How exactly do you refine an existing sportscar concept? Do you add one thing after another, piling more on top, and packing more in?

Many would think so, but we don’t. The result is the new Cayman R.

Minimise to maximise was the idea. The guiding principle was the power-to-weight ratio. For us, improving performance is not simply about boosting engine output, but radically dispensing with features that would otherwise mean only one thing: increased weight. This is the principle of Porsche Intelligent Performance.

What does this mean for the driver? More dynamics, more agility, and even more Porsche.

Radicalness
A rebellious character knows exactly what it wants. Our engineers adopted the same attitude when developing the Cayman R. One thing was clear: it should be uncompromising, sharper and more radical than ever before. To achieve this, anything was acceptable as long as it would ultimately benefit the driver, such as a purposeful mid-engine layout combined with a rigorous reduction in weight and increased engine output. In other words, Porsche Intelligent Performance.

The result? 19-inch lightweight alloy wheels, sports bucket seats, and 330 hp. In short, 40 kg less and 10 hp more than the Cayman S.

The body has been lowered by 20 mm, and a retuned sports suspension provides uncompromising proximity to the road.

The Cayman R reflects the radical rejection of the pursuit of comfort. It’s a character that is not influenced by the opinion of others; and that is exactly what makes it so attractive.

Design
The Cayman R is not afraid to show its colours. The exterior finish is just the start. The Peridot Metallic standard colour, for example, is a visible expression of the car’s uncompromising individuality.

The dynamically designed fixed spoiler draws attention to the powerful rear end. In conjunction with the distinctive spoiler lips in the front apron, it reduces lift and delivers nothing but sporty performance.

The effect is tangible: a more direct relationship with the road. The resulting driving experience is more electrifying, more palpable, more intense.

The rear end also features a twin tailpipe finished in black to create its own discernible contrast. This is the source of the distinctive Porsche sound, which is clearly audible to all around it. After all, if you have something to say, you should be heard.

On what does a successful overall impression depend? The details.

The exterior mirrors of the Cayman R are finished in a contrasting colour to give full emphasis to the car’s muscular contouring.

Other elements in a contrasting colour include the air intakes on the rear side section, the rear spoiler wing and the Porsche logo adorning the side of the vehicle.

The black circular borders around the halogen headlights are reminiscent of the successful Porsche race cars from the past. Bi-Xenon headlights with dynamic cornering lights and daytime running lights are available as an option.

An indication of the car’s purposeful lightweight construction is given by the aluminium doors, which reduce weight by 15 kg.

The black painted logo on the rear lid is the final signature of the car’s uncompromising nature.

In summary, the Cayman R sets clear accents and leaves no questions unanswered. Exterior styling is no exception, and we find that this suits the Cayman R very well indeed.

Chassis
What does exploring your own direction actually mean? At Porsche, it means concentrating without compromise on what matters: the road. It’s no wonder, then, that the body of the Cayman R has been lowered by 20 mm compared with that of the Cayman S and the chassis set-up has been modified accordingly.

The resulting lightweight spring-strut suspension has anti-roll bars front and rear and four shock absorbers tuned for firm rebound and compression to provide improved dynamic performance with virtually no difference in ride comfort.

The impact on driving stability is extremely profound: pitch and roll are practically eliminated.

Safety
The more spirited a character is, the more power it takes to stop it.

The 19-inch Boxster Spyder wheels in a superior lightweight design afford an unobstructed view of the brake system and its four-piston aluminium monobloc brake calipers. Available as an option is the Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake (PCCB). Tested on the racetrack, it provides consistently high levels of friction and reduces unsprung and rotating masses.

The Cayman R. Uncompromisingly reduced to the sporting basics, but with no sacrifice in terms of safety. Can we even attempt to describe the driving experience? Can you count to infinity? We can only suggest one thing: give it a try for yourself.

Comfort
The driver has everything in view, and everything is easy to find. No need, then, for the Cayman R to slow down. The dial faces of the circular instruments are finished in black, the circular border is finished in Aluminium Look. The removal of the instrument shroud emphasises the car’s minimalist character. A selection of clever details, all finished in red, create unmistakable and sporty contrasts. These include the door pulls, the distinctive gear lever with red shift pattern, and the seat belts.

The sports bucket seats with Alcantara seat centres are the epitome of uncompromising lightweight construction, saving another 12 kg.

As far as seating comfort is concerned, the Cayman R doesn’t have much else to offer. Why? Well, have you ever been racing on a luxury designer seat?

Colours
Enhance the unique character of your Cayman R with a choice of interior and exterior colours. Bodywork options include five solid, eight metallic and four ’special’ paint finishes. Inside the car, there’s a choice of four interior colours,Naturally, you can also specify your car in any other colour you wish. The possibilities are virtually unlimited – all you have to do is provide a suitable colour sample.