Is this the purest modern Porsche ever produced? In this episode of 9WERKS Radio, we are joined by a "quad-squad" of 987.2 Cayman R owners from the Driven Not Hidden Collective to find out why this stripped-out special has become the definitive modern classic of 2026.

While the 981 and 718 GT4s might have more power and "mini-supercar" looks, the Cayman R is the final stand for hydraulic steering and a sub-1,300kg curb weight. Our four guests break down the reality of owning the "R" – from the iconic pull-strap doors and carbon bucket seats to the sublime balance that only 330hp in a mid-engine chassis can provide.

In this Cayman R Owners Roundtable:

• Steering Perfection: Why the transition to electric steering in later models makes the 987.2 R feel "alive" in comparison.
• The Weight Debate: Does saving 55kg over a Cayman S really transform the car on a twisty UK B-road?
• Spec Warfare: Manual vs. PDK, and why the Carbon Buckets (P03) and Sports Exhaust (PSE) are the non-negotiable "must-haves" for 2026 buyers.
• Real-World Values: With Cayman R prices solidifying, is this the last "safe" place to put your money in the Porsche world?
• Living with the R: Four owners share their stories of track days, European tours, and why they haven't "traded up" to a GT4.

The Cayman R "Holy Grail" Checklist

If you're hunting for one of these in 2026, our owners agree these are the specs that define the experience:

• Transmission: 6-speed manual for the purists, though the 7-speed PDK is surprisingly sharp.
• Interior: Carbon fiber bucket seats are essential for both the feel and the future resale value.
• Air conditioning: Yes, it added weight, but it gets hot in there without it!
• Wheels: The ultra-lightweight 19" Spyder alloys are a must for that unsprung weight advantage.

Find your dream Porsche on the 9WERKS Marketplace: 9werks.co.uk/marketplace

Thanks to our friends heritagepartscentre.com for sponsoring this podcast, get up to 10% off your basket by entering the code ‘9WERKS10’ at the checkout on heritagepartscentre.com

‘9WERKS Radio’ @9werks.radio is your dedicated Porsche and car podcast, taking you closer than ever to the world’s finest sports cars and the culture and history behind them.

The show is brought to you by 9werks.co.uk, the innovative online platform for Porsche enthusiasts. Hosted by Porsche Journalist Lee Sibley @9werks_lee, and 911 owner and engineer Andy Brookes @993andy, with special input from friends and experts around the industry, including you, our valued listeners.

If you enjoy the podcast and would like to support us by joining the 9WERKS Driven Not Hidden Collective you can do so by hitting the link below, your support would be greatly appreciated.

Support the show

What is it really like to live with a V10-powered analog masterpiece for two decades? In this episode of 9WERKS Radio, we are joined by a man who needs little introduction to the Porsche community: Mark Sumpter, founder of Paragon Porsche and a veteran of the British GT Championship.

While most Carrera GTs are treated as static financial instruments, tucked away in climate-controlled bubbles with delivery mileage, Mark’s story is the antithesis of the "investment" mindset. He has owned his silver CGT for over 20 years, experiencing everything from the initial excitement of its 2004 launch to the long-term realities of maintaining a car with a Le Mans-derived heart.

In this episode, we dive into:

• The Acquisition: How Mark secured his car and why he chose it over the 911 GT2s of the era.
• The Driving Experience: Mark describes the physical demands of the ceramic twin-plate clutch and why the 5.7L V10 remains the greatest engine ever put in a road car.
• Long-Term Maintenance: The reality of the "Major Service." We discuss the technical challenges of the carbon-fiber monocoque and what it takes to keep a Carrera GT in peak health after 20 years.
• The Market Evolution: Mark shares his perspective as a specialist dealer on how the CGT went from a "difficult sell" to a multi-million pound icon.

Driven Not Hidden: Why Mark continues to take his car on European road trips and why he believes these cars "die" if they aren't driven.

Technical Deep Dive: The CGT Components

Owning a Carrera GT is a commitment to precision engineering. During the interview, Mark touches on the specific components that define the ownership experience:

• The PCCC (Porsche Ceramic Composite Clutch): Why its reputation for being "difficult" is misunderstood, and how to drive it properly to ensure longevity.
• The Pushrod Suspension: How the racing-derived setup handles real-world B-roads.

Service Requirements: From engine-out valve clearances to the specialized magnesium wheels.

Find your dream Porsche on the 9WERKS Marketplace: 9werks.co.uk/marketplace

Thanks to our friends heritagepartscentre.com for sponsoring this podcast, get up to 10% off your basket by entering the code ‘9WERKS10’ at the checkout on heritagepartscentre.com

‘9WERKS Radio’ @9werks.radio is your dedicated Porsche and car podcast, taking you closer than ever to the world’s finest sports cars and the culture and history behind them.

The show is brought to you by 9werks.co.uk, the innovative online platform for Porsche enthusiasts. Hosted by Porsche Journalist Lee Sibley @9werks_lee, and 911 owner and engineer Andy Brookes @993andy, with special input from friends and experts around the industry, including you, our valued listeners.

If you enjoy the podcast and would like to support us by joining the 9WERKS Driven Not Hidden Collective you can do so by hitting the link below, your support would be greatly appreciated.

Support the show

What does it take to design a legend? In this very special episode of 9WERKS Radio, we are joined by a true titan of Weissach and our 2026 Awards Guest of Honour: Grant Larson.

Having officially retired at the start of 2026 after 36 years at Porsche, Grant joins Lee and Andy to reflect on a career that saved the company and defined the dreams of generations. From the original 986 Boxster Concept that rescued Porsche in the 90s to the poster-child Carrera GT and the "return to form" 997, Grant shares the behind-the-scenes stories from the design studio.

The 2026 9WERKS Awards: Alongside Grant, we officially introduce the 2026 9WERKS Awards. We celebrate the cars, the specialists, and the community members who have defined the "Driven Not Hidden" philosophy over the last twelve months. Who will DNHC members reard for excellence in 2026?

In this episode, we discuss:

• 36 Years at Weissach: Grant Larson on his journey from the 989 to the 992 Sport Classic.
• The Boxster Revolution: How the 1993 Detroit show car changed everything.
• 2026 Awards Reveal: A full breakdown of this year's Awards categories and why they represent the best of the Porsche world.

Find your dream Porsche on the 9WERKS Marketplace: 9werks.co.uk/marketplace

Thanks to our friends heritagepartscentre.com for sponsoring this podcast, get up to 10% off your basket by entering the code ‘9WERKS10’ at the checkout on heritagepartscentre.com

‘9WERKS Radio’ @9werks.radio is your dedicated Porsche and car podcast, taking you closer than ever to the world’s finest sports cars and the culture and history behind them.

The show is brought to you by 9werks.co.uk, the innovative online platform for Porsche enthusiasts. Hosted by Porsche Journalist Lee Sibley @9werks_lee, and 911 owner and engineer Andy Brookes @993andy, with special input from friends and experts around the industry, including you, our valued listeners.

If you enjoy the podcast and would like to support us by joining the 9WERKS Driven Not Hidden Collective you can do so by hitting the link below, your support would be greatly appreciated.

Support the show