Porsche's new top mid-engined model, Cayman R, debuts at the LA Show

New Zealand. The letter “R” in the Porsche alphabet is reserved exclusively for very special models. R stands for Responsive, Refined and Racy – attributes the new Cayman R unveiled this morning at the LA Auto Show has in spades.

The new, lightweight, mid-engined coupe is designed for spectacular road dynamics and exhilarating driving. This is achieved by reducing weight, increasing engine output and re-tuning the chassis for an even sportier set-up.

The new Cayman R is 55 kilograms lighter than the Cayman S and gains eight (8) kW to bring maximum power up to 243 kW from its 3.4-liter six-cylinder boxer engine. With the standard six-speed manual gearbox it will accelerate from 0–100 km/h in 5.0 seconds. With optional double clutch PDK gearbox the sprint time is reduced to 4.9 secs, or down to 4.7 secs when combined with optional Sport Chrono.

The new mid-engine coupe is capable of a top speed of 282 km/h with manual gearbox, or 280 km/h with PDK. Its NEDC fuel consumption is 9.7 L/100 km with six-speed gearbox and 9.3 L/100 km with PDK.

The main aim during the design of the Cayman R was to improve the two-seater even further in its performance, driving dynamics and agility through consistent weight reduction. With an unladen weight of just 1,295 kg the Porsche engineers were able to reduce the power-to- weight ratio with standard manual gearbox to 5.32 kg per kilowatt.

The higher level of standard specification enjoyed by Cayman S customers in New Zealand will remain in the Cayman R. Key features climate control air-conditioning and Porsche Communication Management (PCM) incorporating radio, six-disc CD changer, Bluetooth and IPod functionality as well as Satellite Navigation will remain standard on the Cayman R. These items are deleted from overseas models.

Therefore the net weight saving on New Zealand specification Cayman R is around 40 kg compared with the New Zealand spec Cayman S – with weight reductions coming predominantly from the use aluminium doors, lightweight sports bucket seats, super lightweight 19-inch alloy wheels (complete rim set weighs less than 40 kg) and other small but critical weight saving measures.

The Cayman R's purpose and purist character is evident from first glance. The extended silhouette of the bodywork (which has been lowered by 20 millimetres compared to the Cayman S), combined with the distinctive fixed rear spoiler, the high-quality silver-painted wheels and numerous sporting highlights on both the interior and exterior, ensures an individual appearance. The black-framed headlights, black exterior mirrors and "PORSCHE" decal on the side – in contrasting black or silver, depending on the body colour – take design cues from classic Porsche racing cars.

The new Porsche Cayman R will arrive in New Zealand early in the second quarter of 2011, with local pricing yet to be confirmed.