The Porsche Cayman R is the ultimate version of the mid engine coupe range. We drove it to the heart of the swiss alps.

To each new model its launch color. Often daring, most probably bitterly argued between industrial designers and product marketeers. For the Cayman R, this Peridot Green emerged from the battlefield. Peridot, you said ? Crystals going by that name are evidently green, aptly called olivine and genuine gems. Not much material here to elaborate crafty metaphors that would appeal to anyone but foodies, but we are indeed talking about precious stones, and the Cayman R undoubtedly is one. A jewel for a princess crown.

It is 5.30am and hard not to wake up half of central Switzerland when the flat 6 wakes up with a loud bark, all valves open in its exhaust plumbing. Engine is cold, throttle response a slight bit hesitant as we merge on the A2 heading towards the Gothard tunnel and its notorious summer traffic jams. The flow of eager vacationers is held up from Erstfeld by metering lights, an opportunity to let the interior ambiance sink in. Porsche DNA is unmistakable, but there are few distinctive signs from a Cayman S. Inserts in body color run across the dash and the center console, the leather hood above the instrument binnacle has been removed, thereby creating annoying reflections in the windshield.  In the center of the dash, the analog/digital chronometer of the Sport Chrono Pack (1320 CHF), a pretty piece of kit, but utterly useless for track day enthusiasts who will opt for GPS-based systems instead. I could have also done without the red cloth door handles which I can’t help finding corny and impractical.

The weight saving  efforts focused on aluminum doors (-15kg), the removal of door compartments and carbon buckets (-12kg). The Cayman R can be delivered without radio and aircon (another 15kg saved), and the fancy Lithium Ion battery launched on the 997.2 GT3 will be yours for another 3140 CHF.