Porsche Unveils Five World Premieres at LA Auto Show; 718 Cayman GT4 RS and GT4 RS Clubsport
Porsche has brought five world premieres to the front of their appearance at the Los Angeles Auto Show, including the new 2022 718 Cayman GT4 RS and GT4 RS Clubsport.
The GT4 RS is the new flagship of the 718 family. It shares the naturally aspirated flat-six engine used in the 911 GT3, bumping power up to a total of 493 horsepower and 331 lb-ft of torque. Mated with Porsche’s seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox, the GT4 RS can be revved out to 9,000 RPM.
All in all, Porsche claims the new 718 GT4 RS can accelerate from 0-to-60 mph in 3.2 seconds-- half a second faster than the Cayman GT4 (414 horsepower). Top track speed is also up: 196 mph in the GT4 RS. A new wing affixed to the rear, combined with other aerodynamic add-ons, help keep the RS planted, generating up to 25 percent more downforce in Performance Mode than the Cayman GT4.
Alongside the new 718 Cayman GT4 RS is the GT4 RS Clubsport, powered by the same 4-liter six-cylinder boxer engine and seven-speed dual-clutch transmission; however, the Clubsport develops 500 horsepower.
The GT4 RS Clubsport is equipped with even more track essentials; a welded-in roll cage and adjustable Recaro racing seats with six-point harness are among the most notable. Porsche offers two different exhaust systems, allowing the Clubsport to compete at tracks with stricter noise limits.
With destination fees included, the 2022 Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS starts at $143,050 and the GT4 RS Clubsport will be sold and distributed in North America at $229,000.
The all new 2022 Taycan GTS sedan was also introduced. This particular Porsche features an all-electric drivetrain able to produce 590 horsepower and a 0-60 mph time of 3.5 seconds.
EPA range estimates are expected to appear closer to launch in Q2 of 2022, though Porsche claims the 2022 Taycan GTS to have a range of up to 504 km (approx. 313 miles), the first Taycan model to hit the 500-km threshold. It will be able to charge from 5-80 percent in 22.5 minutes thanks to the 93.4 kWh Performance Battery Plus and 800-volt architecture found in the Taycan Turbo and Turbo S.
Suspension and performance hardware carries over from top-model Taycans, including optional rear-axle steering, but the tuning of said parts is unique to the GTS. Interior accoutrements on the GTS are equally premium; A unique Race-Tex interior package covers the seats, roof lining and steering wheel.
A new Taycan GTS Sport Turismo package was also unveiled. It features the same interior dimensions as the Taycan Cross Turismo, which allows for greater rear cargo capacity. Highlights of this trim include a glass roof with an optional panoramic roof with Variable Light Control. This system utilizes liquid crystal film segments in the roof to adjust the amount of penetrating light.
The Taycan GTS Sedan, after destination fees, will start at $132,750 and the GTS Sport Turismo will start at $134,650.
The new Panamera Platinum Edition was also given the spotlight. The exterior of this edition keeps with it’s namesake; satin gloss platinum trim accenting the vehicle alongside gloss-black side window trims and tailpipes. The interior of the Panamera Platinum Edition features black materials and brushed aluminium accents. Standard equipment also includes adaptive air suspension and BOSE Surround Sound System.
The Platinum Edition is available as either the Panamera, Panamera 4 and the Panamera 4 E-Hybrid. They are expected to reach customers in late January 2022.