Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 Clubsport revealed

Porsche has revealed the new 718 Cayman GT4 in race-ready Clubsport spec, at the same time uncloaking key details for the road-going equivalent due to follow it later this year.

Built to comply with global racing regulations by Porsche Motorsport, the GT4 Clubsport uses natural-fibre composite body parts similar to carbon-fibre in the doors and rear wing to aggressively strip weight over the lesser Cayman GTS road car. Porsche claims a weight-saving in the order of 130kg.

Of more interest to purists will be the carry-over installation of a 3.8-litre naturally-aspirated flat-six, Porsche deciding against the ubiquitous turbo-four engines that power the 718 Cayman and 718 Boxster ranges.

The flat-six petrol engine is the same as that employed in predecessor car, and was evident in prototype versions of the GT4 during testing last year.

In Cayman application, the six-cylinder produces a credible 313kW, a 30kW power increase on the predecessor. Torque is rated at 425Nm which isn't bad for a naturally aspirated mill.

Drive is sent to the rear wheels via a six-speed dual-clutch gearbox and mechanical rear axle differential lock.

Elsewhere, the Cayman GT4 Clubsport employs steel disc brakes measuring 380mm in diameter and borrows lightweight spring-strut front suspension from the 911 GT3 Cup car.

"Tipping the scales at 1320 kilograms, the 718 Cayman GT4 Clubsport, delivered ex-works with a welded-in safety cage, a racing bucket seat as well as a six-point harness, is a real lightweight," reads the Porsche press statement.

The installation of the 3.8-litre powerplant will delight prospective buyers of the GT4 road car, however it remains to be seen whether the same power outputs will apply or, equally, whether a manual transmission will be made available as before.

Given the 3.8-litre has been retired from the regular Cayman for some time, there's every chance the 911 GT3's larger 4.0-litre naturally-aspirated six may replace it in GT4 road car guise.

The GT4 Clubsport will be available globally in two guises, a 'Trackday' model suitable for budding enthusiasts, and a 'Competition' variant suitable for national and international events.

Both single-seater vehicles will feature stripped out cabins void of everything but the bare essentials.

Whereas the Trackday vehicles features fixed shock absorber, ABS, ESC and traction control electronics, along with air-conditioning, the Competition uses a three-stage shock absorber, long distance 115-litre fuel tank and integrated air-jack system for pit stops. There’s even a quick-release steering wheel.

Porsche Cars Australia's motorsport division has confirmed availability of the GT4 Clubsport locally.