Skip advert
Advertisement

Porsche Cayman R

Baby supercar finally realises potential thanks to power hike.

Overall Auto Express rating

5.0

How we review cars
Find your Porsche Cayman
Compare deals from trusted partners on this car and previous models.
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car

As with lighter, more focused 911s, the Cayman R is all about percentages. It’s not much more powerful or lighter than the Cayman S, and the suspension isn’t much different, but the tweaks combine to produce a highly convincing package. It’s still a usable daily driver, yet is sharper and more enjoyable. This is the car the Cayman should have always been. It’s been well worth the wait.

Advertisement - Article continues below

This lighter, faster Cayman is the car Porsche fans have been waiting for. It wears the maker’s name on its flanks and has the legendary R badge on its bootlid – which points to a 55kg weight saving over the Cayman S. 

The Cayman R’s 3.4-litre flat-six develops 10bhp more, at 330bhp. Add the weight saving, and the 0-62mph time is cut by two-tenths to five seconds flat. Choose the PDK paddleshift box option and the Sport Chrono pack, and it drops to 4.7 seconds. 
 

[[{"type":"media","view_mode":"content_narrow","fid":"69311","attributes":{"alt":"","class":"media-image"}}]]

The PDK model is faster, but the slick manual gives a purer, more intense driving experience – and that’s what this car is all about. To achieve its 1,295kg kerbweight, the Cayman R uses aluminium doors, figure-hugging fixed-back sports seats and lighter wheels from Porsche’s motorsport department. The radio and air-con have been removed, too, although you may want to put them back in as they don’t hike the price and enhance comfort.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

Qashqai

2018 Nissan

Qashqai

52,849 milesManualDiesel1.5L

Cash £10,900
View Qashqai
5008

2022 Peugeot

5008

46,225 milesManualDiesel1.5L

Cash £18,506
View 5008
Puma

2023 Ford

Puma

67,042 milesManualPetrol1.0L

Cash £12,506
View Puma
EQC

2023 Mercedes

EQC

21,307 milesAutomaticElectric

Cash £26,000
View EQC

Even with the ‘luxuries’ fitted, this Cayman is lighter, lower and more intense. A limited-slip diff is standard, as is the unique sports suspension, which drops the car by 20mm. That not only provides the R with a more purposeful stance, but sharpens up the driving experience, too. 

Advertisement - Article continues below

While the steering is as incisive as ever, the Cayman R’s responses are even more alert, it turns in with greater conviction and carries more speed through bends. Impressively, this is all achieved without compromising the ride quality; although it’s stiff, it rarely crashes over bumps or less-than-perfect road surfaces.

Typically for a lighter, more focused Porsche, the driving experience is defined by the increased feel and control. 

You’re never left guessing what the R is doing, as it communicates precisely the grip on offer, while the Porsche Stability Management (PSM) has been recalibrated to intervene later than on the S. Throttle response is crisp and immediate, with the 3.4-litre engine revving sweetly all the way to its red line.

The standard steel brakes offer plenty of stopping power, but if you plan to take your Cayman R to the track, we think it’s worth ticking the box for Porsche’s optional Ceramic Composite Brakes. These give greater resistance to fade, although at £5,463, they’re far from cheap. 

While you’re looking at the extras list, the £1,465 sports exhaust is a must as it adds a fantastic sound. Specify it, then open the window, and you won’t need the air-con or the radio.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Hyundai Tucson

Hyundai Tucson

RRP £29,820Avg. savings £5,075 off RRP*Used from £14,448
Volkswagen Polo

Volkswagen Polo

RRP £15,255Avg. savings £1,848 off RRP*Used from £7,649
Volkswagen Tiguan

Volkswagen Tiguan

RRP £35,385Avg. savings £2,911 off RRP*Used from £16,700
Skoda Kodiaq

Skoda Kodiaq

RRP £38,140Avg. savings £3,019 off RRP*Used from £13,895
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Kia PV5 Passenger MPV undercuts the VW ID.Buzz by a huge £25k
Kia PV5 Passenger - show front

New Kia PV5 Passenger MPV undercuts the VW ID.Buzz by a huge £25k

New entry into the electric people carrier market undercuts the VW ID. Buzz by a significant margin
News
29 Apr 2025
Car Deal of the Day: BMW’s ultimate luxury SUV at an unusually low price
BMW X7 - front

Car Deal of the Day: BMW’s ultimate luxury SUV at an unusually low price

German firm’s flagship SUV could never be called cheap but it is exceptional value at £735 a month – making it our Deal of the Day for Sunday 27 April
News
27 Apr 2025
New 2025 Kia PV5 van starts from a tempting £22,645
Kia PV5 Cargo on display at Commercial Vehicle Show - front 3/4

New 2025 Kia PV5 van starts from a tempting £22,645

All-new entry into the van market promises competitive pricing and comes with a range of up to 247 miles
News
30 Apr 2025