2012 Porsche Cayman R (photos)
The R version of the Cayman pretends to be a stripped-down racer, but it can be optioned up with most of Porsche's cabin tech. Leave that off, though, as this car is built for the track.
The Cayman sits above the Boxster and below the 911 in Porsche's sports car lineup. In top, R trim, the Cayman gets performance upgrades, such as a limited-slip differential.
The Cayman R is a two-seater hard top with its engine placed just behind the cabin, putting the weight close to the center. An aluminum body keeps the car light.
Although the Cayman shares some styling with the 911, the placement of the engine allows a more slated rear end. The front, with its hood dropping down between the two fenders, is a look shared by all Porsche vehicles.
With the engine amidships, the hood covers a small cargo area in front.
This car came with ceramic-composite brakes, an expensive option for the Cayman R and most useful on the track.
With its rigid body, well-engineered suspension, and weight distribution, the Cayman R handles with spectacular acuity.
Where other Porsches use automatic spoilers that rise up at speed, the Cayman R has a fixed spoiler.
Manually adjustable seats with high bolsters make getting in and out of this car difficult.
There are no buttons on this steering wheel, as the R-trim Cayman is designed for performance, with less emphasis on cabin tech.
In sports car style, the tachometer occupies the most visible position on the instrument cluster.
The six-speed manual shifts with a very mechanical feeling. Porsche's dual-clutch Doppelkupplung, with seven gears, is also available.
Despite the spare nature of the car, it still has a sport button, which changes the throttle response.
The Sport Chrono package adds this stopwatch to the dashboard, suitable for lap timing.
Although this Cayman R lacked any cabin tech options, Porsche includes this large display for the radio as standard.
The standard audio system, with its 11 speakers, is very good. But with no cabin tech options, a CD player and AM/FM radio are the only audio sources.