2012 Porsche Cayman R

A new lightweight sports version of the Porsche Cayman goes on sale next spring. The 2012 Porsche Cayman R takes its purist cue from the recently introduced Boxster Spyder.Porsche says the Cayman R has been created for one reason: pure driving dynamics. Light and powerful, the Cayman R gets a 330-hp 3.4-liter engine and weighs 121 pounds less than a standard Cayman. With its highly tuned sports suspension and vigilant attention to weight savings, says Porsche, the Cayman R offers an even more precise driving experience than a Cayman S.Porsche revealed the Cayman R at the November 2010 LA Auto Show and said it goes on sale in February 2011 as a 2012 model. Porsche said the base price will be $66,300.The Cayman R will benefit from the highly efficient 3.4-liter six-cylinder Direct Fuel Injection boxer engine found in the Cayman S, but it's tuned to produce 10 more horsepower. With a 6-speed manual transmission, the Cayman R sprints from a standstill to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds, says Porsche, 0.2 second faster than the Cayman S. With the optional 7-speed dual-clutch PDK (Doppelkupplungsgetriebe) transmission and the Sport Chrono package, the exercise is reduced to 4.4 seconds, which is very quick indeed. Top track speed with the manual transmission is 175 mph (up by 3 over Cayman S), a mere 174 mph with the PDK.The main objective in the concept and execution of the Cayman R was to improve the already energetic two-seater through a systematic reduction in weight, thereby increasing performance, driving dynamics and agility, Porsche says. With a DIN unladen weight of 2849 lbs., Porsche engineers were able to achieve a power-to-weight ratio of 8.58 lbs. per hp (with the manual). The greatest weight savings comes from the use of lightweight components and the omission of certain standard equipment not directly associated with driving performance.In addition to the removal of the A/C and stereo, the driver-focused Cayman R utilizes a sports suspension system that lowers the Cayman R by 20 mm, helping lower center of gravity. Optional on the Cayman S, the Cayman R comes with a standard limited-slip differential, front and rear spoilers from the Cayman Aerokit and special lightweight 19-inch wheels (also found on the Boxster Spyder).Lightweight aluminum door skins, carbon-fiber backed sport bucket seats and interior door panels from the 911 GT3 RS also contribute to the weight reduction. Black-framed halogen headlights, contrasting side mirrors and decorative PORSCHE side-stripes evoking Carreras from the '60s add to the unique appearance.