2011 Porsche Cayman R

Upon its launch in September 2005, the Porsche Cayman redefined the concept of the mid-engined sports coupe, combining scintillating chassis dynamics with characteristically sporting levels of responsiveness from its flat-six engines. Now, with the introduction of the Cayman R, Porsche has further developed the car by reducing weight, increasing horsepower and raising agility and handling to new heights. The new model becomes the third version in the Cayman range, joining the Cayman and Cayman S.

Weighing 55 kg less than the equivalent Cayman S, and boasting the most horsepower available in a mid-engined Porsche, the 330 hp Porsche Cayman R has been created for one reason: pure, distilled driving dynamics. With its highly-tuned sports suspension and vigilant attention to weight savings, the new Cayman model offers a driving experience even more precise than that of the acclaimed Cayman S.

Tracing its lineage back to the famous mid-engined 904 coupes of the 1960s, the Porsche Cayman R celebrates its world premiere at the 2010 Los Angeles Auto Show on November 17, 2010.

Light and Powerful

The newest member of the mid-engined Cayman family features the highly efficient 3.4-litre, flat six-cylinder Direct Fuel Injection (DFI) boxer engine found in the Cayman S, but it has been tuned to produce an additional 10 hp. With a six-speed manual transmission, the Porsche Cayman R sprints from a stand-still to 62 mph in 5.0 seconds, two-tenths of a second faster than the Cayman S. With the optional seven-speed dual-clutch PDK (Doppelkupplungsgetriebe) transmission and the Sport Chrono package, the exercise is reduced to 4.7 seconds. Top speed with the manual transmission is up by 3 to 175 mph (282 km/h), 174 mph (280 km/h) with the PDK.The main objective in the concept and execution of the Porsche Cayman R was to improve the already energetic two-seater through a systematic reduction in weight, thereby increasing performance, driving dynamics and agility. With an unladen weight of 1295 kg. Porsche engineers were able to achieve a power-to-weight ratio of 255 hp per tonne, and 250 hp per tonne with the PDK.

More from Less

The greatest savings come from the use of lightweight components and stripping back equipment levels to those associated with driving performance. In addition to the removal of the air conditioning and stereo, the driver-focused Porsche Cayman R utilises a unique, slightly smaller 54-litre fuel tank and a sports suspension system that lowers the Porsche Cayman R by 20 mm, helping lower the centre of gravity.

The Porsche Cayman R also comes as standard with a limited slip differential to optimise cornering grip, and lightweight 19" alloy wheels (first seen on the Boxster Spyder) that reduce weight by 5kg. Lightweight aluminium door skins from the 911 Turbo and GT3, carbon fibre sports bucket seats and the distinctive interior door panels from the 911 GT3 RS also contribute to the weight reduction.

From the outside, the distinctive Cayman Aerokit sports styling - with fixed rear spoiler in contrasting colour - sets the Cayman R apart, and black-framed halogen headlights, contrasting side mirrors and decorative "PORSCHE" side-stripes bring further differentiation. For customers seeking to stand out further from the crowd a new option of Peridot metallic paint is available (as seen in the photos.)

The Porsche Cayman R goes on sale in the UK in February 2011, priced from £51,731 1. Included in the purchase price is the invitation for customers to explore the dynamic attributes of their Porsche Cayman R and develop their own skills behind the wheel, courtesy of a Driving Experience Programme at the Porsche Experience Centre at Silverstone.

The origins of R

Historically, special Porsche models with optimised sporting performance were identified by the moniker 'R', for Racing. The most revered model of this type is the 911 R of 1967. This specialised, lightweight edition of the 911 coupe had a 210 hp flat six engine shared with the Carrera 6 sports racer and weighed just 830 kg. Just 19 examples were built.