20 November 2010
By Ben Pulman
This is the new 2010 , 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 ?
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 0-100kph 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 9.7L/100 with a manual ‘box or 9.3l/100 with a PDK twin-clutcher, while the S manages 9.8 or 9.4 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. The first models of the new in the Middle East region are expected to arrive in March 2011. The basic retail price for the GCC markets is $63,490 - which makes it around $5k more than a Cayman S, but still $16k cheaper than the base 911.
Let us know what you think of the new Cayman R below
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