Caterham-Lola SP/300R: British Sportscar Maker Reveals its First Ever Prototype Racer, Road Going Model a Possibility

The Autosport International Show in Birmingham, UK, welcomed the world premiere of Caterham's first ever sports prototype racing car, the Caterham-Lola SP/300R. Created in partnership with legendary British racing and engineering brand Lola, the SP/300R is currently in the final stages of development and will be ready for a one-make championship in 2012, with the company planning to build up to 25 examples per year. Caterham said that a road-legal version of the sports car is also being considered.

The prototype model features the debut of Caterham's new supercharged version of the Ford 2.0-liter Duratec power plant, expected to produce around 300bhp. A Hewland-sourced paddle-shift sequential gearbox transfers power to the rear wheels.

Caterham said that the prototype weighs under 600kg [1,322 lbs] translating into 500bhp-per-tonne, and is capable of completing the 0-60mph [96 km/h] sprint in around 2.5 seconds, while reaching a top speed of around 170mph [273 km/h].

The SP/300R is built on a bespoke chassis designed by Lola. The basic chassis is an aluminium tub with a longitudinally mid-mounted engine, coupled to a stress-bearing rear transaxle. A forward splitter and large rear wing reduce lift, while a flat underbody maximizes ground effect benefits.

The prototype's bodywork also features an F1-style raised nose section and sectioned panels, which are said to help reduce repair costs, ease maintenance and more importantly, allow single-handed removal of body panels track-side.

The front and rear suspension are dual wishbones with pushrod dampers and adjustable ride height, with the design of the rear axle derived from that used at the rear end of the Lola Formula 3 and World Junior cars. The car rides on bespoke racing tires fitted to 13-inch race rims.

Prices for the Caterham-Lola SP/300.R will start at £60,000 [~US$94,300 or €72,200], excluding local taxes.

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Caterham Retires The Stig's Superlight R500 [with VIDEO]

The Caterham Superlight R500 took the world by surprise in 2008 with its 263 hp 2.0-liter naturally aspirated four-pot and sub-3.0 seconds 0-60mph sprint time. The same year it was launched, Top Gear’s racing driver, The Stig, drove it around the show’s test track completing a lap in just 1 minute and 17.9 seconds. That's the seventh fastest official lap time ever recorded on the show, putting to shame “heavyweights” like the Bugatti Veyron.

But everything comes to an end, and today, Caterham announced that the special model is making its final journey next week before being retired from active service.

Caterham Cars’ marketing manager, James Drake, commented: “The white and orange R500 has already claimed its place in motoring history. It’s worked hard since the new R500 was launched in 2008 and we feel it’s now time to let it have a rest. It will still be available as a static display car, but its hard driving days are over. We’re stopping short of wearing black armbands in the office, but it’s still going to be a sad day when its final public engagement is over”.

This will happen after it’s going to be displayed at the Marks & Spencers store in Kent, with the purpose of promoting a new range of remote control R500s. These motorized scale models will be available in the classic color scheme (white with orange stripes), and also in red with white stripes.

It seems that Caterham has no intention of selling the car, so Top Gear enthusiasts will have to be satisfied with the “regular” R500. Those who can’t afford the £40,200 price tag for the real deal, can check out M&S stores this Christmas, where they will be able to buy the RC for just £19.50.

By Csaba Daradics

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2010 Caterham Special Edition Seven Sport Cars By Lambretta

British sportscar-maker Caterham company Caterham Cars will be releasing a special edition of the Caterham Seven later this year.  The specialized automaker joined up with British fashion company Lambretta Clothing (named after the scooters) to create a new look for their version of the Lotus 7.

2010 Caterham Special Edition Seven Sport Cars By Lambretta

Few icons are as quintessentially British as the Union Jack and the Caterham Seven. Originally engineered by Lotus, the 7 is still built by British sportscar-maker Caterham, and has now been outfitted for a special edition by British fashion house Lambretta.

The British-owned fashion label, which is based in London’s famous Carnaby Street, has drawn on its characteristic flair and rich heritage in popular culture to create a bespoke, custom-tailored Caterham, which screams ‘Britannia’. The body paint, decals and livery leave you in no doubt of its geographic heritage with the Union Jack’s unmistakable hue of red, white and blue dressing the paintwork.

Under the skin, the engineering is pure Caterham.

Powered by a 1.6-litre Ford Sigma engine, which pushes out 125bhp, the 2010 Caterham Special Edition Seven Sport Cars By Lambretta can call upon 120lbs ft of torque to propel its lightweight frame to 60mph in six seconds. The marriage of a quick-fire five-speed gearbox, with a purposeful chassis, provides the responsiveness and handling characteristics every Seven is famous for.

Available immediately, the 2010 Caterham Special Edition Seven Sport Cars By Lambretta is priced at £26,995 OTR. Lambretta’s managing director, Rob Harmer explained: “Designing the exterior and interior of a car is an entirely different challenge to our core business of fashion and accessories, but there are clearly some shared philosophies between the two companies, which made this collaboration so exciting.”  

2010 Caterham Special Edition Seven Sport Cars By Lambretta

2010 Caterham Sport Cars Seven Roadsport 125 Monaco

Manufacturer of specialist lightweight sports cars, Caterham Cars, announced the latest Special Edition. The Lotus Seven, and the Caterham Seven have been around for 53 years, it is still one of the basic and quintessential sports cars made. The Seven was never about power, it was about lightweight, minimalistic driving, and it remains true to it’s roots today. Caterham Cars is evoking the elegance, class and rich motorsport heritage of Monte Carlo with the latest Special Edition of its similarly timeless sportscar, the 2010 Caterham Sport Cars Seven Roadsport 125 Monaco.

The latest incarnation of Caterham’s iconic Seven, the Roadsport 125 Monaco, remains true to the original design by Colin Chapman in 1957. The Monaco features the British automaker’s brushed aluminum bodywork, with black nose and wheel guards. The familiar red and white of the Monegasque flag, the official flag of Monaco, form a motif that runs the length of the car, which takes us back to the golden era of motorsport.

2010 Caterham Sport Cars Seven Roadsport 125 Monaco

Caterham have kept the car fresh by producing several special editions over the years and this Monaco Edition is the latest. Powered by a 1.6 liter Ford four cylinder, it produces 125 horsepower and 120 ft/lb of torque, which should be entertaining since the car only weighs 1,100-1,200 pounds! According to Caterham the car is good for a six second 0-60 run and a top speed of 112mph.

Under the skin, the engineering is pure Caterham. The 1.6-litre Ford engine produces a top speed of 112mph and a power-to-weight ratio of 227bhp per tonne. The 5-speed gearbox propels the lightweight 500kg chassis from 0-60mph in under six seconds and full weather kit means the Roadsport is thoroughly enjoyable in any conditions.

2010 Caterham Sport Cars Seven Roadsport 125 Monaco

The Roadsport 125 Monaco options include the wide SV chassis and a lowered floor for extra comfort in the cockpit. The company added that the all black trim is also available for the customers to choose from.

For just £20,995, the Roadsport 125 Monaco combines Caterham’s thrilling performance and driving experience with a unique touch of European flare and glamour. However, the first 20 cars to be ordered are available for just £19,995.