Released from the pressure of protecting its range-topping 911 now that an all-new model will be launched next year, Porsche has finally produced a really hot Cayman.

The black-striped Porsche decals on the side and the ‘R’ suffix give the game away: the company is harking back to the 911 R of the 1960s, a stripped-out homologation special equipped with a 906-spec flat-six.

The newest Cayman won’t be quite so uncompromising, though. A/c will be a delete option and the car runs on the lightest 19in wheels in the entire Porsche range. A complete rim set weighs less than 40kg. These, together with sundry other lightweight components shave a significant 55kg off the weight of the car.

Engine power is up by 10HP to 330HP, thanks to a retuned Cayman S engine. The capacity remains at 3.4 litres. Two gearboxes are offered, a six-speed manual or the company’s highly regarded seven-speed Porsche Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK). The latter gives the fastest 0-62km/h time of 4.9 seconds (4.7 seconds if equipped with the optional Sport Chrono package). Top speed is 175mph for the manual, 174mph for the PDK.

Externally, the R model has a fixed rear spoiler, is lower by 20mm than standard, and has black-painted headlamp surrounds – another retro racy touch.

The vibrant green you see here (Peridot) is unique to the car, which will be launched at the Los Angeles Auto Show today, 17 November. Customers will be able to order the car from February 2011 onwards. In Germany, it carries a list price of 69,830 euros, in the UK £51,731.00 - both figures including VAT.

Text: Steve Wakefield
Photos: Porsche