From the Geneva Motor Show Floor: Porsche | Porsche
Porsche
Geneva International Motor Show 2015
From the Geneva Motor Show: Porsche
At the Geneva Motor Show, Porsche unveiled two new high-performance models: the "911 GT3 RS" and the "Cayman GT4." The strongest lineup yet, capable of both circuit and road driving, has arrived. Tatsuya Otani reports from the show floor.
Text by OTANI Tatsuya
Porsche Unveils Two High-Performance Models
It has become something of a tradition for Porsche to unveil new high-performance models at the Geneva Motor Show. This year, the "911 GT3 RS" and the "Cayman GT4" graced the stand.
A shared characteristic of these two models is their tuning, which allows them to perform at their best on the circuit while also being comfortable enough for daily use. Among these, the 911 GT3 RS, which further enhances the performance of the "911 GT3", the most powerful naturally aspirated 911, boasts a 4.0-liter (compared to the 911 GT3's 3.8-liter) flat-six naturally aspirated engine producing 500 hp (475 hp for the 911 GT3). It recorded a time of 7 minutes and 20 seconds on the Nürburgring Nordschleife.
Matthias Müller, CEO of Porsche, stated at the press conference, "It's faster than more powerful and more expensive sports cars." He added, "While it's the highest-performing 911 with a license plate, it's not just fast; it's also comfortable."
Visually, striking features include a wide rear wing mounted high, air outlets on the front fenders, and air intakes on the rear fenders, similar to those on the "911 Turbo". The tires are Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2s, with 325/30R21 at the rear and 265/35R20 at the front. A robust roll cage was also integrated into the cabin.
Porsche
Geneva International Motor Show 2015
From the Geneva Motor Show: Porsche
Cayman Gains 911 GT3 Performance
The other new model, the "Cayman GT4," is equipped with a 3.8-liter engine inherited from the "911 Carrera S." This provides a maximum output of 385 hp. Aerodynamics have been refined with a low-mounted front spoiler, air outlets on the front of the engine hood, and a large rear wing.
The chassis has been lowered by 30 mm, and it shares brakes with the 911 GT3. These enhancements allow it to achieve a Nürburgring Nordschleife time of 7 minutes and 40 seconds.
The names GT3 and GT4 might remind some of motorsport regulations, but Porsche has a tradition of using model names like GT1, GT2, and GT3 for its high-performance 911 variants.—The debut of the Cayman GT4 can be understood as following this naming convention.
Finally, Müller concluded the press conference by saying, "Switzerland, with a population of 8 million, has 39,000 Porsches. Per capita, Switzerland has the highest number of Porsches of any country. Moreover, over 40 percent of them are Turbos or GT3s. This is one of the reasons why we value the Geneva Motor Show."