The Porsche Cayman R is the light, focused version of the 987.2 Cayman S. It uses a 3.4-liter flat-six with 330 hp, rear-wheel drive, and a six-speed manual as standard. Porsche cut weight, lowered the suspension, and gave it a fixed rear wing.
In this article, we’ll explain the Porsche Cayman R, a focused version of the 987 Cayman. We’ll cover what changed, the specs, and what to check before buying.
Contents
Quick Summary
- What it is: a lighter, lower 987.2 Cayman S with its own fixed rear wing.
- Engine: a 3.4-liter naturally aspirated flat-six with 330 hp.
- Transmission: six-speed manual standard, with seven-speed PDK optional.
- Weight: Porsche quoted 2,855 lb DIN for the manual car in its launch release.
- Performance: Porsche quoted 0-62 mph in 5.0 seconds for the manual and a 175 mph top speed.
- Buying tip: verify the VIN, options, and original R-specific parts before paying a premium.
What the Porsche Cayman R Is
Porsche unveiled the Cayman R at the Los Angeles Auto Show late in 2010. It went on sale for the 2011 model year. Think of it as the focused version of the facelifted 987.2 Cayman S, not a separate generation.
The recipe was simple. Porsche used the Cayman S’s mid-mounted 3.4-liter flat-six, added power, removed weight, and fitted a lower sports chassis. Its original launch release lists a 55 kg weight saving over the Cayman S and 10 extra horsepower.
The R has a fixed rear wing, black headlight surrounds, black mirrors, and side graphics. Those details can be copied. The VIN, original build sheet, and the right option codes are stronger evidence than the graphics on a used car.
Engine and Performance
The Cayman R’s naturally aspirated 3.4-liter flat-six makes 330 hp. Drive goes to the rear wheels through a six-speed manual gearbox as standard. Porsche also offered its seven-speed PDK dual-clutch gearbox.
Porsche’s launch figures put the manual car at 0-62 mph in 5.0 seconds and 175 mph flat out. The optional Sport Chrono package cut the PDK 0-62 mph claim to 4.7 seconds. Those are factory figures, so real-world results will vary with tires, road surface, weather, and driver.
| Specification | Porsche Cayman R |
|---|---|
| Engine | 3.4-liter naturally aspirated flat-six |
| Power | 330 hp |
| Drive | Rear-wheel drive |
| Standard gearbox | Six-speed manual |
| Optional gearbox | Seven-speed PDK |
| Manual DIN weight | 2,855 lb |
| Manual top speed | 175 mph |
The figures come from the period Porsche material reproduced in the 2012 Cayman brochure and the Cayman R launch release. Check the market and transmission before comparing cars, because Porsche quoted different figures for manual and PDK versions.
What Porsche Changed
The Cayman R was not just a badge and a wheel color. Porsche lowered the car by 20 mm compared with the Cayman S and fitted a specially adapted sports chassis. It also used lightweight 19-inch wheels and skipped some convenience equipment to save weight.
The cabin can look basic next to a loaded Cayman S. That was part of the point. A Cayman R buyer could still add options, though, so two cars can have very different seats, audio systems, and comfort equipment.
Do not assume a stripped cabin makes a car more original. Ask for the build sheet. It tells you how that car left the factory, and it gives a specialist a useful baseline during an inspection.
Manual or PDK
The six-speed manual is the straightforward choice if you want the full old-school Cayman R experience. It is the standard gearbox and it keeps the car simple. The shift quality, clutch feel, and service history should decide more than internet arguments.
PDK is not a consolation prize. Porsche quoted faster factory acceleration with Sport Chrono, and it works well on a fast road or track. A PDK car needs the same careful inspection as a manual car, with extra attention to service records and clean operation when cold and hot.
Cayman R Versus Cayman S
A 987.2 Cayman S is already a very good mid-engine sports car. The Cayman R adds 10 hp, less weight, a lower chassis, and visual changes that make it easier to spot. The power difference alone is not the reason to buy one.
The R makes sense if you want the complete lightweight package and can verify it is the real thing. A clean Cayman S can be the smarter choice when the price gap is large. Both deserve a proper inspection before money changes hands.
For the wider generation story, read our Porsche 987 guide. For a standard-car baseline, see our Porsche Cayman guide. For the later models, see our 718 Cayman guide. The newer car is a different platform, so do not use 718 advice as a substitute for a 987 inspection.
Buying a Porsche Cayman R
Verify the car first
Start with the VIN, title, and Porsche build sheet. Confirm it is a Cayman R before you focus on condition. The fixed wing, graphics, wheels, and badging help, but replacement parts are easy to find.
Ask for service invoices, not just a stamped book. You want to see regular fluids, brake work, tires, suspension repairs, and any work on the gearbox. A car with records is easier to judge than a low-mileage mystery.
Book a Porsche specialist inspection
Have a Porsche specialist inspect the car on a lift and scan it before you buy. Ask them to check suspension wear, leaks, brakes, cooling components, and the condition of the engine. A pre-purchase inspection does not make a used car perfect. It gives you a clearer price and a better reason to walk away when something is wrong.
Check open recalls by VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup if you are shopping in the United States. Recall status is VIN-specific, so a generic model-year list is not enough.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Porsche Cayman R?
The Porsche Cayman R is a lighter, more focused version of the 987.2 Cayman S. It has a 3.4-liter flat-six with 330 hp, rear-wheel drive, and a lower sports suspension.
How much horsepower does a Cayman R have?
The Porsche Cayman R has 330 hp from its 3.4-liter flat-six. That was 10 hp more than the Cayman S sold alongside it.
Is the Porsche Cayman R manual?
Yes, the Porsche Cayman R has a six-speed manual as standard. Porsche also offered a seven-speed PDK dual-clutch transmission.
How many Porsche Cayman R cars were made?
Porsche did not publish a global production total in its launch material. Treat online production figures carefully unless they are tied to a specific market and source.
What should I check before buying a Porsche Cayman R?
A used Porsche Cayman R needs a VIN, build sheet, service-record, original-parts, suspension, and bore-condition check from a Porsche specialist. A pre-purchase inspection is worth the cost.
Images: lime green Porsche Cayman R by Calreyn88, CC BY-SA 4.0. white Porsche Cayman R at a track event by Charles from Port Chester, New York, CC BY 2.0. white Porsche Cayman R on a city street by Alexandre Prévot from Nancy, France, CC BY-SA 2.0. Via Wikimedia Commons.
