“Every attribute and detail of the new vehicle will be decided by Project Splitwheel members, from the chassis and powerplant to styling, equipment and even the name.”

The project will kick off in the new year, when they’re hoping to receive a huge range of input from around the world, generating ideas and designs that will be channeled and directed by experts. They’re leaving everything totally open-ended; the engine location, type and configuration; the name; the performance level; everything. Caterham could put the results into production as early as 2011.

The whole thing sounds really cool and we’ll be keeping track of progress as it develops. Hopefully this all works out as claimed, with Joe the internet troll and Sally the web-dwelling misanthrope able to offer real input, rather than just being lured into yet another lame marketing tool. [Project Splitwheel]

CDX Limited Edition Seven - Let The Driving Experience Never End To commemorate 15 years of the renowned Caterham Driving Experience (CDX) days, Caterham has released a high-spec, limited edition version of the tyre-smoking cars at an attractive price. Caterham's motto of 'Designed for racing, built for living' is more relevant than ever with the CDX Limited Edition. Thrill-seeking drivers are urged to act fast as the first 20 cars will include over £2000 worth of performance extras - including a tuned 1.6-litre power unit - within the £17,495 asking price. A finance option is also available on this model with a monthly payment as low as £199*. Created to mimic the highly focused abilities and looks of the actual Sevens used on CDX days, the latest Seven boasts a 135bhp version of the distinguished K-Series powerplant, a limited-slip differential and track day roll-over bar. All this creates a serious tool for the track that's equally at home on the road. Finished in gloss black with a decal kit reflecting that of the real CDX cars, this limited run car also includes a push button engine start, Momo leather steering wheel, full weather equipment and sticky Avon tyres fitted to 13" Superlight alloy wheels. Power is transmitted to the rear wheels via a 5-speed manual gearbox. Caterham Driving Experience (CDX) days have been enjoyed by thousands of drivers of all ages and abilities. Hosted at venues in the UK and across Europe, the popular days place licensed drivers behind the wheel of a legendary Seven - be it for the Slalom, Drift or Circuit courses. With experience days starting from £99, participants are taught new driving skills to help push the venerable two-seater to its limits or simply to execute some tyre-smoking frolics. The latest Seven is available in component form from just £17,495, or factory built for £20,495, and can be owned for as little as £199 per month.* Caterham is offering a finance scheme of 9.5% APR on the limited run car, requiring a deposit of £4600 followed by 36 monthly payments and then a final balloon payment. For more information visit www.caterham.co.uk or call 01883 333 700 (South) or 01455 841616 (Midlands).

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

For those really serious about their driving, the famous supercar-slaying R500 moniker is back with 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 with 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, with 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 with 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.

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 steering wheel with integrated indicator switches and an innovative dashboard featuring flush fitted switchgear, ACES sequential gear change lights and a new Stack display with scrolling text. The carbon dash is also finished with a detailed engraved plaque to show each car's number.

On sale immediately, the factory built Superlight R500 starts at £36,995,

For more information visit www.caterham.co.uk or call 01883 333 700 (South) or 01455 841616 (Midlands).

Caterham Superlight R500 Technical Specification

Engine 2.0-litre Caterham Powertrain (CPT) Ford Duratec
Max Power 263bhp @ 8500rpm
Max Torque 177 lbsft @ 7200rpm
0-60mph (claimed) 2.88 seconds
Top Speed 150mph
Wheelbase 2225mm
Overall length 3100mm
Overall width 1575mm
Height 800mm
Ground clearance 80mm
Kerb Weight 506kg (516kg sequential gearbox)

Standard Equipment

* 2.0-litre Caterham Motorsport Ford Duratec
* 6 Speed Caterham Gearbox
* Limited Slip Differential
* Superlight Suspension (wide track front and de Dion rear with Watts linkages)
* Carbon dash, nose cone, rear and front cycle wings
* ACES change-up lights
* Ventilated front brake discs with 4 pot calipers
* 13" Anthracite eight-spoke alloy wheels with Avon CR500 tyres
* Carbon interchangeable wind deflector
* 4 point Road Harnesses
* Quick-release Momo Steering Wheel with integrated indicator switches
* Carbon Kevlar seats

Optional Performance Upgrades

* Sequential Gearbox - £2950
* Launch Control - £350
* Carbon Induction Airbox - £450
* Suspension package consisting Eibach Springs and dampers derived from the C400 race series - £1250