Porsche Cayman R (2010)

This is the new 2010 Porsche Cayman R, the lightest and most powerful version yet of Stuttgart’s mid-engined sports car, and the closest it’s ever been allowed to get to the hallowed 911.

How much more powerful is the new 2010 Porsche Cayman R?

Over and above the Cayman S, the Cayman R has a mere 10bhp more, taking the total to 325bhp – the torque figure is unchanged at 272lb ft.

Much more impressive (and important) are the weight reductions: the Cayman R is 55kg lighter than the Cayman S. The biggest weight savings come from the carbonfibre bucket seats, but there are also lightweight aluminium doors from the GT3, a smaller fuel tank, and Spyder wheels (the lightest set of 19in alloys that Porsche makes) that trim 5kg.

The Cayman R's interior is also stripped out, with no air-con, no radio, and the fabric doors pulls from Porsche’s RS models, plus an Alcantara steering wheel. It's positively bare in here.

So the new Cayman R is quick, right?

The 0-62mph time drops from 5.2 to five seconds dead, but, crucially, remains a tenth slower behind an entry-level 911. Funny that.

The optional PDK gearbox will drop the time to 4.7 seconds, but again a dual-clutch-equipped 911 will be faster. The diet also helps improve the fuel consumption – the R achieves 29.1mpg with a manual ‘box or 30.4mpg with a PDK twin-clutcher, while the S manages 28.8 or 30.1mpg respectively.

Any other changes to the Cayman R?

Yes, and most obvious is the extra bodywork. The Aerokit, available across the Cayman range, is standard on R, with a fixed rear wing and front lip spoiler, and the claim of extra downforce and reduced lift on both axles.

Unique-to-the-R tweaks include (thankfully optional) retro graphics, black door mirrors and black headlamp surrounds, while the olive green Peridot paint is a new option. Looks great in the photos, not so sure about the real world.

A limited slip differential and 20mm lower sports suspension are standard, and ceramic brakes are on the options list. All in, all this is yours for £51,731 when sales starts in the UK in February 2011. That’s about £4k more than a Cayman S, but £15k less than the cheapest 911.

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