Porsche reveal rally-car Cayman with production-car potential

On first viewing, "Porsche" and "rallying" are two words that don't go together. Like "hippopotamus" and "cross-fit". 

But avid Porsche fans (and regular Driven readers) will know that's not really the case. Porsche have dabbled in that most challenging of motorsports in the past, most notably during the development of the 959 and its highly advanced all-wheel drive system.

There's been a bit of a gap since. A few slightly deranged people have crafted Porsche rally cars out of 997 GT3s in the US and in Europe, but it's been radio silence from the Porsche factory for many years.

Until now, that is.

Porsche have uncovered their Cayman GT4 Clubsport Rallye concept. Based off their GT4 Clubsport, it comes fitted with various other upgrades designed to optimise it for the gravel and broken tarmac of rally.

What those updates actually are, we don't necessarily know ... Going by the manufacturer's images, it gets an extra set of uber-cool fog-lights on the bonnet, plus a roof air scoop, under-body protection, and all-terrain tyres paired with lightweight wheels.

We also know that it'll be fitted with the same lovely 283kW 3.8-litre straight six and PDK transmission as the standard Clubsport, which means giant-killing performance, superb balance, and smooth power delivery. 

But beyond those details, little else is known. The new tyres and rally intentions most likely mean a revised suspension system with more travel and less rebound. All-wheel drive would be ideal too, though it's highly unlikely.

It will make its public debut at Rallye Deutchland, where it will be driven by Romain Dumas — fresh from smashing the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb record with Volkswagen. 

Don't expect the same kinds of theatrics in Germany, however. Porsche say that the event is effectively a practical test session for the pocket rocket, the information from which will feed into the Cayman GT4 Rallye concept's business case to decide “if a similar car, based on a future model, could be developed."

People are interpreting that as Porsche suggesting a road-going version of the Rallye could find its way to a showroom near you. If true, it will likely be based on the highly anticipated upcoming 2019 Cayman GT4. 

Although such skills are arguably surplus for most of the people who buy these kinds of 'rally-car for the road' machines (read, Ford Ranger Raptor), a 'mass produced' Porsche rally car would undeniably make the world a better place.