Get Lost in the Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS
▼ Summary
– The author struggled with navigation in the Porsche Cayman GT4 RS because its infotainment system required an outdated USB-A cable for Apple CarPlay, forcing reliance on a poor built-in system.
– Driving the car in urban traffic was a harsh experience due to its extremely loud engine, very firm suspension, and the stress of frequent missed turns.
– The destination was Bear Mountain, offering some of the best driving roads near New York City, which were enjoyably quiet on a weekday.
– The car’s 4.0-liter flat-six engine was constantly and deafeningly loud, producing a shrill wail from idle all the way to its 9,000-rpm redline.
– On the mountain roads, the car performed brilliantly, allowing the author to fully exploit its power and rapid PDK gearbox, feeling even quicker than its official 3.2-second 0-60 mph claim.
Navigating the urban jungle in a Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS presents a unique set of challenges, especially when modern technology fails to connect. As a native of the New York and New Jersey area, I understand the necessity of reliable navigation amidst constant roadwork and congestion. My plan to use Apple CarPlay hit an immediate snag; the car requires a now-antiquated USB-A cable for phone mirroring. Without one, I was forced to rely on the tiny 7-inch infotainment screen and its built-in navigation. The result was a comedic series of wrong turns, missing five in total before even escaping the city.
The journey to find the open roads of Bear Mountain and Harriman State Park was a sensory assault. The deafening intake noise from the mid-mounted 4.0-liter flat-six engine, borrowed directly from the legendary 911 GT3, filled the cabin. Combined with the rock-hard suspension, every pothole on the way to the highway was transmitted directly through the chassis. This car makes no apologies for its track-focused nature, even in stop-and-go traffic.
Once clear of the city, the experience transformed entirely. The engine’s character is nothing short of electrifying. It howls with a shrill, metallic wail from an 800-rpm idle all the way to its screaming 9,000-rpm redline. On the highway, the high-revving nature means engine speeds remain elevated, creating a constant auditory barrage. For extended trips, earplugs might be a wise investment. The destination, however, justified the journey. The winding, tree-lined roads of Harriman State Park are a driver’s sanctuary, offering a perfect mix of tight corners and inviting straights.
Here, the GT4 RS truly came alive. The 493 horsepower and 331 pound-feet of torque are delivered with breathtaking immediacy through the lightning-quick PDK dual-clutch gearbox. Shifting through its seven gears is an intuitive, seamless joy. Porsche claims a 0-60 mph time of 3.2 seconds, but the seat-of-the-pants sensation suggests it feels even quicker, perhaps dipping into the sub-3.0-second realm. The connection to the road is absolute, with razor-sharp steering and tenacious grip. The trade-off is a ride so firm that the standard full bucket seats, while supremely supportive, can become a test of endurance on anything less than perfect pavement.
This machine is a pure, unfiltered instrument for driving pleasure. It forgives nothing and compromises little, prioritizing thrilling performance and auditory drama over daily comfort. For those seeking the ultimate connection between driver, engine, and road, the GT4 RS delivers an experience that is both brutally intense and utterly magnificent.
(Source: jalopnik)