Now I will be the first to admit I don't necessarily understand all of the hubbub over specific racing clubs, specific races and all the particulars about racing. To me, it seems to be a geek's game or for someone who really has a lot of extra time on their hands.
What I do know is that a lot of folks dream of owning a Porsche 911 GT3 Cup Car. These are race-spec versions of the Porsche 911 and they cost BIG dollars. No, they're not street legal.
2015 Los Angeles Auto Show (LAAS) Photo Gallery
But given the fact most people know that Porsche is rapidly approaching the end of the road for the 911 and what it is capable of, it seems that a lot of attention has been focused on the all-new Cayman GT4. People are clamoring all over these things.
Well, it turns out Porsche has decided to up the ante with an all-new Cayman GT4 Clubsport. Think of it as an addition to Porsche's portfolio of gentlemen driver vehicles. While it is largely based on the Cayman street car, this track-only Clubsport model has been beefed up for track duty.
And, it will cost you. The GT4 Clubsport starts at $165,000 dollars.
The 2015 Los Angeles Auto Show photo galleries are sponsored by Lexus.
2015 Los Angeles Auto Show (LAAS) Photo Gallery
Porsche's press release follows:
New Porsche Cayman GT4 Clubsport for the racetrack
World premiere in Los Angeles
LOS ANGELES, Nov. 18, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Porsche has added a new sports car for amateur and club racing to its Motorsports fleet: The Cayman GT4 Clubsport celebrated its world premiere today at the Los Angeles Auto Show. The 385 hp (283 kW) mid-engine entry level racer for motorsport, which is not legal for road use, is based on the successful street-legal Cayman GT4 sports car. Sales of the racecar by Porsche Motorsport North America start with the unveiling at the auto show.
Just like its well-developed production sibling, the Cayman GT4 Clubsport is powered by a 3.8-liter flat-six engine, positioned directly behind the driver's seat. The racing version features a modified six-speed Porsche double clutch PDK transmission with shift paddles on the steering wheel and a mechanical rear-axle locking differential specifically for racing. The lightweight strut front axle is taken from its big 911 GT3 Cup brother, which is campaigned in 20 one-make Porsche championships around the world. An enhanced lightweight strut suspension with transverse arms adopted from the 911 GT3 Cup, is at the rear. The racing brake system features large 15-inch (380-millimeter) steel brake discs all round. One-piece, six-piston aluminum fixed calipers are located at the front, with a four-piston equivalent at the rear. The anti-lock brake system features twelve settings. The Electronic Stability Program has been recalibrated for slick racing tires. The power steering is operated electro-mechanically.
Tipping the scales at just 2,866 pounds (1,300 kilograms), the Cayman GT4 Clubsport, is a virtually turn-key racecar, delivered from the factory with a welded-in safety cage, a racing bucket seat as well as a six-point harness. The North American version comes with an 18.5 gallon (70-liter) or an optional 26.5 gallon (100-liter) FIA FT3 safety fuel tank. The car also comes with a central fire extinguisher system. Mounted on the front axle are 18-inch five-bolt forged wheels with 25/64-18 tires while the 18-inch five-lug forged wheels at the rear have 27/68-18 tires. Michelin® supplies the racing slicks.
In the USA, the new Cayman GT4 Clubsport racecar is available directly from Porsche Motorsport North America for $165,000.
For 2016, homologation is anticipated for race series such as the VLN Long Distance Championship Nürburgring, the Ultra 94 GT3 Cup Challenge Canada and PCA Club Racing Cayman GT4 Clubsport Trophy East, as well as for other club-level competition events around the world.