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Nelson Ireson

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Porsche Cayman RS Clubsport spy shots

HI-RES GALLERY: Porsche Cayman RS Clubsport spy shots

The 2012 Porsche Cayman R, a lighter, more focused variant of the mid-engined Cayman coupe, made its debut just last month, but talk of the previously rumored Cayman Clubsport--even lighter and more hardcore than the R--continues. A report today quotes Porsche mid-engine czar Hans-Jurgen Wohler as saying, "anything is possible."

If that sounds like less than a ringing endorsement of the Clubsport's production potential, your ears are well-calibrated. Simple possibility does not a real car make. Business cases, volumes, costs, and margins must all be figured into the mix.

Wohler hints at that, as well, though goes on to compare the Clubsport to the Boxster Spyder, contrasting the Cayman R as a much more livable, usable vehicle for most people and purposes. Given that Porsche already has the Boxster Spyder in the mix, incremental sales volumes with the addition of a hardtop model wouldn't likely be huge, and might in fact cannibalize the Spyder's sales. On the other hand, using the same treatment on the very similar hard top Cayman might not incur much additional cost, and could reach some track-day enthusiasts that would prefer the protection of a coupe.

We'd like to see it, regardless of the business viability, as the Cayman is in many ways the perfect Porsche: more affordable and balanced than the rear-engined 911, while every bit as eye-catchingly attractive and, with a few upgrades, nearly as capable as its bigger brother.

[Autocar]