Porsche unveils the Cayman R at the Los Angeles Auto Show following rave reviews for its open-top cousin, the Boxster Spyder. Like the Spyder, the Cayman R should have more precise handling and faster acceleration than the relatively-normal Cayman S.
A 330-horsepower, 3.4-liter boxer six with Direct Fuel Injection (DFI) will find its way into the lightweight Cayman R, which gives it 10 more hp than the Cayman S. It will be Porsche’s most powerful mid-engined car currently in production. The power-to-weight ratio has improved, not only because of the car’s power increase, but also from Porsche engineers’ attention to weight savings; the Cayman R will weigh 121 pounds less than the S model.
An A/C- and radio-less Cayman R will tip the scales at a scant 2,849 pounds and will have a power-to-weight ratio of 8.58 pounds per horsepower (8.8 pounds per horsepower if equipped with the heavier PDK double-clutch transmission). Lightweight 19-inch wheels from the Boxster Spyder save more weight, as do lightweight aluminum doors and interior door panels from the GT3 RS. The lightweight, carbon-fiber-backed bucket seats, also from the GT3 RS, help keep the car trim and the driver and passenger secure.
According to Porsche, a Cayman R with a manual transmission can reach 60 mph from a standstill in 4.7 seconds, .2 seconds ahead of a similarly equipped Cayman S. An R with PDK and Sport Chrono package will cut that time down to 4.4 seconds. Top speed is up by three mph in the manual Cayman R, which stops accelerating at 175 mph. A PDK equipped Cayman R can reach 174 mph.
This places the Cayman R awfully close to the new Carrera GTS model, at least in terms of low gear acceleration. Porsche claims a manual transmission Carrera GTS coupe with Sport Chrono Plus will get to 62 mph in 4.6 seconds.
The R’s new suspension, which is tuned to be more sport-oriented in the same vein as the Boxster Spyder, lowers the car 20 mm and works with the standard limited-slip differential. Front and rear spoilers from the Cayman Aerokit are also standard on the car.
And as if the Aerokit wasn’t enough, the car is further differentiated from the S model via black framing for the halogen headlights, contrasting side mirrors, and “PORSCHE” side stripes.
We have wanted Porsche to make this car ever since we drove the Boxster Spyder and, with the press giving it (usually) very good reviews, we have suspected for some time that it would be produced.
