Porsche Cayman R (2010) first official pictures

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.

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.

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.

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.        

By Ben Pulman