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.
