Listen to this.........I am on my third 987 Cayman. It's an R manual, short shifter, sports exhaust, carbon buckets, Sports Chrono Plus, shod with Michelin PS Super Sports, wheel spacers, and the geo settings set to my preferences. This CR replaced my 987.2 Cayman S manual with LSD, sports exhaust, 19" wheels, PASM. I have done many track days with both models, and with the CR I have also competed in several motor sport sprints and hill climbs.
From my experience, the Cayman R manual is in a completely different league to the Cayman S. The steering precision, handling balance, road feel, and driving enjoyment is a class apart from all other Cayman 987 including the S.
If you want a Cayman to enjoy on the track and be driven as it was designed to be, buy a Cayman R manual no question. Forget the PDK versions. they are slower, heavier and change gear ratios when you don't need it or want it. As for launch control......a complete waste of time. My launch control is my motor sport experience, brain engagement, and right foot. Guaranteed to beat launch control any day of the week.
Buy a manual 987.2 Cayman R manual owned and cared for by a driver who knows how to improve it.
Brian