Lightweight Porsche Cayman R debuts in Los Angeles
Hardcore, mid-engined two-seater delivers more power, a sportier chassis, less weight and an electrifying driving experience
Porsche reserves the letter “R” only for very special sports cars: R stands for raw and responsive – but most especially for racy. Unveiled today at the Los Angeles Auto Show, the new Cayman R delivers all of these characteristics in spades.
The combination of a 55-kg weight reduction and a 10-hp power increase over the Cayman S – as well as a specially-adapted sports chassis – ensure the new mid-engined sports car delivers a spectacularly precise, involving driving experience. Staying true to the Porsche Intelligent Performance development philosophy, it improves performance not just with more power, but through lower weight, as well.
Porsche’s new hardcore two-seater is powered by a specially-tuned 3.4-litre flat-six engine developing 330 hp. It transmits its power to the rear wheels via a six-speed manual gearbox, propelling the car from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.0 seconds. With the addition of an optional seven-speed Porsche Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK) gearbox in combination with the optional Sport Chrono package, the same sprint takes just 4.7 seconds.
More importantly, Porsche engineers aimed to improve the Cayman’s performance and dynamics even further through a strict weight reduction regime. Weighing just 1,295 kg, the power-to-weight ratio of the Cayman R is just 3.9 kg/hp.
The largest weight savings were achieved through the use of lightweight components, such as aluminum doors, and by dispensing with creature comforts. Carbon-fibre Sport Bucket Seats – alone saving 12 kg versus more conventional items – highlight an interior devoid of frills. Fabric door pulls replace metal handles, the instrument cluster does without a decorative shroud and a storage shelf is where you normally find an audio system (which can be added at no extra charge). As with the 911 GT3, GT3 RS and Boxster Spyder, an optional lithium-ion lightweight battery is also available.
The Cayman R's sense of purpose and purist character is evident at first glance. The extended silhouette of the bodywork, which has been lowered by 20 mm compared to the Cayman S, combined with the distinctive fixed rear spoiler, ensures an individual appearance. The lightest 19-inch wheels in the entire Porsche range weighs less than 40 kg for the complete set. Finally, the black-framed headlights, black exterior mirrors and the "PORSCHE" lettering on the side – in contrasting black or silver, depending on the body colour – take design cues from classic Porsche racing cars.
It was precisely this lettering that was the trademark of the first Porsche with an "R" designation, the 911 R of 1967. This special model was created for racing sport use in a limited run of just 19 cars. The "R" was a prototype based on the standard coupé with a 210-horsepower Carrera 6 engine and, thanks to its many plastic components and extremely sparse equipment, weighed only 830 kg.
Channeling that car’s essential, less-is-more ethic, the new Porsche Cayman R will go on sale in March 2011. Canadian pricing will be announced closer to the model’s on-sale date.