Porsche Cayman R (From York Press)

Porsche Cayman R

10:40am Friday 18th November 2011 in Road Test By Steve Nelson

NOT so long ago, if you wanted a Porsche it was a 911, or a 911.

Then, maybe, a Boxster. Recent years have seen the maker’s range expand to include the Cayenne SUV and the Panamera saloon.

But occupying what might be called the middle ground among the sports cars is what some have called a mini 911 – the Cayman.

As the flagship 911 continues to mature, the Cayman has conveniently filled the gap between the grand master of the tailslide and the entry-level Boxster drop-top.

In some circles the Cayman, with its more compact physical presence and engaging character, is being mentioned in the same breath as 911s from the past.

Some view it as a 911-lite, and it has certainly ticked the box for people seeking a grittier 911-like experience. More than 7,000 have been sold in the UK since its launch in 2005.

Whether it’s the car’s ability to track straight and true through a series of challenging bends or offer the driver the chance to let things slide a lttle without causing a panic, it’s fair to say that the Cayman delivers an experience that’s close to perfection. Oh, and it’s very quick.

Now, following on from the Cayman S, there’s a version aimed at the more demanding and appreciative of the Porsche fan club – the Cayman R. And this one is even closer to perfection. It is very, very quick, too.

For all the badge snobbery, Porsche really does know how to make great sports cars. If you’re skilled enough, you can play with the car, yet if you’re just learning the ropes it won’t embarrass or intimidate.

And it’s not just the mechanics of driving the Cayman R that deserve praise. The driving position is spot on, the cabin ergonomics much improved over Porsches of old, and you could never tire of the engine notes playing out behind your head.

Its trademark metallic whine is there when you’re trundling to the shops and its roar and bark is present when you’re scurrying down a favourite B-road.

Opt for the PDK gearbox, as tested here, and you can keep two hands on the alcantara-wrapped chunky sports steering wheel or the gear-shift paddles as the transmission system rips through the gears with astonishing pace.

The Cayman R’s 3.4-litre flat-six motor now boasts 330 horsepower, which is 10 more than the S. It’s already a peach of an engine, and while it’s in its element being exercised to the maximum, it’s also torquey enough to happily trickle through town at low revs.

What makes the Cayman R that bit more special are the detailed suspension tweaks, 55kg weight loss over the Cayman S and increased power. A slightly lower ride height, spring and damper modifications and lighter alloy wheels all add up to deliver a sublime experience for the discerning driver.

Then you can factor in the car’s flawless steering and the ability to cover ground at a rapid pace. With a six-speed manual transmission, the Cayman R sprints from a stand-still to 62 mph in 5.0 seconds, twotenths of a second faster than the Cayman S. With the optional sevenspeed dual-clutch PDK (Doppelkupplungsgetriebe) transmission and the Sport Chrono package, the exercise is reduced to 4.7 seconds. Top speed with the manual transmission is up by three to 175 mph (282 km/h), 174 mph (280 km/h) with the PDK.

It’s true that the ride is a little firmer than a regular Cayman but we’re not talking GT3 RS firm here. Despite the lower ride height and various other changes, the Cayman R is still a car that can be confidently used every day.

Originally launched in 2005, its characteristic silhouette has remained fresh and contemporary.

From the outside, a fixed rear spoiler in contrasting colour sets the Cayman R apart from the regular and S models, and black-framed halogen headlights, contrasting side mirrors and PORSCHE side-stripes bring further differentiation. The Cayman R might be something of a specialist tool but there’s no questioning its abilities. If you know what you’re doing the car will surprise and delight, but never scare, in equal measure.

Its distinctive coupé lines are combined with a long wheelbase and a rear aspect that slopes gently downwards.

From the rear, the Cayman is defined by a large, opening rear lid and sweeping wheel arches.

The rear lid opens upwards to provide access to the 260-litre luggage compartment. This is in conjunction with the 150-litre capacity luggage compartment in the nose.

The new halogen headlights with their integrated direction indicators are reminiscent of the lights on the Carrera GT, and the new LED rear lights tapering to the outside are integrated elegantly in the remodelled bodywork.

On the downside, you need a certain amount of dexterity to enter and extricate yourself from the sports seats, and there needs to be more backlighting on the centre console to find the various buttons and switches in the dark. But my one big gripe is with the fabric loopstyle door pulls that really are a step too far in making the car lighter.

Come on, Porsche, let’s have some proper door handles for the sake of a few more pounds in weight.

You could forgive Porsche almost anything though, as long as it continues to make cars like this that offer such driving thrills.

PORSCHE CAYMAN R WITH PDK GEARBOX VARIANT

PRICE: £53,869 (from £51,728 for manual version).

ENGINE: 3.4-litre petrol unit developing 330bhp.

TRANSMISSION: six-speed manual transmission as standard, driving the rear wheels, of seven-speed double clutch automatic.

PERFORMANCE: Maximum speed 174mph, 0-62mph 4.7 seconds.

ECONOMY: 30.4mpg combined.

CO2 RATING: 218g/km