Los Angeles, California – Porsche has debuted its latest Cayman, the all-new lightweight Cayman R, at the Los Angeles Auto Show.
The new model features a 55-kilogram reduction in weight and a ten horsepower increase over the Cayman S, along with a specially-adapted sport chassis. The new two-seater is powered by a specially-tuned 3.4-litre flat-six engine developing 330 horsepower, and is capable of accelerating from zero to 100 km/h in just 5.0 seconds. With the optional seven-speed Porsche PDK gearbox in combination with the optional Sport Chrono package, the same sprint takes only 4.7 seconds. Weighing just 1,295 kilograms, the Cayman R’s power-to-weight ratio is just 3.9 kg/hp.
The largest weight savings were achieved through lightweight components such as aluminum doors, and by “dispensing with creature comforts,” the company said. The car features carbon-fibre sport bucket seats, fabric door pulls in place of metal handles, an instrument cluster without a decorative shroud, and a storage shelf in place of the missing audio system, which can be added at no extra charge. As with the 911 GT3, GT3 RS and Boxster Spyder, an optional lithium-ion lightweight battery is also available.
The new Cayman R will go on sale in March 2011, with Canadian pricing announced closer to the model’s on-sale date.
