Porsche’s two-seat Cayman — and its roadster counterpart, the Boxster — compete with the Audi TT, BMW Z4, Chevrolet Corvette and Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class. The Boxster is covered in a separate report in the Cars.com Research section.
New for 2012 A Porsche SportDesign steering wheel is newly available, but the big news for 2012 is the debut of the Cayman R. A more powerful version of the Cayman S, the Cayman R also weighs 121 pounds less. It features a lowered sport suspension, limited-slip differential and a 3.4-liter horizontally opposed six-cylinder that’s been tuned to produce 330 horsepower — 10 hp more than the Cayman S’ engine.
With a six-speed manual transmission, the Cayman R can go from zero to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds. The optional seven-speed dual-clutch automatic cuts the time to 4.6 seconds (4.4 with the Sport Chrono Package). Top track speed is 175 mph.
Exterior cues include black headlight frames, special front and rear spoilers, lightweight 19-inch wheels borrowed from the Boxster Spyder, and classic Porsche side stripes. The interior has undergone a weight-loss regimen with the deletion of air conditioning and the stereo (which can be added back at no extra charge). The sport bucket seats save 26 pounds, according to Porsche, and lightweight door panels, which include pull-straps instead of traditional levers, provide more weight savings.
Exterior The Cayman has round fog lights — the Boxster’s are rectangular — and a larger grille opening. The turn signals are incorporated into the projector-beam halogen headlight clusters. Exterior features include:
Standard 17-inch wheels; 18- or 19-inch wheels optional
Standard LED taillights
Front trunk, rear cargo area
Interior An available 6.5-inch touch-screen controls the audio, communication and navigation systems in this two-seat coupe. Interior features include:
Standard CD stereo; optional six-CD changer
Optional Bose surround sound system
Optional navigation system
Optional carbon fiber trim
Optional heated/ventilated seats
Under the Hood The base engine is a 265-hp, 2.9-liter horizontally opposed six-cylinder. The 3.4-liter six-cylinder in the Cayman S generates 320 hp and 330 hp in the Cayman R. Both engines are available with a manual or PDK dual-clutch automatic transmission. Mechanical features include:
Standard six-speed manual transmission
Optional seven-speed PDK automatic with manual-shift mode
3.4-liter engine offers direct fuel injection for better performance, gas mileage
