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

Where have we heard that before? Hmmm...? Was it in Barcelona? Wait, OK, so you take a V6, you strap two-turbos to it.... Europe for sure... Oh, wait, I know. This is exactly what BMW has already done in the 335i. Only, here in FoMoCo's preview, the engine pumps out an awesome 415hp and an even mo'better 400lbs. ft of spin. What's that? Porsche's twin-turbo boxer six puts out 480 horses and 457 lb-ft? Why do we let marketers live? Still, Ford, this is fantastic. Do it. – Jonny Lieberman

Related:
Lincoln to Juice Lincoln Zephyr With New Duratec V6 [Internal]

And speaking of Cosworth ... If you thought the Koenigsegg CCX's dominance of the Top Gear test track was unassailable, there's a little matter of the Caterham CSR 260 we'd like to point out. Piloted by a member of Dunlop's Injection team, the little Cat — powered by a Cosworth-stroked 2.3-liter Ford Duratec — smokes the Dunsfold aerodrome, leaving the K-egg's lap time in its wake. It makes sense, since the 1,315-pound wonder can do zero to 60 mph in 3.1 seconds. Now get it into the Stig's hands. – Mike Spinelli

[via Motor Authority]

Caterham Racing Series: Sevens on the Nurburgring! [internal]

The boys at Caterham say the company's Seven sports car will get a new powerplant in late 2007, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of the original Lotus Seven on which it's based. Replacing the current Rover K-series engine on the Caterham Classic, Roadsport and Superlight will be a new, 1.6-liter Ford Sigma mill — Duratec to us Yanks — tuned by the UK's Power Torque Engineering to produce up to 160bhp. That motor joins the Cosworth-tuned 2.3-liter Duratec four in the company's UK-only model range (a 115bhp EU IV-compliant unit will be available in "expanding overseas markets" in early 2007). The Seven will also get a new laser-cut and robot-welded chassis for a greater degree of precision, and fewer tea-and-John-Player breaks. New pricing to be announced this fall.

Caterham

Related:
Caterhams to Italy: It's Anzio All Over Again [internal]

According to Edmunds Inside Line, the 2007 Lincoln Zephyr will get Ford's new, 3.5-liter Duratec 35 — the latest and most powerful in the Duratec family — which will power one in five Ford products in coming years. That'll give the entry Lincoln a power boost from 221 hp to a possible 250 hp. That engine will replace the whiny Duratec 30 in the current model (no word yet on the new engine's whininess factor). Still, Edmunds' evocation of the Vulcan V6 — last seen on the Ranger and Taurus — is just, plain adorable.

Lincoln to Upgrade Zephyr's Powertrain to 3.5-Liter V6 [Edmunds]

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More on Ford s New, Workhorse V6 [internal]