Strip and Run, Part I

First posted on 8.19.09:

Originally this next post was supposed to be about some SUVs or something, but we’ve long since forgotten . . . the new 2010 Porsche GT3 RS is here.

Something as polarizing as that ice blue paintwork and massive rear wing can have the effect of simply stopping your brain from working, much beyond staring at the picture. Well, that’s what happened with us, anyways. What a spectacle!

Beyond the arrest-me-right-now colors and LeMans spoiler, the GT3 RS is packing a serious punch. Power has been boosted to an astonishing 450 horsepower, all squeezed from only a 3.8-Liter engine. Porsche engineers can literally feed 5,000 from 2 loaves of bread these days.

With the rest of the car, you’ll find such purpose-built items as a special lightweight lithium-ion battery, track-specific PASM (Porsche Active Stability Management) system, extra-short gear ratios, wider track and body, and even dynamic engine mounts that change stiffness depending on road conditions. P-car racing afficionados will need a cold shower!

Yes, it’s not the best for running errands in or going out for dinner. Yes, it’s adorned with boy-racer graphics and aerodynamics from a jet. It will still absolutely kill on the track and any back road you choose. Speaking of back roads . . .

Back Streets Option

Normally at this point we provide a much cheaper alternative to the fire-breathing monster above, whatever that may be. This time, however, the glittery palette of the GT3 RS has gone to our head like the fumes of a thousand gallons of German paint. Today, we offer two options.

Which brings us to the Porsche Cayman. Introduced in 2006 as a “hardtop Boxter”, it came with similar base and S trim levels, the latter of which being the one to get. With a Cayman S you get the same 3.4-Liter flat-six engine as the 996 911, with similar power — 295 horses — and a 6-speed manual transmission. Mid-engine handling is excellent, steering near-telepathic, and the body lines are unmistakeable. Early models can be had for just over $30,000. Fair enough.

The problem lies with the range of factory-built options for the 911. Why is the Cayman, which some may argue is a better-balanced chassis than the 911, only offered with base and S trim levels? Why no GT3, GT2, or RS versions? We then propose that a Cayman RS be created. Start with a Cayman S, and add or replace parts.

For example, installing an intake filter, headers, exhaust, coilover track-oriented adjustable suspension, wider/stickier tires, and some carbon fiber trim inside and outside would go a long way. Companies like TechArt, Ruf, Gemballa and Evolution Motorsports can provide most of the parts needed, up to and including full larger-displacement engine swaps. Application of “RS” badges at your own risk.

Our second option caters more towards the lower end of the spectrum, which is where we aim most of our cheap alternatives. The 1992-95 Porsche 968 was widely seen as simply a restyled 944, but this was so not the case. The often-overlooked 968 maintained the 944’s perfect 50/50 weight distribution, but added power — 240 horsepower from a 3.0-Liter 4-cylinder. The exact same displacement/power output, in fact, as the US 1995 BMW M3. Sixty comes up in a quick 5.9 ticks, and the quarter mile in 14.4 seconds.

Yes, it’s a front-engined Porsche. Yes, it’s not a flat-six, and no, we don’t care. This is a true gem, especially today. Be sure to find one with the 6-speed manual and optional M030 sport chassis, which features 17-inch wheels, stiffer suspension and larger brakes. Although a Club Sport model was offered in Europe and Australia, naturally they skipped the US market, so we have to get creative here.

Specialty shops such as RS Barn and Paragon Products can provide many of the same modifications recommended for the Cayman “RS” above, but as to be expected, variety is limited. Our move here would be to pick up a clean 968 (for under $10K), add the performance parts, and try to acquire some of the rare ClubSport items from overseas. This would truly give you a very inexpensive version of the blazing-hot new GT3 RS.