Review: 2011 Porsche Cayman R

Introduction

With a name that pays tribute to the 1967 911 R which was a small series of 19 cars, Porsche unveiled their mid-engine sports car called the Cayman R at the Los Angeles Auto Show in 2010. With the R in its name standing for racing, refinement, and responsiveness, the Cayman R is a very special sports car that merges together all these exquisite qualities without compromise. Designed for spectacular road behavior, the new mid-engine coupé boasts of ten more horsepower and 55 kilograms less kerb weight than the Cayman S. The new model is designed to provide an even more precise driving experience with its sports chassis specially adapted for racing sport use, thanks to its use of extremely sparse equipment and many plastic components.

2011 Porsche Cayman R

What does it offer?

Thanks to its extensive weigh-loss mission, the 2011 Porsche Cayman R comes with a drastically sparse cabin that comes without cup-holders (German automakers tend to skip out on them anyway), air-conditioning, and door handles (apparently the 2011 Porsche Cayman R comes with fabric tug-on thingies to open doors) which helped the model achieve weight saving of 26 lbs but may leave luxury-seekers a little high and dry with its bareness. However, clever touches like the grey top-tinted windshield help justify the lack of air conditioning and a nicely trimmed cabin makes up for it.

The Beauty

Created without the standard array of convenience equipment, the 2011 Porsche Cayman R boats of an extensive use of lightweight components that helped it shave a massive amount of weight in comparison to its predecessor. Weighing in at a mere 2855 lb, the 2011 Porsche Cayman R comes with a reduce the power-to-weight ratio with the PDK variant weighing 8.8 lb per hp and the standard manual gearbox bearing just 8.6 lb per hp. With a complete rim set that weighs less than 40 kg, the 2011 Porsche Cayman R comes with lightest 19 inch wheels ever seen on a vehicle from the German automaker. Through consistent weight reduction, the coupé was able to increase its agility, driving dynamics, and performance even further.

The Beast

A six-speed manual gearbox, routes engine power to the rear wheels; in the standard configuration with the 243 kW (330 hp) six-cylinder 3.4-litre engine, being housed in the middle of the coupé. The 2011 Porsche Cayman R comes with considerably fair fuel economy numbers with its PDK-fitted variant boasting of 9.3 l/100 km (30.37 mpg) NEDC fuel consumption while the six-speed gearbox-fitted version outputs 9.7 l/100 km (29.12 mpg) NEDC fuel consumption.

The Thrill

The optional seven-speed PDK (Porsche Doppelkupplungsgetriebe) is able to offer the 2011 Porsche Cayman R with a 0-60mph acceleration time of 4.9 seconds while the standard 6-speed manual takes it from 0-62 mph in 5.0 seconds. when fitted with the optional Sport Chrono package, the 2011 Porsche Cayman R shaves off a further .2 seconds off its acceleration speed hitting the 62mph mark from a standing start in 4.7 seconds making its sprinting performance even more impressive.

With PDK, the 2011 Porsche Cayman R hits a top speed of 174 mph (280 km/h) and with the manual gearbox, the mid-engine coupé tops out at 175 mph (282 km/h).

Interiors:

Finished in the exterior color are the decorative trim strip on the dashboard and the center console which contrast with the all-black interior scheme and makes you feel free of the clutter of sentimental items though a little bit of an effort in terms of seating comfort in the Alcantara-wrapped sport bucket seats would surely have pleased buyers.

The uncompromising lightweight construction is epitomized in the seat centers though sporty contrasts like red-finished seat belts, red shift patterned distinctive gear lever and red door pulls help this unmistakable selection of clever details feel more comforting.

The car’s minimalist character is further emphasized in the removal of the instrument shroud with the Aluminum Look-finished circular border and black-finished dial faces of the circular instruments ensure that the driver always has everything in view.

Exteriors

The car’s muscular contouring is emphasized in contrasting color exterior mirrors and its intention to deliver nothing but sporty performance is also highlighted via the distinctive spoiler lips in the front apron and the powerful rear end which comes with a dynamically designed fixed spoiler. A visible expression of the car’s uncompromising individuality is further boosted by the discernibly black-finished twin tailpipes on the rear end that are contrasted with the Peridot Metallic standard exterior finish.

Should I buy one?

With its radical rejection of the pursuit of comfort, the 2011 Porsche Cayman R provides drivers an uncompromising proximity to the road which comes mated to Porsche Intelligent Performance giving the machine a distinctly rebellious character.

Price and availability

Fitted with country-specific equipment, the first Porsche with the “R” designation is offered in Germany starting at EUR 69,830 (approx. $66,300) which includes 19 percent VAT and the model is currently up for sale.

Picture Gallery

2011 Porsche Cayman R

The Cayman R is powered by a tuned-up 3.4-liter six-cylinder engine that develops an impressive 330 HP