Built to compete in GT4 races globally next year, the new Porsche Cayman GT4 Clubsport MR has been stripped to its basics and is ready to astound the competition with some race-ready options.
The Cayman GT4 Clubsport MR is a joint development between Porsche and Manthey-Racing, a German motorsport and engineering firm. The result is a track-only version of the roadgoing Cayman GT4, with a lot of weight loss.
The base model comes with a 385hp 3.8-litre naturally aspirated flat-six engine, mated to a modified PDK (Porsche Doppelkupplung) six-speed dual-clutch transmission with paddle shifters, racing-optimised limited-slip differential, dual mass flywheel, strut front axle and a lightweight rear strut suspension with transverse arms, large 380mm steel brake discs with six-piston aluminium fixed calipers in place for the front wheels and four-piston one of the same kind in the rear.
It also comes with an 18-inch five-bolt forged wheels, electro-mechanical power steering, racing bucket seats and a six-point harness, straight from the factory. The ABS system comes with 12 different settings and as for the electronic stability programme, it has been recalibrated to handle those slick racing tyres.
Other safety features include a 100-litre FT3 safety fuel cell with fuel cut-off safety valve, air jack system, fire extinguisher system, tyre pressure monitoring system, polycarbonate windscreen, window net, FIA-certified towing loops and fully integrated roll-cage complying with FIA homologation regulations for safety cages.
There are also some optional items like air-conditioning, which surely comes in handy for racers, especially in a tropical climate such as the Sepang International Circuit.
The Cayman GT4 Clubsport is designed for those who are new to the racetrack. The entry-level, track-only sports car weighs around 1,300kg, about 40kg less than the standard car.
Manthey-Racing also offers a range of accessories for the Cayman GT4 Clubsport, which includes additional headlights integrated into the front bumper, lightweight lithium-ion battery, undercarriage protection, BBS rim set, windscreen protection foils, a Recaro co-driver seat package, including six-point harness and footrest, and a drinking system with a drink bottle.
The Porsche Cayman GT4 Clubsport MR was showcased at the Asian premiere in Sepang International Circuit, a day before the Motul Sepang 12 Hours race. This was made possible through the efforts of Porsche China and Manthey-Racing.
The exclusive race-ready Porsche Cayman GT4 Clubsport MR can be purchased through racing teams or racing organisers such as SRO Motorsports Group. At the moment, there are only 15 units available for the Asian market.
For racers who prefer to have their own setup from their racing teams, it is also possible to purchase the base model from Porsche.
The Porsche Cayman GT4 Clubsport MR is priced at €159,990 (RM747,811), which includes the base car, priced at €127,900 (RM597,807) and the Manthey Racing kit at €32,090 (RM149,986).
After the premier, British racing driver Nick Tandy did some demonstration laps in the Porsche Cayman GTE Clubsport MR.
tSRO Motorsports Group boss Stephane Ratel said he’s expecting a number of Clubsport MRs in the new Blancpain GT Asia Series Porsche at Motul Sepang 12 Hours.
Manthey-Racing registered two teams for the Motul Sepang 12 Hours race driving the 911 GT3 R. The racers were 2015 Le Mans winners Earl Bamber, Nick Tandy and Patrick Pilet on the number 911 car, while Richard Lietz, Michael Christensen and Fred Makowiecki were behind the wheels of car number 912.
Both Porsche 911 GT3 Rs appeared to be well set up for the race, grabbing the pole position. The pair dominated the early hours of the race. However, they finished second and fifth due to bad weather and brake failures.
On race day, the circuit was hot and humid. As the green flag was waved, the pole-sitting Porsche of Richard Lietz was overwhelmed by his teammate Earl Bamber, who made an awesome start from 10th position to third on the grid.
During the second hour, the safety car was out and Lietz’s teammate Fred Makowiecki managed to move the #912 car up into second position, setting up a dominant Porsche 1-2 run. They maintained for a number of laps until it started to rain. The pair of Porsches were caught off guard as the rain started to fall and they lost significant time before they could pit for wet weather tyres.
Near the halfway mark of the race, the #912 car started to show signs of braking inconsistencies and was forced to pit for a front pad and rotor change that cost them time. Later, when the rain had stopped and the cars were back on slick tyres, the #911 car was forced to pit for an unscheduled brake change as well. Both cars lost at least one lap with the swap, and it left them on the back foot in the competition, sitting in fourth and fifth.
Bamber, who spends much of his time in Malaysia, was not satisfied with this position on what is his home circuit and put in a stellar charge towards the end.
“It’s fantastic to finish the season on the podium. We were going very well in the dry and we were leading for a long time. When it began to drizzle we had problems with the tyres. But once heavy rain set in we were back in strong form. It was a very difficult race, but a good result for Porsche,” said Bamber.