Stripped-Down Porsche Cayman S Clubsport in the Works

[austin552]

http://wot.motortrend.com/6453402/auto-news/report-stripped-down-porsche-cayman-s-clubsport-in-the-works/index.html

[Bill Verburg]

The Cayman S was already a tasty piece, over 300 hp, reasonably geared 6spd, available shell seats, rollbar etc. all for under $80k as long as you skip the PCCBs

my biggest objection was the narrowish wheels w/ spacers.

This one is even nicer, but I'd be willing to bet the PNA won't bring it in.

[Elombard]

Its like the 964 RSA, less content more money. Very cool but wont get me to open the wallet...of course that aint sayin much :-)

[Superman]

Ultimately, I have high hopes for the Cayman. As we all know, this is Porsche's first-ever mid-engine coupe. This car should clobber the rear-engine 911.

[Markus33]

Re: Ultimately, I have high hopes for the Cayman. As we all know, this is Porsche's first-ever mid-engine coupe. This car should clobber the rear-engine 911.

To split hairs, I think the 904 was technically street legal. So I guess that makes the Cayman the second mid-engine coupe...

Markus
'80 SC Targa

[kach22i]

Panorama owner comments requested less weight, more power, AWD and a glass targa top or at least a sunroof option.

[GaryR]

Originally Posted by kach22i

Panorama owner comments requested less weight, more power, AWD and a glass targa top or at least a sunroof option.

Yeah, that figures.... need to see pretty scenery on the Sunday morning coffee run.

[jtfreels]

Could this (please,please) be the first steps to a Cayman RSR in GT2?

And even more wishful thinking, when used Caymans get reasonable I'll be getting one.

Jay

[Bill Verburg]

To me one of the biggest issues w/ the later cars wrt track use is the cost of all the upgrades we considere necessary.

A friend bought a new Cayman a few yrs ago, then spent another $30k on seats, suspension, roll bar, engine management, wheels, tires etc. It's a rocket ship now but such expenditure is not for everyone.

Porsche has made a marketing decision similar to one they made back in the old days re 911 vs 930. They will artificially inhibit the performance of the so called lesser car in favor of the flag ship. Their current flagship being the 997.

[carolinatrophy]

I can't shake the feeling that the problem everyone (except Porsche) originally feared has largely come true - that the Cayman and 997 compete, essentially, against each other. With price fairly close, performance fairly close, size fairly close and useability fairly close, coupled with the traditional Porsche penchant for extreme family resemblance from certain angles, I can understand why the car hasn't really taken off the way it probably should have.

It's a magnificent car, but if I had the money for a Cayman S, I'd keep saving for another couple months and buy a 997. In a HEARTBEAT.

[Fishcop]

Originally Posted by Markus33

Re: Ultimately, I have high hopes for the Cayman. As we all know, this is Porsche's first-ever mid-engine coupe. This car should clobber the rear-engine 911.

To split hairs, I think the 904 was technically street legal. So I guess that makes the Cayman the second mid-engine coupe...

Markus
'80 SC Targa

Yep, and so technically was the fabled 916... But we know what you mean Supe

[livi]

Almost 100 kg lighter. I wonder how much difference that will make for an ordinary driver. But like the 3.2 Clubsport, I suppose the PR gains are important.

I am with Herr Röhrl, believing the most fun and competitive 'car/money' is a well set up 964 RS (not RSA).

[GrantG]

Originally Posted by Elombard

Its like the 964 RSA, less content more money. Very cool but wont get me to open the wallet...of course that aint sayin much :-)

An RSA was roughly $10k cheaper than a C2 when new - not more...

[GrantG]

Originally Posted by Markus33

Re: Ultimately, I have high hopes for the Cayman. As we all know, this is Porsche's first-ever mid-engine coupe. This car should clobber the rear-engine 911.

To split hairs, I think the 904 was technically street legal. So I guess that makes the Cayman the second mid-engine coupe...

Markus
'80 SC Targa

I think the very rare 550 Coupe may have been street-legal too (the 550 Spyder was street legal).

[JeremyD]

If I was a Porsche marketing guy - I would position the cayman RSR as a track weapon. I'd probably even do fiberglass or CF body panels - integrated rollbar. Weight out - #1 priority. More in line with the Lotus Elise.

Stiffer suspension. Lower pricing - but spartan. Six speed only. Cloth seats.

That way it would not appeal to the 997 GT crowd. I think they screwed up when they positioned the boxster coupe - woops - I mean cayman as a more expensive - different car.

[JMatta]

I believe RUF is installing the 3.8 X-51 motors in Caymans these days; I'd like to see that matched against a 997 Carrera S. Don't get me wrong, I'm a die-hard 911 fan, but like the earlier comment, I think a Cayman RSR in GT2 would certainly handle all the competitors. With all the new comers these year, ALMS Sebring should be quite interesting, as the fun will be in GT2. How will the RSR stand up this time?

[Elombard]

Originally Posted by GrantG

An RSA was roughly $10k cheaper than a C2 when new - not more...

Thats right, I remembered it wrong.

I wonder if the economic down turn might have them re-think and price it lower?

Not that I will be able to afford one any way :-)

Seems like the only way they could justify a premium is with GT3 type "upgrades"..with the stock motor and de-contented????

Was the Carrera club sport more expensive than a base car?

[Macroni]

Originally Posted by austin552

http://wot.motortrend.com/6453402/auto-news/report-stripped-down-porsche-cayman-s-clubsport-in-the-works/index.html

I saw this color scheme w/ an option package last month here in Philly. It was a $60,000+ car. It was very sharp.