Porsche ambassador and tarmac rally specialist Jim Richards will tackle the 2014 Targa Tasmania in the ultimate mid-engine sports car – the Porsche Cayman S.
Richards and his long-time co-driver Barry Oliver will replace their 911 GT2 RS for the Cayman in an attempt for victory in the Showroom Sport class.
Having taken eight outright victories previously in the Tasmanian event, the move places the duo in a class catering for production vehicles valued between $100,000 and $200,000 and manufactured after January 01, 2003.
“This move to the Porsche Cayman S really recognises that you can take a car off the showroom floor, add some safety requirements and go out and enjoy yourself,” says Richards.
“Driving the Cayman S will be a total departure from what I’ve ever driven. Being a mid-engine sports car, the Cayman will provide pin-point handling and require a different style of driving to that of the GT2 RS.
“It shows you don’t need to go out and buy a half a million dollar car to compete in rallies and have a good time. You can go out in a Cayman/Boxster-style car, which has fantastic handling, agility and balance, and hopefully be competitive in your class.”
Richards’ 239 kW (325 hp) Cayman S will be equipped with a six-speed PDK dual- clutch gearbox, 3.4-litre six-cylinder boxer engine and Sport Chrono Package.
The Cayman S with PDK has an Australian starting price of $144,890 (ex-on road costs).
Richards intends to field the Cayman S in all events of the 2014-2015 CAMS Australian Targa Championship.
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