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Porsche Cayman R road test

Lighter, faster and more powerful than any other Cayman in the range, the R is the iteration of Porsche’s small coupe. With 330bhp and 0-62mph in 4.7 seconds flat, it’s quick, but the real news is the way this Cayman devours corners with the biting power of its namesake. The Porsche 911 should be very worried by its younger, cheaper sibling.

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Performance

The Cayman R has the same 3.4-litre ‘flat’ six engine as the Cayman S, but Porsche has found another 10bhp to raise maximum power for the R to 330bhp at a howling 7200rpm. Not only does this drop the 0-62mph down to 4.7 seconds with the seven-speed PDK dual-clutch gearbox and Sport Chrono package, or 5.0 seconds if you insist on working a clutch pedal with your left foot, it raises top speed to 175mph. For a car that is not supposed to encroach on Porsche 911 supercar, these figures are perilously close to Porsche’s senior supercar. More importantly than the outright top speed, however, is the way the Cayman R builds pace through the gears. There’s plenty of low-rev punch for searing out of corners, or for simply bumbling along, and there’s no let up if you keep your foot pasted to the floor boards. Possibly the only criticism we can level at the Cayman R is it makes using its performance so easy and accessible that you’re likely to find yourself enjoying too much, so keep an eye on the speedo and the road ahead.

Ride & Handling

The Cayman started out in life with superb handling and the S version added more power to make the most of it. Now, the R delivers the package the Cayman has been crying out for all along. It sits 55kg lighter and 20mm lower on its 19in alloy wheels to give it a real air of menace. This impression is backed up the first time you tackle a corner at a speed you think will stretch the Cayman R’s abilities. On leaving the corner, you’ll realise the Cayman R has taken this at a canter and has so much ability in reserve that public roads will never reveal the full extent of this car’s true greatness. Use the half day driving experience that comes as standard with every new Porsche sold, or book yourself on a track day, and you’ll find the Cayman R is incredibly quick through corners. Its balance is perfect, the steering full of feel and that indefinable ‘seat of the pants’ sensation is spot on. It’s a car that works with the driver to extract the best from every drive rather than trying to intimidate its driver. As for comfort, the Cayman R is a little firmer than a standard model, but not harshly so and the R could easily serve as your everyday transport.

Build Quality & Reliability

Porsche is renowned for its faultless built quality and the Cayman R is not going to do anything to affect this. Yes, there are fabric straps in place of lesser Cayman models’ door pulls, but the weight saving is not at the expense of that premium feel and the Cayman R feels every inch the bespoke road racer. As for the mechanical package, it’s much the same as for the other Cayman models, which has proven itself to be tough and long lived. Porsche has a deserved reputation for building sports cars that can be used every day and the Cayman R is another one to add to that list. Porsches even come with a three-year, unlimited mileage warranty nowadays, so no worries there.

Safety & Security

Porsche may have stripped out some of the Cayman’s luxuries to save weight, but all of the safety kit remains intact. So, a Cayman R buyer is treated to six airbags, ABS brakes, and Porsche’s PSM stability and traction control. There’s also an alarm and immobiliser, central locking and deadlocks. As a coupe, the Cayman is more secure than its Boxster sister with a soft top, but the Cayman’s exposed rear parcel shelf means any valuables still need to be stowed out of sight in the front luggage compartment. A small glovebox is just about right in size for a pair of, well, gloves.

Space & Practicality

Drivers of any size and shape will fit in the Cayman R, even if they go for the optional sports seats with their raised sides to keep occupants firmly in place. The steering wheel moves for height and reach, while the clear dash layout makes the Cayman R an inviting and practical place to be. All-round vision is good and better than many lower slung mid-engined sports cars, while the Cayman R’s compact dimensions make it a doddle in traffic and town. Even parking is simple thanks to the large glass screen in the rear hatch. The front boot can hold 150-litres of luggage, while the rear compartment offers 260-litres of capacity, so the Cayman R is able to cope with holidays as easily as supermarket hauls. There are several storage cubbies dotted around the Cayman’s interior, so no need for loose items to rattle around. The only downside of the Cayman R is it foregoes standard air conditioning compared to other Cayman models.

Ownership & Value

It would be easy to dismiss the Cayman R as a rich man’s toy to be used for track days and occasional jaunts. However, the value is in its ability to be used every day yet still provide a true supercar experience whenever the mood takes you. Some will gripe that you have to pay extra for air conditioning that is standard on other Cayman models, but when you consider everything else that is included with the Cayman, it’s very good value. The R includes a limited slip differential, aluminium doors, a standard aero package other Cayman buyers must pay extra for, sports seats and a set of super light 19in alloy wheels. For the premium over the Cayman S, we’d happily have the R. The R is also likely to hold its value very well thanks its rarity and the following such Porsches develop among those in the know. It’s also reasonable value to run thanks to 29.1mpg average economy, or 30.4mpg if you choose the dual-clutch PDK gearbox. The PDK gearbox also drops emissions to 218g/km to avoid the maximum company car tax banding, though the standard manual cannot avoid this with 228g/km carbon dioxide emissions. You will have to pay more for the PDK gearbox and both Cayman Rs must be filled up with super unleaded fuel, so this is another cost to factor in. However, consider the performance and the price of an entry-level Porsche 911 and the Cayman is something of a bargain.

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