2012 Porsche Cayman at the LA Auto Show

Arguably the best road going sports coupé on sale today just got better with the launch of the R version of Porsche's Cayman at the LA Auto Show.

It gets the four-wheel drive bodyshell but only two-wheel drive running gear.

Holding center stage on its expansive display at the 2010 LA Auto Show, the 2012 Porsche Cayman R made its world debut to become the lightest, hottest and undoubtedly coolest iteration of this mid-engined two-seater. Porsche says it was created for one reason: pure driving dynamics.

In addition to brooming non-performance essentials like the air conditioning and stereo system, the Cayman R swaps steel door skins for lightweight aluminum alternatives and uses carbon-fiber-backed sport bucket seats and interior door panels from the 911 GT3 RS to ultimately yank 121 pounds from the curb weight, bringing it down to 2,849 pounds.

That 10-pony advantage over its kin makes it the most powerful current mid-engine Porsche offering. Paired with the standard six-speed manual transmission it will send the Cayman R streaking 0-60 mph in 4.7 seconds, 0.2 second quicker than a Cayman S. Match it with the optional seven-speed dual-clutch PDK (Porsche Doppelkupplungsgetriebe) transmission and Sport Chrono package, and that interval dips to just 4.4 ticks. Top speed with the former is 175 mph, while the latter can reach 174 mph.

Other Cayman R performance enhancement include as special sport suspension that drops ride height by 20mm (0.8-inch), a limited slip differential that optional on the Cayman S, the lightweight 19-inch alloy wheels used on the Boxster S and the front and rear spoilers from the Cayman Aerokit. If there is a bit of lightweight vanity in evidence, it's strictly limited to the car's black-framed halogen headlights, contrasting side mirrors and "PORSCHE" side-stripes.

Due in dealerships next February, the 2012 Porsche Cayman R will carry a pricetag of $66,300.

New mid-engine coupe takes its purist cue from Boxster Spyder ATLANTA - November 17, 2010 - Featuring 121 pounds less weight and the most horsepower available in a mid-engined Porsche, the 330-hp Cayman R has been created for one reason: pure driving dynamics.

With its highly-tuned sports suspension and vigilant attention to weight savings, the third Cayman model offers an even more precise driving experience than the "standard" Cayman S. A direct descendant of the famous 1950's 550 and 1960's 904 mid-engined, high-performance Coupes, the 2012 Porsche Cayman R is celebrating its world premiere at the Los Angeles Auto Show November 17, 2010. Light and Powerful The newest member of the mid-engine family features the highly efficient 3.4-liter six-cylinder Direct Fuel Injection (DFI) boxer engine found in the Cayman S, but produces 10 more horsepower. With a six-speed manual transmission, the Cayman R sprints from a standstill to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds, two-tenths of a second faster than the Cayman S. With a DIN unladen weight of 2849 lbs. (1295 kg), Porsche engineers were able to achieve a power-to-weight ratio of 8.58 lbs. per hp (3.9 kilograms per hp) and with 8.8 lbs per hp (4 kilograms per hp) with the PDK. In addition to the removal of the A/C and stereo, the driver-focused Cayman R utilizes a sports suspension system that lowers the Cayman R by 20 mm, helping lower center of gravity. Optional on the Cayman S, the Cayman R comes with a standard limited slip differential, front and rear spoilers from the Cayman Aerokit and special lightweight 19" wheels also found on the Boxster Spyder. Lightweight aluminum door skins, carbon-fiber backed sport bucket seats