Porsche 718 GT4 RS Receives Manthey Nürburgring Treatment

Manthey, known for their expertise at the Nürburgring Nordschleife, has teamed up with Porsche to enhance the 718 GT4 RS with specialized suspension and aerodynamic modifications tailored for the most enthusiastic Porsche track enthusiasts. This collaboration aims to elevate the driving experience for those passionate about track days. If you’re not particularly interested in high-performance track cars, this may not be for you. However, for sports car enthusiasts, the potential of this road-legal track weapon is worth exploring.

Porsche boasts one of the highest percentages of owners actively participating in on-track events among traditional sports car makers. The impact of Manthey’s modifications was demonstrated in 2023 when Jörg Bergmeister, a Nordschleife expert, set a lap time of 7:03.121 minutes in a 718 GT4 RS equipped with the Manthey kit, slashing more than six seconds from the standard 718 GT4 RS’s 2022 time. This improvement is solely attributed to Manthey’s aero and chassis tuning, as the car’s 493-horsepower naturally aspirated 4-liter flat-six engine remains unaltered.

Manthey’s aerodynamic enhancements can nearly double downforce at 124 mph (200 kph), while front spring rates are increased by 20 percent, further enhancing the car’s already precise handling. This specialized road-legal car would be thrilling on mountain roads, demanding on the freeway en route to the canyon, and perhaps not ideal for a night at the opera. Smooth asphalt will be its preferred terrain. Potential buyers can arrange a test session at either of the two Porsche Experience Centers in the U.S., located in Atlanta and Los Angeles.

At approximately 124 mph (200 kph), with the rear wing set to the Performance position for track use, total downforce increases from 196 lbs. on the standard 718 Cayman GT4 RS to 372 lbs. This enhancement will be particularly beneficial at North America’s larger, faster road courses such as Road America or Circuit of the Americas.

The Manthey kit includes carbon-fiber reinforcements to the engine cover to compensate for the larger rear wing’s added forces, with the wing now offering four positions instead of three on the standard model. Porsche and Manthey also developed a special coil-over suspension for the 718 Cayman GT4 RS, featuring an inverted set-up adaptable for track use, showcasing Manthey’s high-level engineering capability, as endorsed by Porsche and its Motorsports division.

The suspension offers four adjustable positions for the spring struts, with rebound and compression stages adjustable without tools. Front suspension spring rates have been increased by 20 percent. Two versions of chassis modifications are available, for cars with and without the optional front axle lift system. Steel brake lines are added to enhance brake pedal feel and optimize braking power delivery. Towing loops, designed for track use, can also be ordered.

The first stage of the Manthey kit will be available starting this summer through authorized Porsche Centers in the U.S., priced at $53,946 MSRP, excluding installation costs. An additional $5,890 supplementary package is available, replacing the front fender louvers and enhancing the rear ducktail spoiler with a larger Gurney flap, both made of visible carbon-fiber. The latter increases rear axle downforce by up to four percent when the rear wing is in its most aggressive position.

Both Porsche Experience Centers in Atlanta and Los Angeles will offer driving programs featuring the 718 Cayman GT4 RS equipped with the Manthey Kit. Booking availability can be found at PorscheDriving.com.