We told you this was going to happen last week, but now it’s official – Porsche has introduced a new version of the Cayman coupe called the Cayman R. As expected, it’s a lightened and slightly more powerful version of the Cayman S, aimed at Porsche buyers who spend their weekends at the racetrack instead of on the golf course. Porsche gave the Cayman S’ 3.4 liter flat six an additional ten horsepower, which raises output to 330 horsepower and reduces zero to 60 mile per hour times to below five seconds. Opt for the Sport Chrono package and the PDK gearbox, and you’ll shave a few more tenths of a second off your times.
Porsche put the Cayman on a crash diet before giving it the R badge, and the Cayman R tips the scales at just 2,855 pounds. Porsche substituted lighter weight components wherever possible and did away with the usual amenities; for example, door pulls are the same fabric loops found on the GT3 RS, you don’t get an audio system and even air conditioning is deleted. Total weight savings was 121 pounds, which is substantial for a car that’s already considered lightweight in stock form.
On the suspension side, Porsche dropped the Cayman’s ride height by 20 millimeters and fitted the lightest 19” wheels in Porsche’s catalog, both of which should benefit the Cayman’s already sublime handling. Outside, the Cayman R gets unique striping, black headlight trim and a fixed rear spoiler that should set it apart from other Caymans.
Pricing for the U.S. market hasn’t been announced, but the Cayman R will hit the streets in Germany at a price point of €69,830, including VAT. Look for U.S. pricing to be announced closer to the car’s February 2011 debut.