A rebellious character knows exactly what it wants. Porsche engineers adopted the same attitude when developing the new Cayman R. One thing was clear: it should be uncompromising, sharper and more radical than ever before. To achieve this, anything was acceptable as long as it would ultimately benefit the driver, such as a purposeful mid-engine layout combined with a rigorous reduction in weight and increased engine output. In other words, Porsche Intelligent Performance.
The 2011 Cayman R reflects the radical rejection of the pursuit of comfort. It's a character that is not influenced by the opinion of others. And that is exactly what makes it so attractive. The Cayman R is estimated to arrive at Porsche of Hawaii, 730 Ala Moana Boulevard, Honolulu, HI 96813 mid summer 2011.
Drive System & Performance
How can one satisfy an insatiable urge for increased performance? There are many ways. Porsche takes the intelligent route, which has been the common theme at Porsche for over 60 years. For Porsche, simply increasing engine output is not enough. Improved dynamics are not achieved by increased output alone, but by a harmonious balance of low weight - for excellent agility - and high engine power - for outstanding performance. In other words, by an optimal power-to-weight ratio.
The 2011 Cayman R is 121 lbs. lighter and 10 hp more powerful than the Cayman S. This has made it possible to achieve a power-to-weight ratio of less than 8.81 lb/hp. The light-alloy 3.4-liter horizontally opposed cylinder engine produces 330 hp at 7,400 rpm. Maximum torque is 273 lb-ft. at 4,750 rpm.
At the rear end, the exhaust system with its twin tailpipe in black has the last sport word. The optional sport exhaust system offers and even more impressive sound.
The engine features Direct Fuel Injection (DFI) as standard. Fuel is injected at up to 1,740 psi directly into the combustion chamber with millisecond precision. The injection spray and cone angles are tuned for the optimum fuel/air mixture and effective combustion.
The results are impressive performance figures, extremely smooth running, optimized gas cycles, and tremendous cornering agility with low fuel consumption and emissions. The Cayman R responds to every touch of the accelerator pedal with radical forward thrust. Acceleration from 0 to 60 mph is completed in just 4.7 seconds, 0.2 seconds faster than the Cayman S.
The top track speed is 175 mph (282 km/h). In conjunction with the differential lock fitted as standard, the precise six-speed manual gearbox delivers outstanding traction directly to the road.
Available as an option is Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK), with both manual gearshift and an automatic mode, enabling smooth gear changes with no interruption in the flow of power. This results in significantly faster acceleration and lower fuel consumption, without having to sacrifice the ease of automatic transmission. With PDK, the Cayman R completes the sprint from 0 to 60 mph in only 4.6 seconds.
Also available is the optional Sport Chrono Package which, when combined with Porsche Doppelkupplung, offers the "Launch Control" function to improve acceleration by a further 0.2 seconds to 4.4 seconds.
Sport Chassis & Handling
What does exploring your own direction actually mean? At Porsche, it means concentrating without compromise on what matters: the road. It's no wonder, then, that the body of the Cayman R has been lowered by 0.79 inches (20 mm) compared with that of the Cayman S and the chassis set-up has been modified accordingly.
The resulting lightweight spring-strut suspension has anti-roll bars front and rear and four shock absorbers tuned for firm rebound and compression to provide improved dynamic performance with virtually no difference in ride comfort.
The impact on driving stability is extremely profound: pitch and roll are practically eliminated.
Mechanically locking rear differential. The mechanically locking rear differential, fitted as standard, further enhances the traction of the driven rear wheels on road surfaces with varying grip and when accelerating out of tight corners. It also acts to damp load-change reactions during fast cornering.
Wheels. The Cayman R is equipped as standard with 19-inch Boxster Spyder wheels with a high-quality silver painted finish. They are lightweight and reduce unsprung masses, ensure excellent responsiveness, and offer a high level of agility.
Safety & Security
Braking System. The more spirited a character is, the more power it takes to stop it. The 19-inch Boxster Spyder wheels in a superior lightweight design afford an unobstructed view of the brake system and its four-piston aluminum monobloc brake calipers. Available as an option is the Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake (PCCB). Tested on the racetrack, it provides consistently high levels of friction and reduces unsprung and rotating masses.
Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake (PCCB) - On request, we can equip your Cayman R with a brake system that has already had to cope with the harshest requirements of motorsport: the Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake (PCCB).
The brake discs are formed from a specially treated carbon-fibre compound that is silicated in a high-vacuum process at approximately 1,700 °C. Not only are the resulting discs much harder than standard discs, they are more resistant to heat. The low thermal expansion of the brake discs prevents deformation under heavy braking. Furthermore, the ceramic brake discs are totally resistant to corrosion and offer more favourable noise-damping properties.
All the necessary ingredients are there for a short braking distance, even in the toughest conditions. Moreover, safety under braking at high speeds is increased thanks to the excellent fade resistance of PCCB.
The key advantage of PCCB is that the brake discs are approximately 50% lighter than standard discs of similar design and size. A factor that helps to reduce unsprung and rotating masses on the vehicle. The consequence of this is better road holding and increased comfort, particularly on uneven roads, as well as greater agility and improved handling.
Interior Design
The driver has everything in view, and everything is easy to find. No need, then, for the Cayman R to slow down. The dial faces of the circular instruments are finished in black, the circular border is finished in Aluminum Look. The removal of the instrument shroud emphasizes the car's minimalist character. A selection of clever details, all finished in red, create unmistakable and sporty contrasts. These include the door pulls, the distinctive gear lever with red shift pattern, and the seat belts.
The sport bucket seat with Alcantara® seat centers are the epitome of uncompromising lightweight construction, saving another 26 lbs.