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Image credits: © Caterham.
2008 Caterham Seven Superlight R500 news, pictures, and information | ||
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THE NEW CATERHAM R500 – HARDER, BETTER, FASTER, STRONGER
• 520bhp-per-tonne• 0-60mph in 2.88 seconds
• 2.0 litre Ford Duratec engine tuned to produce 263bhp
• All-new electronic dashboard including keyless ignition • Optional upgrade sequential gearbox & launch control
 | Vital Stats |
| Engine : 2.0 L., 4-cylinder Power: 263 hp Torque: 177 ft-lbs | |
6-speed Manual | |
For those really serious about their driving, the famous supercar-slaying R500 moniker is back wîth the arrival of the all-new Caterham Seven Superlight R500.
The latest model from the British sportscar manufacturer takes the minimalist, lightweight Seven philosophy to a new level wîth more power, sharper handling and for those venturing on track the option of launch control and the Caterham Motorsport engineered sequential gearbox.Weighing just 506kg and producing 263bhp, R500 is the most potent race-tuned production Seven yet.
The Series 3 chassis flagship model blasts out 520bhp-per-tonne and is capable of propelling itself from 0-60mph in 2.88 seconds, delivering a pure adrenalin fix for those committed enough to strap themselves into the Kevlar race seats.
The original R500 was legendary, wîth the old Rover K-series powered machine rewriting performance records for 0-60mph and 0-100-0mph times. This new variant has been equipped to supersede its predecessor by embracing the very latest in lightweight engineering techniques and technology.Lurking under the lightened bonnet is the all-alloy 2.0 litre Ford Duratec engine. Fed by its roller barrel throttle bodies, the normally aspirated, four-cylinder mill is tuned by Caterham Powertrain (CPT) to unleash a monster; 263bhp wîth a heaving 177 lb-ft of torque transmitted to the rear wheels. The relentless acceleration is transmitted through each ratio by either the standard 6-speed gearbox or the optional Caterham Motorsport engineered sequential transmission. (posted on conceptcarz.com)
To help reign in such extreme performance are race-developed Avon CR500 tyres and a suspension set-up that includes weight saving aero wishbones and fully adjustable dampers. Bringing things ferociously to a halt are four-piston calipers clamping on vented discs at the front and lightweight twin piston rear calipers.
Performance upgrades for the R500 aimed squarely at the track day market include a sequential transmission, launch control, a gulping Carbon Induction Airbox and Eibach Springs and dampers derived from the Caterham C400 race series.The R500 isn't just about big performance statistics though; refinements and Seven firsts feature throughout and help distinguish it from its stablemates.
In true Colin Chapman spirit, engineers sought to add lightness to the chassis in order to improve the overall performance.
To shed a massive 9kg from the already featherlight chassis utilised by the R400, Caterham left no bolt unscrewed - more carbon and Kevlar feature than previously, thinner body panels have been utilised right through to aluminium rear light housings.Discreet exterior styling tweaks carried over from the flagship CSR models offer both form and function - the carbon winglets increasing downforce and the cat's tongue grill aiding cooling and aerodynamics. A carbon leather boot cover and clear rear lights are also new.
Housed within the revised chassis is keyless ignition, a quick-release Momo §teering wheel wîth integrated indicator switches and an innovative dashboard featuring flush fitted switchgear, ACES sequential gear change lights and a new Stack display wîth scrolling text. The carbon dash is also finished wîth a detailed engraved plaque to show each car's number.
On sale immediately, the factory built Superlight R500 starts at £36,995,Source - Caterham
| Goodwood - Lotus Headlines the Loudest Summer Festival of Them All | |
 | The peace and tranquillity of Lord March's estate will be shattered from 29th June to 1st July as Lotus takes centre stage at the 2012 Goodwood Festival of Speed, which celebrates Lotus innovation, engineering, heritage and style. Forty Lotus cars will fire up the hallowed hill climb this year, spanning seven decades and showcasing Lotus' incredible racing pedigree; from championship winning F1 cars to famous GT and rally racers, some driven by Lotus greats including Emerson Fittipaldi...[Read more...] |
| Citroen Shifts Into Racing Gear For 2012 Goodwood Festival Of Speed | |
 | •New Citroën Racing driver, Thierry Neuville, will be putting DS3 WRC through its paces on the hill climb & Forest Rally Stage •Hot blooded 256bhp DS4 Racing concept making its UK premiere on the Citroën stand •New Citroën DS5 taking part in the Moving Motor Show Citroën is showcasing the very best of its stylish flair, 'Créative Technologie' and racing pedigree at this year's Goodwood Festival of Speed with the DS3 WRC in action; the UK premiere of DS4 Racing concept and a display of th...[Read more...] |
| Mecum Auctions Offers Lotus Type 56 Turbine Indy Racecar At Monterey | |
 | Mecum Auctions unveiled an iconic piece of Indy 500 history owned by racing legend 'The King' Richard Petty during their auction at the Indiana State Fairgrounds in Indianapolis, Indiana. The STP-sponsored Lotus Type 56/3 Turbine Indy racecar, driven by Graham Hill at the 1968 Indianapolis 500-Mile Race was revealed in a glass case and will remain on display all week before heading to auction during Mecum at Monterey, California in August. For the 1968 Indy 500, STP boss Andy Granatelli comm...[Read more...] |
| 1956 24 Hours of Le Mans: The Rise of Two Counts | |
 | The 1955 24 Hours of Le Mans would end up being the darkest day in all of motorsport when Pierre Levegh launched off the back of Lance Macklin's Austin-Healey and crashed into a barrier sending large portions of the car flying through the air acting like guillotines to the record crowd crammed along the main straight. It would be estimated that more than eighty would lose their life as a result, scores more would be severely injured. Yet, despite the graphic horror of the event the race would co...[Read more...] |
| Monaco Association Against Muscular Dystrophy | |
 | Blancpain, classicdriver.com and RM Auctions are delighted to announce the offering of the 2011 Lamborghini Gallardo LP600 GT3 Racing Car, chassis 09825, at RM's upcoming Monaco sale, May 12 at the Grimaldi Forum. Offered by luxury Swiss watch manufacturer, Blancpain, the Lamborghini on offer is the racing car in which Blancpain President and CEO, Marc A. Hayek, won the 2011 Amateur-Class championship in the ADAC GT Masters Series. 100 percent of proceeds from the vehicle's sale, inclu...[Read more...] |
 2008
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