Porsche To Reveal ‘New’ Mid-Engined Model At LA Auto Show

Porsche has announced this week that it will unveil a 'new' mid-engined sports car at next week's LA Auto Show. Few details were offered, but it is likely that Porsche's long-rumoured Cayman Clubsport is the model in question.

Reports last year suggested that Porsche has been readying a lightweight Clubsport version of the Cayman S. According to British magazine Autocar, the move is aimed at meeting demand for a competition-ready Cayman with the possibility of a one-make race series on the horizon.

The report adds that the Clubsport will come in at around 100kg lighter, will feature revised body-work to improve airflow to critical systems and improve down force.

To reduce kerb weight, Porsche would likely strip the interior, use lightweight body panels, forged alloy wheels and simplify the lighting and ignition systems.

Traditionally, Clubsport models retain the engine from the donor model, meaning a Cayman Clubsport would use the same 238kW 3.4-litre flat six engine currently used in the Cayman S. 

A six-speed manual transmission and limited slip-differential should also appear as standard.

All this should see the Cayman Clubsport best the Cayman S in the 0-100km/h and top-speed benchmarks (the Cayman S can manage 4.9-seconds and 274km/h respectively).

Coming in either standard or race trim, with the race trim featuring a roll-cage, six-point harness, and fire extinguisher, the Cayman Clubsport should make for an excellent time behind the wheel on or off the track.

Of course, this all remains speculation for now. With less than a week until the opening of the LA Auto Show, all will be revealed soon enough.