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Porsche's 718 GT4 RS Clubsport packs a lot of capability to take on the new McLaren Artura Trophy despite the latter's GT3 potential.
After stunning us all earlier this year with the debut of the Artura GT4 race car, Mclaren has now revealed another Ace by showcasing the Artura Trophy. Designed to compete specifically in the new McLaren Trophy series next year, this track monster is essentially an Artura GT4 without any Balance of Power (BoP) restrictions. Though the performance characteristics of the Artura Trophy are inclined more toward a GT3 race car, it can easily be modified to meet the racing criterion of any GT4 racing series.
The standard McLaren Artura is a hybrid supercar with an all-new powertrain that includes a hybrid component and the ability to travel 19 miles on battery power alone.
This unique ability of the Artura Trophy pitches it against some of the other factory GT4 race cars, such as the Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS Clubsport.
Let's see how they stack up against each other.
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The 718 Cayman GT4 RS Clubsport is a mid-engined race car based on the road-going Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS. For 2022, the most significant update that this race car has received is a new 4.0-liter, 6-cylinder boxer engine borrowed from the 911 GT3 Cup race car. As a result, the current model boasts better performance figures than the previous one, which was powered by a 3.8-liter engine.
The new 718 Cayman GT4 RS Clubsport produces 492 horsepower and 342 lb-ft of torque. It uses a new 7-speed dual-clutch PDK transmission with shorter gear ratios than the older version's 6-speed unit. In addition to several modifications to its chassis, the new version of this Porsche factory race car also includes extensive changes in its suspension components relative to the previous version. It now comes with two-way adjustable shock absorbers and adjustable sword-type anti-roll bars at the front and rear. Furthermore, this race car allows for height, camber, and toe adjustments.
Though the upgraded suspension components of the Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS Clubsport provide better driving dynamics on the race track, it also comes with improved aerodynamics that further increase its capability. To illustrate, this race car gets an extended front spoiler lip to improve downforce on its front end. Furthermore, it receives a wholly enclosed underbody which aids in ensuring a smoother airflow towards the diffuser at the rear. In addition, the rear wing now comes with a 20-millimeter gurney flap and allows for two additional adjustment stages.
Just like the previous version of the 718 Cayman GT4 RS Clubsport, the new version also uses lightweight Flax natural-fiber composite materials instead of carbon fiber. The doors, the rear wing, bonnet, and steering wheel of this race car are made up of this material. Not only this, but all the aerodynamic components seen on the front end of this Porsche also use Flax natural fiber. The Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS Clubsport can be yours if you can afford to shell out 202,750 euros (approx $206,166).
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Just as the Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS Clubsport is based on a road-going version, the McLaren Artura Trophy has its roots in the Artura. It is a more extreme version of the Artura GT4 and has been designed to compete in the upcoming McLaren Trophy racing series. Just as with the Artura GT4, the Artura Trophy is powered by a gasoline-only engine, with the hybrid component of the road-going version wholly removed. Its 120-degree V6 produces 577 horsepower. However, with no Balance of Power Restriction, the Artura Trophy comes with enhanced performance figures and better downforce.
Compared to the GT4, the Trophy has an even more extreme aerodynamic package, including a high downforce wing. Not only this, but the race car now also features a new exhaust system that promises to offer a better acoustic experience. The backbone of all these modifications is the lightweight yet rigid McLaren Carbon Lightweight Architecture (MCLA), which this race car shares with its road-going version.
All the enhancements mentioned above have made the McLaren Artura Trophy's performance characteristics at par with a race car in the GT3 category. That said, what makes this unique is its ability to be transformed into a GT4 race car simply by adjusting the engine management system and changing its aerodynamic package. The McLaren Trophy racing series, based around the Artura Trophy, will be held next year on some of Europe's most prestigious race tracks. These include Paul Ricard, Hockenheim, Spa-Francorchamps, Misano and Barcelona-Catalunya.
Though McLaren is yet to announce the prices of the Artura Trophy, it has already shared that the cost of this race car will also include additional benefits. This means that the owner will get a host of concierge services. These include accommodation and transportation services during a race weekend, and exclusive privileges at the McLaren paddock, a place the automaker says has been inspired by its Formula One team. If this is not enough, the owner will also get support for their Artura Trophy from McLaren's racing department.
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