Porsche has launched most powerful, lightest and most hardcore Cayman yet. The Cayman R makes the gap between Porsche's entry-level sports coupé and the 911 smaller than ever.
The R uses the 3.4-litre engine of the Cayman S, tuned to develop an extra 10bhp, taking power to 325bhp. It's a full 55kg lighter too. That's about the weight of a small adult, if you like.
The weight reduction comes by way of lightweight 19-inch alloy wheels, carbon fibre bucket seats, a smaller fuel tank and ditching the air conditioning. Even the door panels are lighter, taken from the track-focussed 911 GT3 RS.
It all adds up to the quickest Cayman yet, with a 0-62mph time of five seconds flat, 0.2 seconds quicker than the Cayman S. Amazingly, the PDK twin-clutch automatic version shaves off a further 0.3 seconds. Top speed is 175mph with the manual, and 174mph with the PDK gearbox.
It's not all about speed, though. Porsche promises superior handling thanks to upgraded sports suspension and a standard aerodynamic kit.
The Cayman R will be easy to spot on the road with its black headlamp surrounds, Porsche side stripes and black wing mirrors.
It debuts at the LA Auto Show this week before going on sale in January 2011, priced from just under £52,000 - a hefty £5,000 premium over the Cayman S.
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