Read Autocar's exclusive interview with Caterham boss, Ansar Ali. This is the incredible new Caterham Superlight R500, the fastest-ever iteration of the standard Seven, with a power-to-weight ratio of 520bhp per tonne and capable of 0-60mph in just 2.9sec. It’s powered by Ford’s lightweight, all-alloy, 2.0-litre Duratec engine, which delivers 263bhp and 177lb ft of torque to the rear wheels via a track-biased, sequential-shift transmission. Along with more power, there’s new technology on this latest Superlight. It now comes with keyless start, a redesigned digital dash with shift lights, and optional launch control. It’s fitted with race-developed, super-sticky Avon CR500 tyres, optional Eibach springs and dampers, and a carbonfibre Induction airbox derived from the C400 race series. Despite all of these track-focused extras and more modern high-end switchgear, Caterham’s engineers have managed to cut around 9kg from the Seven’s already featherweight chassis by using more aluminium, carbonfibre and Kevlar in the build process.The new R500 also gets exterior styling tweaks taken from the flagship CSR model, including carbon winglets designed to improve downforce. The R500 has just gone on sale, with prices starting from £36,995.
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Re: Revealed: new Caterham R500
Per litre don't you mean? I hope his R500 didn't have 68bhp :D
For anyone with £37k to spend on a Caterham - how on earth would you decide between R500 or CSR260?
Re: Revealed: new Caterham R500
Monkey had an R500 with a blueprinted engine that produced 247bhp out of a 1.8 K series which by my maths is 137bhp per tonne.
Re: Revealed: new Caterham R500
Formula 1 engines are N/A and make ~300bhp/litre! A 1.3 litre motorbike engine can make 200bhp. It's 'simply' a case of tuning the engine to give torque at high revs, and making sure everything doesn't fall apart. A wide bore, short stroke and large inlet valve area helps matters too.
The Caterham CSR 260 uses a 2.3 litre Duratec and makes 260bhp. The old K-series was in many ways a good, and advanced engine, capable of making a lot of power. It will be interesting to see if the Ford engines require similarly regular 'refreshing' to the tuned Rover units.