Porsche 987 Cayman R

2011 Porsche Cayman R

Many hold the Cayman/Boxster platform in high regard—particularly the GT4 and Spyder iterations. It is a finely balanced sports car that delivers driving pleasure beyond expectations, regardless of how it is used. But before the arrival of the 718 GT4—or the 981 GT4, for that matter—Porsche gave us a truly unique car. Only 1,421 units were produced over three years, with just 151 built in the final year, 2012. This is one of them. Welcome to the Porsche Cayman R.

This particular example was delivered new in Sweden and is finished in Meteor Grey Metallic with silver accents. It features a relatively understated exterior that, at a quick glance, doesn’t stand out significantly from a “standard” Cayman of the same generation. However, the trained eye spots the differences—most notably the fixed rear wing and a slightly more sculpted front splitter. The car sits lower to the ground thanks to a chassis setup from Porsche’s motorsport partner, Manthey, and rides on silver Spyder wheels shod in Michelin tires. As it should be. Open the door, and you are greeted by a familiar Cayman interior, yet one with a new, focused character: bucket seats, a half-cage, and an Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel. The instrument cluster has shed its “hood,” leaving the three gauges to appear as if floating weightlessly. Elegant and simple. Six-point harnesses and a door-release pull-strap send a clear signal: this is not a car for doing things half-heartedly.