Porsche unveiled a special edition 718 Cayman RS at the annual Rennsport Reunion event held at California’s Laguna Seca racetrack. Developed in partnership with Tag Heuer, the car commemorates the 70th anniversary of the participation of two 550 Coupes in the 1953 Carrera Panamericana race. Just two units of the 718 Cayman RS will be built, representing each of the 550 Coupes that competed in the Mexican race. Additionally, the car also celebrates the 60th anniversary of the Tag Heuer Carrera Chronograph watch, an iconic timepiece created specifically for racing drivers by the original Heuer company.
Officially known as the Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS Tag Heuer x Porsche – Legends of Panamericana, the first car showcased at Laguna Seca features the racing number 154, which corresponds to one of the 550 Coupes. The second car, adorned with racing number 152, will be unveiled during this year’s modern running of the Carrera Panamericana, slated for mid-October.
Porsche announced that the second car will be offered for sale at a charity auction in Mexico in early 2024. It remains unclear if the first car will also be made available for purchase. Both vehicles were commissioned by Porsche Latin America through the Porsche Sonderwunsch personalization program.
The two Cayman GT4 RS models share several design elements. They are both finished in Le Mans Silver Metallic paint, which is also used for various exterior components with carbon-fiber weaves. Racing numbers are prominently displayed on the doors and roof, while Tag Heuer logos are featured on the hood, side panels of the rear wing, and the engine’s air filter box, visible through the rear window.
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Moving inside, the seats are upholstered in Guards Red leather, creating a striking contrast against the black dashboard and door panels. The colors of the Mexican flag are incorporated into the contrast stitching, paying homage to the host country of the Carrera Panamericana race. A “GT4 RS Panamericana Special” script is present on the cupholder panel and treadplates. The center console adds the final touch with a Tag Heuer stopwatch module.
Under the hood, the powertrain remains unchanged. Both vehicles are equipped with a mid-mounted 4.0-liter flat-6 engine borrowed from the previous-generation 911 GT3. This high-revving powerplant delivers an exhilarating 493 horsepower and redlines at 9,000 rpm. Power is sent to the rear wheels through a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
In addition to the special edition 718 Cayman, Porsche also used the Rennsport Reunion event to showcase other exciting models. One of them is the limited-edition 911 GT3 R Rennsport track car, designed for enthusiasts who crave unparalleled performance on the racetrack. Another standout in the lineup is a one-off 944 Safari model, which will be transformed into a Hot Wheels toy car.
Porsche’s collaboration with Tag Heuer for the 718 Cayman RS not only celebrates the brand’s racing heritage but also showcases the synergy between two iconic names in the automotive and watchmaking industries. The limited production run of this special model adds exclusivity and collector appeal, ensuring that it will be highly sought-after by enthusiasts and collectors alike.
For those fortunate enough to own one of these rare models, the 718 Cayman RS represents a fusion of performance, design, and history. With its powerful engine, striking aesthetics, and unique Tag Heuer partnership, it is a true love letter to mid-engine design and motorsport passion.
