, a motorsport centre console with “enhanced functionality and adapted usability” gets added to the instrument panel, a six-point safety harness is included with its single Recaro race bucket driver’s seat, which also includes two-way fore and aft adjustments as well as an adjustable padding system, and lastly provisions are made for a safety net.
The new GT4 Clubsport’s door skins and rear wing are made from an organic fibre mix that’s sourced from agricultural by-products. (Photo: Porsche)
While safety is critical, and improving performance paramount for any new racing car, with Porsche having clearly claimed that its new 718 Cayman GT4 Clubsport improves overall drivability and therefore should provide faster lap times than its predecessor, it’s surprising that Porsche also put time and effort into its environmental initiatives, not normally a key issue in this class of sports car. The end result is a production-first racecar technology that could potentially find more widespread use: natural-fibre composite body parts.
The 718 Cayman GT4 Clubsport’s door skins and rear wing (specifically the wing flap, sideblades, and “swan neck” mounts) are actually formed from an organic fibre mix that’s sourced from agricultural by-products such as hemp or flax fibres. Porsche says the new age components weigh approximately the same as if made from carbon-fibre, while their strength is also similar.
Available with your next 718 Cayman? Only if it’s a GT4 Clubsport. (Photo: Juergen Tap, Porsche)
Specific to each model, the 718 Cayman GT4 Clubsport Trackday gets fixed shock absorbers, plus ABS, ESC, and traction control assistance systems for easier control at high speeds, the latter of which can all be deactivated. Improving comfort and safety respectively, the Trackday also includes air-conditioning and a handheld fire extinguisher, while it can be serviced at Porsche Centres throughout Canada.
You’ll need your own team of mechanics for the Competition model, however, and one of them will need to be well versed in three-stage shock adjustment, while you’ll need to figure out how to adjust the front/rear bias of the brake balance system yourself. Additionally, your pit stop team will be able to change the tires quickly thanks to its aforementioned integrated air jacks, and the larger safety fuel cell will make sure time off the track will be kept to a minimum.
This is what a motorsport centre console with “enhanced functionality and adapted usability” looks like. (Photo: Juergen Tap, Porsche)
Safety features not yet mentioned include an automated fire extinguishing system, and a quick release race steering wheel pulled from the 911 GT3 R.
Priced considerably higher than a street legal 718 Cayman, which starts at just $63,700, the 718 Cayman GT4 Clubsport Trackday model can be had for $216,500, whereas the same car with the Competition package starts at $242,000.
Interested parties should contact Porsche Motorsport North America in Carson, California, or alternatively your local Porsche retailer, which no doubt would be happy to put you in touch.
For those who’d rather watch than take part, or simply don’t have a spare $200k and change available, enjoy the complete photo gallery above and two videos below:
Perfectly Addicting: The new 718 Cayman GT4 Clubsport (2:02):
Setting a New Standard with the New Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 Clubsport (1:23):
Up to this point Porsche has offered its 718 Cayman coupe and 718 Boxster roadster in base, S and GTS trims, but soon its most affordable line of sports cars will arrive with a new “T” designation,…
New just above base 718 Boxster T and 718 Cayman T prove less can equal more when less weight and money buys more performance. (Photo: Porsche)
Up to this point Porsche has offered its 718 Cayman coupe and 718 Boxster roadster in base, S and GTS trims, but soon its most affordable line of sports cars will arrive with a new “T” designation, which promises performance purists less of what they don’t want and more of what they do.
Specifically, 718 Cayman T and 718 Boxster T buyers will get more performance features in a car that costs and weighs less. Starting with the base model’s 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder boxer engine, good for 300 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque, T models add a short-throw shifter, a mechanically locking differential and Porsche Torque Vectoring (PTV) in base six-speed manual guise, or the Sport Chrono Package as standard equipment for seven-speed dual-clutch automated PDK cars, the latter resulting in 0.2 seconds of extra jump off the line from a car that’s already 0.2 seconds quicker than the manual.
718 T models promise better handling and control thanks to first-time availability of PASM and other features with the base turbo-four engine. (Photo: Porsche)
Also notable, the Sport Chrono Package includes Launch Control and a “push-to-pass” style Sport Response button in the centre of the steering wheel-mounted driving mode switch, making it the transmission of choice when ultimate performance is paramount.
To clarify more fully, straight-line performance with the manual remains the same as the regular 718 Boxster and 718 Cayman at 5.1 seconds from standstill, while PDK-enhanced cars increase their zero to 100km/h sprint times from 4.9 to 4.7 seconds, identical to the base 718 models. Likewise, both base cars’ top speeds continue into T trim unchanged at 275 km/h.
718 T trims will feature Agate grey mirror caps and side stripes. (Photo: Porsche)
Additional standard go-fast goodies in T trim include Porsche Active Drivetrain Mounts (PADM) that incorporate dynamic hard and soft gearbox mounts for reducing vibration and even improving performance, claims Porsche, plus a sport exhaust system, unique high-gloss titanium grey-painted 20-inch five-spoke alloy wheels, and a first for the base turbo-four, the Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) electronic damping system that, depending on the Normal, Sport, Sport Plus or Individual driving mode selected, instantly adjusts for road surface conditions and driving style changes, all riding on a 20-millimetre lower ride height.
The big gaping hole in the centre stack will come filled with a standard infotainment touchscreen in Canadian specification. (Photo: Porsche)
Making a visual statement is a grey side striping package featuring scripted “718 Cayman T” or “718 Boxster T” nomenclatures, and Agate grey mirror caps to match the aforementioned wheels, plus black chrome tailpipes.
Inside, the 718 Boxster T and 718 Cayman T are upgraded with a GT sport steering wheel, scripted “Cayman T” or “Boxster T” logos highlighting the black instrument dials, gloss black instrument panel inlays and centre console trim, special red paint for the gear shift pattern atop the shift knob, two-way powered seats, seat upholstery featuring black Sport-Tex centre sections, embroidered “718” logos on the headrests, plus the most identifiable addition of all, black mesh fabric door pulls in place of the usual door handles, which can be changed for optional coloured pulls as seen in associated photos.
The usual door handles get replaced by these mesh fabric pulls, standard in black but available in colours. (Photo: Porsche)
When checking the gallery you may also notice something missing from both cars’ instrument panels, their Porsche Communication Management (PCM) touchscreens that have been removed to reduce weight, and replaced by a big, gaping hole Porsche calls a “large storage compartment.” We won’t see this omission in Canada due to a new regulation that made backup cameras mandatory as of May 2018.
Manual models get a red shift pattern atop the shift knob. (Photo: Porsche)
For this reason we shouldn’t hold out any hope for Canadian-spec 718 T models to be offered at five- to 10-percent discounts when compared to the current base Cayman and Boxster when outfitted with identical features, as promised in European markets, but we should get to choose from the same standard and optional colour palette that will include black, Indian Red, Racing Yellow, and white at no extra charge, plus optional Carrara White, Deep Black and GT Silver metallic hues, as well as somewhat pricier Lava Orange and Miami Blue special colours.
New 718 T models can be ordered now. (Photo: Porsche)
If you like what you see, make sure to contact your local Porsche dealer to reserve your very own 718 Cayman T or 718 Boxster T, because special models like these are in the habit of selling out quickly.
Also, make sure to check out our full photo gallery above and these three Porsche-supplied videos below (the third one is the most fun):
The new Porsche 718 Boxster T and 718 Cayman T. Welcome to life. (1:17):
The new Porsche 718 Boxster T and 718 Cayman T. First Driving Footage. (1:49):
JP Performance Test Drive: The Porsche 718 T Models. (1:08):
