Porsche unleashes Cayman R

Porsche is currently in the midst of a model derivative frenzy. At the recent Paris motor show it gave us the 911 GTS and Speedster, and it's now busted out the hardcore Cayman R at the Los Angeles motor show.

Rumours that such a model was in the works have been circulating for some time, but most had speculated it would wear 'Club Sport' badges -- a moniker previously used on the likes of the 928 and 968.

The Cayman R is a stripper in the true sense of the word as Porsche has ditched the air-con and stereo, and fitted lightweight 19in alloy wheels (as featured on the Boxster Spyder), carbonfibre sports bucket seats and lighter interior door panels (a la 911 GT3 RS) to pare 55kg from its kerb weight.

Porsche's boffins have also tweaked the Cayman S's 3.4-litre flat-six to eke out an additional 8kW for a total of 243kW. However, peak torque remains unchanged at 370Nm.

The extra oomph and reduced weight of the Cayman R enables it to sprint to 100km/h in 5.0sec with the six-speed manual gearbox (two-tenths quicker than the S), while top speed is up to 282km/h -- five-kays quicker than the stocker.

Choosing the PDK (dual-clutch sequential) version further sharpens performance, and it knocks off the 0-100km/h split in a 911-threatening 4.7sec.

The car's dynamic abilities are boosted by a standard limited-slip differential and sports suspension that drops the car 20mm closer to the deck. The car's fuel tank has shrunk slightly to 54 litres.

Meanwhile, the aero/visual-enhancing 'Cayman Aerokit' brings a fixed rear spoiler in a contrasting colour, black-framed halogen headlights, contrasting side mirrors and Porsche side stripe decals. Also exclusive to the R will be the Peridot metallic paint adorning the LA show car.

The Cayman R launches internationally in early-2011, and we should receive it shortly after, priced around $10k higher than the Cayman S.

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