2012 Porsche Cayman R Debuts at the 2010 Los Angeles Auto Show

LOS ANGELES — The newest Porsche, the 2012 Cayman R coupe, makes its global debut today at the 2010 Los Angeles Auto Show. Priced from $66,000-$91,000, depending on market, the Cayman R will go on sale in February.

The Cayman R is 121 pounds lighter, with 10 more horsepower, than the Cayman S. Its 3.4-liter flat-6 engine makes 330 hp and can be equipped with either a standard six-speed manual gearbox or the optional seven-speed dual-clutch PDK, which trims 0-60-mph acceleration from 4.7 to 4.6 seconds. An optional Sport Chrono package shaves another 0.2 second off that time. Top speed is 175 mph with the six-speed manual, 174 mph with the PDK.

Thanks in part to its low 2,855-pound dry weight, the Cayman R returns an average 24 mpg in fuel economy with the six-speed manual and 25 mpg with the PDK. Porsche has achieved this weight-saving by fitting lighter wheels, carbon-fiber sport bucket seats, aluminum door skins and a slightly smaller fuel tank, while stripping away such equipment as air-conditioning and audio systems.

A sport suspension lowers the Cayman R's body by 0.8 inch. Porsche has added a limited-slip differential, fixed rear spoiler, silver-painted 19-inch alloy rims, black-framed headlamps and black exterior mirrors. PORSCHE lettering on the body side, in contrasting silver or black, further distinguishes the car.

Inside Line says: Powerful Porsche goes toward the light. — Paul Lienert, Correspondent