Porsche is due to reveal the fastest, most hardcore version yet of its Cayman model, the GT4 RS, at the AutoMobility show in Los Angeles next week.
The company says the GT4 RS will be the flagship of the 718 line-up (the current Boxster and Cayman models), and will be lighter and feature more downforce than the existing Cayman GT4.
What we know about the Cayman GT4 RS so far
Porsche hasn't revealed a vast amount yet about the GT4 RS save for to release an on-board video showing the car completing a lap of the 20.6km Nürburgring circuit in Germany in seven minutes and four seconds - in the hands of one of the company's test drivers, Jorg Bergmeister. This is 23.6 seconds faster, Porsche says, than a regular GT4 fitted with a dual-clutch PDK transmission could manage.
The company has also said that new model would feature "everything that characterises a genuine RS: lightweight construction, more downforce, more power and, of course, an even higher level of responsiveness and feedback to driver inputs."
Beyond that though, what we know about the GT4 RS comes largely from spy shots. The bonnet features a pair of cooling ducts, while the rear quarterlight windows have been replaced with additional venting. A big, more pronounced rear wing than the standard GT4 also features on the RS, while the wheels get a motorsport-style centre lock rather than a five-nut road-car set-up, hinting at the RS's increased aggression and track focus.
This will be the first of Porsche's 718 models to feature an RS badge, and though it'll be powered by a version of the 420hp 4.0-litre flat-six engine found in the GT4, it's not yet clear how much tuning and fettling it'll receive.
Taycan and Panamera
Two new versions of the electric Porsche Taycan are also expected to make their debut in LA next week. Porsche says that a new variant will fit in between the current 4S and Turbo models in the Taycan line-up. Perhaps a Taycan GTS?
There'll also be a Taycan with a new body style. Given that the Taycan already comes in both saloon and raised-suspension estate forms, it seems likely, judging from its undercover silhouette in our gallery, that the new body style will be that of a more conventional estate, minus the rugged suspension and styling of the Taycan Cross Turismo. We expect it to be called the Taycan Sport Turismo, as the name is already in use in the Panamera line-up.
On the subject of which, a new Panamera Platinum Edition, featuring more standard equipment than a regular Panamera and platinum-coloured trim is also due to be on display in LA. On top of and differing from the standard Panamera, the Platinum Edition features 21-inch alloy wheels, Matrix LED headlights, a panoramic glass sunroof, black exhaust tips and revised taillights. It gets a few interior additions such as heated rear seats, electrically adjustable front seats and a new steering wheel too.
The full story on the Cayman GT4 RS and new Taycan models will go live at 4am Irish time, Wednesday, 17 November next week.
Full story now live
See the 2022 Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS in full.
Or check out the Porsche Taycan GTS and Sport Turismo that were also unveiled at the LA show.