2012 Porsche Cayman R Review

The 2012 Porsche Cayman R flips the script on all the detractors.

All the Cayman haters in the house, raise your hands. Now, feast your eyes on the 2012 Porsche Cayman R. Yes, you’re gawking at a Cayman boasting 330 horsepower. With ten extra horses over the Cayman S, along with a 55kg weight cut and a stiffer chassis, the 2012 Cayman R may just sway your biased 911-4Life mindset while exceeding the expectations of those who’ve already come to admire the Porsche Cayman, first introduced in 2006 (more specifically, the sexier, current 2nd-generation Cayman introduced in 2009).

Porsche Cayman R Horsepower and Performance

green 2012 Porsche Cayman R side view parked on road
2012 Porsche Cayman R. Photo: Amee Reehal

Powered by a 3.4L flat-six boxer engine, the 2012 Cayman R puts down a whopping 330 hp and 273 lb. ft of torque; 0-60mph in under 4.5 seconds with the PDK paired with the Sport Chrono Package, as equipped in this Cayman R.

A few features that truly set the Cayman R apart, include the body kit, lighter 19-inch rims, and the red door handle straps instead of conventional handles. Plus, with the reworked suspension, the Cayman R sits 20mm lower than its Cayman S sibling; a significant height adjustment, enough to both handle high-speed turns at the track while looking lean and mean sitting curbside outside any busy street, easily mistaken for a 911 from the front and side view.

Two Cayman transmission choices: 7-speed PDK or 6-speed manual

2012 Porsche Cayman R interior front cabin
2012 Porsche Cayman R. Photo: Amee Reehal

The smooth-shifting 7-speed PDK transmission with paddle shifters, as equipped in my tester here, will run you around $4180 extra. But the performance purists hitting the track will likely opt for the standard 6-speed, saving you both precious weight and money. Precious funds you can spend on other things, like mortgage payments, landscaping your yard, or Cayman R options including Bi-Xenon and cornering lights for $1760; the Sound Package Plus including CD Storage for $800; Automatic AC at $2010; and/or the Sport Chrono Package for $1690, all found in this Peridot Metallic colour Cayman R.

2012 Porsche Cayman R interior seats
2012 Porsche Cayman R. Photo: Amee Reehal

Starting at US$66,300 (C$75,600 in Canada), my Cayman R equipped with options (less taxes/fees) rings in at C$86,060. Personally, I’d do away with the Auto AC, upgraded Sound/CD storage thing, and PDK, keeping only the Sport Chrono Pkg and probably the Bi-Xenon. So, under $5k in options, good to go.

Cayman R Driving Impressions

Though I never took the 2012 Porsche Cayman R to the track it’s clear this tight little coupe is built for the chicanes and twisties. In addition to the Cayman R’s weigh trimmings, and despite the Cayman’s stigma as perhaps a “chick-car” or my-dad-is-having-midlife-crisis car, this 2-seater truly is a track specimen: the mid-engine design with its ideal weight distribution renders a well-balanced (and I could imagine, a very fun) track rocket.

Yet, despite the stiffer handling dynamics, the Cayman R works well on city roads with a surprisingly comfy ride. However, the confining bucket race seats may pose a problem for the larger-framed individuals.

Takeaway

Pros:

  • Track ready yet fit for the roads
  • Body kit and lower stance 330-hp and tight suspension = super fun

Cons:

  • Added options = pricey for a Cayman Belongs on the track (with me in it)
green 2012 Porsche Cayman R front view parked on road
2012 Porsche Cayman R. Photo: Amee Reehal

Overall, the 2012 Porsche Cayman R is a ballsy little coupe with excessive power, clenched suspension, and menacing looks with the 19-inch rims, body kit, and lower stance. Unlike the Cayman S, you likely won’t see the Cayman R flooding the streets anytime soon. Instead, this rare bird probably belongs to that Porsche fanatic hitting the track on the weekends. If you’re that guy, please get in touch. I’d love to tag along.

2012 Porsche Cayman R Specs

CategorySpecification
Engine3.4L Flat-6
Power330 horsepower
Torque273 lb-ft
Transmission6-speed Manual
0-60 mphApproximately 4.4 seconds
Top SpeedApproximately 175 mph
Drive TypeRear-Wheel Drive (RWD)
Curb WeightApproximately 2,855 lbs
Wheelbase95.1 inches
Length172.2 inches
Width70.9 inches
Height50.9 inches
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Author:
Amee Reehal
Amee Reehalhttps://www.ameereehal.com/
Shooting cars and bikes professionally since film was a thing, for over 20 years, Amee has collaborated with the major automakers and agencies, and his work has been published in various global outlets including MotorTrend, GlobeDrive, SuperStreet, Chicago Tribune, PerformanceBMW, and others. He’s an automotive writer and founder/managing editor of TractionLife.com, focusing on digital marketing & SEO for the past ten years (backed by a marketing degree, go figure). Find him travelling, spending time with his kids and family. Or golfing, poorly.