Caterham has introduced a new Ford-engined version of its R300 Superlight as a cut-price alternative to the existing R400 and R500.
Power now comes from a 2.0-litre Ford Duratec engine, tuned by Caterham Powertrain to deliver 175bhp at 7000rpm. Working against a kerbweight of just 515kg, that’s gives the R300 a power-to-weight ratio of 339bhp, enough for it to demolish the 0-60mph benchmark in just 4.5 seconds.
The original R300 was launched in 2002 and was powered by a Rover K-Series engine. It went on to be Caterham’s best-selling model until it was withdrawn from sale in 2005.
The Caterham R300 Superlight takes its inspiration from the more powerful Caterham Superlight R500, with the R300 getting the same dash design and keyless ignition system as its bigger stable mate. The R300 Superlight will cost £24,995 in kit-built form, or £27,995 for a factory-built version.
Caterham will also be offering the same 175bhp engine in a less hardcore Roadsport, priced at £21,995 for self-assembly or £24,995 ready made.
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Re: Caterham R300 Superlight reborn
Those figures look about right to me performance wise. It will have enough and torque and be unstressed for a long life and lower servicing costs for a guess. Bit pricey, but apart from that what's not to like?