Caterham recently announced the release of its fastest seven yet, the Superlight R500, for sale only in its home, the U.K. The manufacturer claims a supercar- and super sports bike-shaming 2.8-second sprint to 60mph for its newest creation. Power comes from a Cosworth-massaged Ford 2.0 liter Duratec inline-four, good for 263 horsepower.
The power goes to the rear wheels via a sequential-shift transmission, and the car is otherwise track-focused, with an even more maniacal bend on weight reduction. There is more aluminum, carbon fiber and Kevlar used in the minimalist shell than standard Sevens. Aerodynamic aids in the form of carbon fiber winglets are used as well, and a launch control system is an option and no doubt essential in attaining the sub-3-second 0-60mph figure.
The cockpit features a unique digital dashboard that includes shift lights, a MOMO steering wheel as well as a keyless starting system. The brake lines as stainless steel, and the shocks are high-performance adjustable coil-over units. As with all such Sevens, the “windshield” is comprised of a small wind deflector.
It’s on sale now in the UK, with prices starting at £36,995 (about $73,000). This is some £4,700 more than the all-around flagship CSR, powered by a 260hp version of the Duratec.
04/11, 10:21 AM
posted by:
400horseSS
Not a chance i hell i’d drive that Go-kart.
04/11, 10:49 AM
posted by:
global_lightning
Insane. I want it.
04/11, 11:08 AM
posted by:
broadrun96
Why, because it will shame your 400horsess in every way, including off the line and prob getting out enough to stay ahead in the 1/4 as well. Plus the handling will be nuts and prob tuneable for every track condition, know the shocks are but I’ll bet the suspension and steering can be tweaked to get the most out of the track that day. sweet ride for being a track toy or brand new pavement only car.
04/11, 12:02 PM
posted by:
AmericanMade
SWEET.
04/11, 12:05 PM
posted by:
400horseSS
broadrun96, it weighs 200lbs, i can carry a family of 5 and run low 13’s, shame on me.
04/11, 12:36 PM
posted by:
End User
The Superlight R500 is not going to impress Luddites who rate a car on how fast it goes in a straight line. Driving fast in a straight line is not a real endeavor. Relishing a challenging circuit with its twists and turns is what it is all about. The R500 is for those who value the art of driving a car well. I am referring to real drivers who shift their own gears while priding themselves in the art of heal and toe. 400 HP monstrosities that can carry a family of 5 are for delusional family men who never made it as true competitors on the track.
04/11, 1:11 PM
posted by:
jumpoffit
so… what EXACTLY are you trying to say EndUser?
04/11, 2:18 PM
posted by:
400horseSS
^ No ****.
04/11, 4:34 PM
posted by:
davebo
Spawning a bunch of kids to cart around in a heavy G8 is putting a great strain on the planet. We can do a lot more to save the planet than all Prius drivers if us single guys would simply forgo having kids, and instead buy Superlight R550s or Ariel Atoms and spend our Saturdays at the track. The track with turns that goes in a loop, not the straight one that ends after 1/4 mile. Come on, who’s with me? : )
04/11, 4:59 PM
posted by:
Get Real
I can’t decide if I like this or the Atom.
04/11, 5:18 PM
posted by:
400horseSS
Funny davebo.
04/11, 11:24 PM
posted by:
BradBot
End User, you’re an idiot. Racing, be it hobby or professional is extremely expensive. People don’t have racing as a hobby because ‘they couldn’t make it’; it’s more like they can’t afford it.
04/12, 11:02 PM
posted by:
gogogodzilla
I really want one. But only if it’s street legal.
That way, I can drive it to work and have everyone gawk at it and say, “What the h@!l is that!?!”