2013 Porsche Cayman R Engine Performance Review

The 2013 Porsche Cayman R concept is an uncompromising statement. It’s a statement about not wanting to please anyone but the driver. In short, it’s about a sports car that is radical through and through. The requirement for our designers was to turn the principles of this statement into something visible, to give outward expression to the car’s strong character. How? With the purposeful lightweight design typical of any Porsche. In other words, by following the tradition that has existed ever since Porsche made its first vehicle Porsche Intelligent Performance.

The 2013 Porsche Cayman R is not afraid to show its colors. The exterior finish is just the start. The Peridot Metallic standard color, 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 even more electrifying, even more palpable, even 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 at least be able to be heard.


The exterior mirrors of the 2013 Porsche Cayman R are finished in a contrasting color to give full emphasis to the car’s muscular contouring. Other elements in a contrasting color 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 aluminum doors, which reduce weight by 33 lbs (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 Porsche Cayman R very well indeed.

Every so often, it does one good to have a radical change, to refuse to accept comfort in any shape or form, and to free oneself from the clutter of sentimental items. The 2013 Cayman R reminds you why this feeling is so good. It’s noticeable as soon as you get in. The interior color may be black, but the center console and the decorative trim strip on the dashboard are finished in the exterior color. Are you already looking for a cupholder for your coffee? Don’t bother. You won’t be needing caffeine anyway. No air conditioning system either. That’s right. Why? The weight saving of 26 lbs (12 kg) speaks for itself. By preserving the windshield with grey top-tint, however, we have made one minor concession. 

The driver has everything in view, and everything is easy to find. No need, then, for the 2013 Cayman R to slow down. The dial faces of the circular instruments are finished in black, the circular border is finished in Aluminum Look. The removal of the instrument shroud emphasizes 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 sport bucket seat with Al cantara seat centers are the epitome of uncompromising lightweight construction, saving another 26 lbs. 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 sofa?


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 aluminum 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. With the optional Sport Chrono Package, the engine and PSM are even more directly and finely tuned. Selecting the SPORT button on the center console activates ‘Sport’ mode, which makes the throttle response more immediate. The rev-limiter is then adjusted to a harder setting and the engine dynamics are tuned for performance driving. In combination with the optional Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK), the Sport Chrono Package also features a SPORT PLUS button with two functions for a sporty drive that borders on a motorsport experience. The first function is ‘Launch Control’, which unleashes a racing start.

The second is the ‘motorsport-derived gearshift strategy’ for faster shift speeds, extremely short shift times, and shift points optimized for maximum acceleration. 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.

Posted in: Porsche