If you want a proper driver’s car and money is not a concern, then this is a strong contender. Meet the Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS. It first debuted in November last year, and now it is available in India. Prices start at INR 2.54 crore. Yes, it is jolly expensive. But, it does have a lot going for itself to justify that cost.

Brace yourself as the price justification involves loads of nerdy stuff and, of course, math. For a start, it slots above everything else in Porsche’s 718 range. Next, it lapped the Nürburgring Nordschleife in 7 minutes and 9.3 seconds. That’s 23.6 seconds quicker than the 718 Cayman GT4. How? Well, part of it is down to the 4.0-litre flat-six engine, which, in the GT4 RS, produces 493bhp/450Nm. With all that oomph going to the rear wheels, the lightweight sports car can hit 100kmph from nothing in 3.4 seconds (0.5s faster) and reach 315kmph (13kmph higher) at full stretch. For the record, the same engine is also used in the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup and the 718 GT4 RS Clubsport racing cars. A 7-speed PDK handles transmission duties.

Complementing the increase in power are larger brakes at the front axle, a stiffer chassis, RS-specific dampers and lightweight construction. For those looking for more numbers, the GT4 RS weighs 35kg less than the donor car. Some bodywork is made using carbon fibre reinforced plastic, such as the bonnet and front wings. However, that’s not all, as the range-topper reaffirms its position with cleverer aerodynamics, resulting in 25 per cent more downforce.

While there are creature comforts in the package. For instance, the interior is draped in non-slippery Race-Tex upholstery. Also, the driver can control the gearbox manually and then there’s Porsche Connect, which dials in multiple connected-car features. But, in an RS-marked Porsche, all you want to do is drive and nothing else. So, how do you like it?