Porsche reveals new Cayman R

The newest member of the mid-engined Cayman family features the 3.4-litre, flat six-cylinder Direct Fuel Injection (DFI) boxer engine found in the Cayman S, but it has been tuned to put out an extra 10hp – now 330hp.

With a six-speed manual transmission, Porsche says the Cayman R sprints from a stand-still to 100kph 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, you’ll make it to 100 in 4.7 seconds. Top speed with the manual transmission is up by 5 to 282kph, 280kph with the PDK.

With an unladen weight of 1295kg, Porsche engineers were able to achieve a power-to-weight ratio of 255hp per tonne, and 250hp per tonne with the PDK.

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

The Cayman R also comes as standard with a limited slip differential 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, and black-framed halogen headlights, contrasting side mirrors and decorative “PORSCHE” side-stripes set the Cayman R apart.

The Porsche Cayman R will go on sale in 2011.