What is it?
2012 Porsche Cayman R
What's special about it?
Porsche is ratcheting up the performance of its six-year-old entry-level coupe with a new lightweight model that's set to go on sale next February.
Revealed for the first time at the 2010 Los Angeles Auto Show, the 2012 Porsche Cayman R is based heavily on the Cayman S but receives a series of subtle modifications aimed at lowering its weight and increasing its performance.
The tricked-out Cayman R is visually set apart from the Cayman S by a series of exterior styling upgrades. The most obvious changes are the black framed headlamps, contrasting side mirrors, prominent fixed rear wing and unique 19-inch alloy wheels. Buyers can also order traditional "Porsche" decals down each side along with a distinctive metallic green paint scheme Porsche calls Peridot, as seen on the car shown here.
Porsche has drawn on lightweight items used by other road-going models to help lower the new model's curb weight. Included are aluminum doors from the 911 Turbo and 911 GT3, a smaller 14.3-gallon fuel tank — down by 5.3 liters in volume on the Cayman S tank — carbon-fiber seats and a series of lightweight interior pieces from the company's Exclusive division catalog.
The 2012 Porsche Cayman R also does without an entertainment system and there is no air-conditioning among the standard equipment, though they can both be ordered. The result is an overall curb weight of 2,855 pounds, which is 110 pounds less than the Cayman S.
Powering the new two-seater is a lightly enhanced version of the Cayman S's 3.4-liter horizontally opposed six-cylinder boxer engine. Engine control tweaks add another 10 hp, which takes peak power up to 330 hp, while torque remains the same at 272 pound-feet.
The Cayman R will be sold with a standard six-speed manual gearbox. So equipped, Porsche says it will go from zero to 60 in 5 seconds flat, or two-tenths quicker than the Cayman S. Buyers will also be able to choose an optional seven-speed double-clutch PDK gearbox in combination with the Porsche Sport Chrono package already available on the Cayman S. With the PDK setup, Porsche says the Cayman R's 0-60 time drops to just 4.7 seconds. Top speed rises by 3 mph to 175 mph irrespective of the gearbox.
Backing up the driveline upgrades is a revised chassis. The MacPherson strut and multilink suspension has been lowered by 20mm for a lower center of gravity, the standard wheels shed 11 pounds in weight to reduce unsprung mass and the stabilizer bars have grown in diameter in a move aimed at lowering the already low levels of body lean. The 2012 Porsche Cayman R also receives a limited-slip differential as standard equipment.
Inside Line says: Not like this car needed work in the performance department, but it's hard to argue with less weight and more power. Interesting shade of green, too. — Andreas Stahl, Contributor
Add A Comment »
gsman1 says:
08:17 AM, 01/30/2011
love the color, love the idea!!!!!
ordered mine yesterday in that color and with no ac or navi.
it will make a great grocery getter to complement my gt3 rs (in a equally cool orange) that finally came in a month ago.
the type of person that does not like this model is the same person that says porch instead of Porsche.
of course the typical fat ass Porsche buyer these days negates any weight savings with a beer gut and 50 pounds of gold chains but it's nice to know that Porsche still tries to give it's customers what they want.
the best option I added was the new lightweight battery that came with the gt3.
mcd0234 says:
12:26 PM, 11/27/2010
I am sure there will be plenty of people that like this sort of thing, but that is an awful lot to give up for only 100lbs less. Not to mention, its already a fantastic car to begin with so you're just adding tiny improvements. I'll take the current fantastic performance with AC, stereo and nav thanks very much and get there on time without sweat pouring down my face. No doubt, it'll be much more expensive for less too which is something Porsche has elevated to an art form - to each their own I guess...
charlesb says:
07:57 AM, 11/23/2010
Kind of takes something beautiful (Cayman) and turns into something ugly: green with black glasses.
mieden says:
01:40 PM, 11/18/2010
compressor,
The PDK is a dual-clutch manual transmission. An "automatic" in traditional terms has a fluid coupling (torque converter) and a series of hydraulic bands or clutches controlling a planetary assembly of some sorts. There are also automated single-clutch manual transmissions, Ferrari is one company using one, off the top of my head.
dhamilton says:
06:44 AM, 11/18/2010
I think I just peed on my chin!
alpine6speed says:
06:43 AM, 11/18/2010
ed124c
Most people are not like you because they buy a car for themselves not some "honeys" Also if I ever was with a girl who had even judged me for my car im OUT. If your "honeys" want a nice car tell trhem to go get a job and buy it themselves like everyone else has too. Tell them they deserve nothing from anyone and they have to earn it themselves. If you actually did this you would notm have call them "honeys" and you would be with a real woman instead of the "tools" you call "honeys".
lzks says:
05:25 AM, 11/18/2010
Lost only 110lbs? Sigh. You can do that with any car if you remove the AC unit and radio. Seriously what have they done? Nothing. This is just marketing scheme, considering the fact that this WILL be more expensive than the Cayman S. I'd take the regular S anyday. Also, my Mr2 spyder has just as much space as the Cayman, has AC and radio, and still manages to weigh under 2100lbs. Now, that's remarkable. Granted, it has a smaller engine, but still doesn't justify +800lbs without AC and radio.
compressor says:
07:28 PM, 11/17/2010
@337 - No hard feelings. I personally would like a manual, but do not look down at someone for choosing this style "auto" :) These are both performance and sports cars. Either transmission fills the roll.
To those discussing 0-60, the weight savings will show in handling. And like the GT3RS, this isn't a car one should be buying to drive the "honeys" in. If that is your need, the Cayman S is plenty capable. Likely more capable than myself and everyone else on this blog.
smallfield says:
06:35 PM, 11/17/2010
Gotta love the radio and A/C delete. I think that'd make it a perfect track car - if I had 65K for one plus parts as they break (and have a porsche logo on them when they need replacing)
Although a 2800 lb curb weight is pretty amazing with 330hp
I wonder how'd it hold up against a Z06 on the track given the similar pricing and purposes.
sportyaccordy says:
06:01 PM, 11/17/2010
Needs the 3.8.