Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Caparo T1 debuts at private London show]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/16/caparo-t1-debuts-at-private-london-show/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/16/caparo-t1-debuts-at-private-london-show/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/16/caparo-t1-debuts-at-private-london-show/#commentsFiled under: ,


Click above to view the Caparo T1 in high resolution

Lots of cars claim the "race car for the road mantle", but few manage to pull it off with as much authority as the Caparo T1. Bringing all that competition technology to the road isn't easy, though - during one media test drive, the front suspension actually snapped because the journalist riding on that side was heavier than calculated - and the T1 has been in development for years now. Caparo, the conglomerate that financed the T1's development, apparently feels the supercar is ready and has presented it to the public for the first time at London's Salon Privé at the exclusive Hurlingham Club, where the T1 took center stage.

As part of the debut, Caparo is expected to announce the T1's final specifications, which will include five trim levels, ranging form a bare-bones track car all the way up to the top-of-the-line Race Extreme model, packed with the highest-spec engine, advanced electronics, carbon brakes and lightweight magnesium rims. The full announcement is expected shortly, but in the meantime you can check out the press release after the jump and the updated gallery below.

Gallery: Caparo T1


[Source: Caparo]

Continue reading Caparo T1 debuts at private London show

Caparo T1 debuts at private London show originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Feb 2009 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009 caparo t12009CaparoT1caparocaparo t1caparo t1 race extremeCaparoT1CaparoT1RaceExtremet1Mon, 16 Feb 2009 16:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Aston Martin DB9 to get Caparo brakes]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/30/aston-martin-db9-to-get-caparo-brakes/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/30/aston-martin-db9-to-get-caparo-brakes/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/30/aston-martin-db9-to-get-caparo-brakes/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click pics for high-res gallery of the Aston Martin DB9 and Caparo T1

It's been a while since we heard anything about the Caparo T1 supercar. One of the most extreme applications of the "F1 for the road" theme, the project originally began independently under the name Freestream before being acquired by component manufacturer Caparo as a rolling demonstration of the latest in automotive technology. Part of that tech is now finding its way into another British sportscar: the Aston Martin DB9.

Reports now indicate that Aston Martin will be upgrading the brakes on its V12 sportscar with units developed for the Caparo T1. In the place of the 355mm front discs currently employed will be a set of 378mm discs, gripped by four-pot calipers each machined from a solid piece of cast aluminum. The new stoppers, developed by the 18-man team at Caparo AP Braking, promise to deliver a 24% reduction in fade while reducing peak temperatures by 18% in return for 30% less pedal force required. Interesting that Aston Martin decided to outsource a new set of brakes for the DB9 instead of adopting the carbon-ceramic units from the top-of-the-line DBS.

We've added some new high-resolution images of the DB9 and Caparo T1 to the galleries below. Check 'em out:

Gallery: Aston Martin DB9


Gallery: Caparo T1


[Source: PistonHeads]

Aston Martin DB9 to get Caparo brakes originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 30 Jul 2008 09:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aston martinaston martin brakesaston martin db9AstonMartinAstonMartinBrakesAstonMartinDb9caparocaparo ap brakescaparo astoncaparo t1CaparoApBrakesCaparoAstonCaparoT1db9Wed, 30 Jul 2008 09:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Caparo building two new cars beyond the T1]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/27/caparo-building-two-new-cars-beyond-the-t1/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/27/caparo-building-two-new-cars-beyond-the-t1/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/27/caparo-building-two-new-cars-beyond-the-t1/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click above for a high-res gallery of the Caparo T1.

The British engineering team at Caparo has quickly made a name for itself by diversifying its production and design expertise with the absolutely insane T1 supercar, while simultaneously landing the contract to supply body structures for the equally revolutionary, if far less expensive, Tata Nano. Caparo is looking to expand its line of products to include two new models that also span the spectrum from high-strung super coupe to a compact, lightweight city car.

Currently, Caparo has sold 20 T1s and has taken in around £4 million, which will aid in the development of both vehicles. The new high-performance model will be a more useable version of the T1, but Caparo's chief exec, Angad Paul, remained mum on the details. The other model will make use of innovative materials and packaging, and is likely aimed at smart's fortwo and other small, urban runabouts. The major push by Caparo is to make composite body panels less expensive in an effort to reduce weight and increase efficiency. "The carbon fiber route is not just for expensive cars," Paul maintains, "We are thinking of the Fiat Punto class."

Gallery: Caparo T1


[Source: Autocar]

Caparo building two new cars beyond the T1 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 27 Mar 2008 14:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>caparocaparo t1caparo tataCaparoT1CaparoTatananot1tatatata nanoTataNanoThu, 27 Mar 2008 14:18:00 EST<![CDATA[Tata Nano structures to be built by Caparo]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/11/tata-nano-structures-to-be-built-by-caparo/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/11/tata-nano-structures-to-be-built-by-caparo/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/11/tata-nano-structures-to-be-built-by-caparo/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click on the image above to view more of the Tata Nano

To build the cheapest, simplest car in the world, Indian automaker Tata is turning to the makers of the fastest, most complicated supercar on the road. Makes sense, right? More so than you might think.

Caparo, it was recently announced, has been contracted to supply body structures for the new Tata Nano. But the materials specialist firm that makes the T1 supercar is sourced by a number of low-cost vehicle manufacturers in India, including Ashok Leyland trucks, Eicher Motors, JCB and John Deere tractors, Hero Honda motorcycles and Suzuki Maruti. Caparo will focus on quality control at its new plant in Singur, India, from which it will supply its neighbor Tata with inner structural assemblies for the Nano.

[Source: Just-Auto - sub. req'd]

Gallery: Tata Nano

Tata Nano structures to be built by Caparo originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 11 Feb 2008 15:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>caparocaparo indiacaparo supply tata nanocaparo tataCaparoIndiaCaparoSupplyTataNanoCaparoTataMon, 11 Feb 2008 15:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Caparo touts safety features of T1, mandatory driver's ed. for owners]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/14/caparo-touts-safety-features-of-t1-mandatory-drivers-ed-for-o/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/14/caparo-touts-safety-features-of-t1-mandatory-drivers-ed-for-o/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/14/caparo-touts-safety-features-of-t1-mandatory-drivers-ed-for-o/#commentsFiled under: ,

The recent spate of negative press hampering the Caparo T1 hasn't stopped the makers of the clichéd "road-going racecar" from releasing a host of details outlining the finer points of the T1's safety systems.

While the press release after the jump goes into detail about the Caparo's lightweight, yet extremely rigid, carbon fiber composite tub and energy-absorbing snout, and regurgitates all the impressive details and stats surrounding the AP-sourced braking setup that hauls down the 1,256-pound street-legal F1 car from 100 mph in under three seconds, it's the last bit about driver training that caught our attention.

It seems that all owners of the Caparo T1 are required to attend a training course that allows them to experience the vehicle's dynamic pleasures on a closed track. If the T1 is to be driven on the street - something that's legal in the UK, but not highly advised - owners will embark on a separate course that gives them the ins and outs of driving a vehicle with such high limits on public roads.

Caparo is touting the T1 as "one of the world's safest ultra-performance vehicles," although we'd probably ask Jason Plato's opinion first if we had the means of acquiring one.

[Source: Caparo]

Continue reading Caparo touts safety features of T1, mandatory driver's ed. for owners

Caparo touts safety features of T1, mandatory driver's ed. for owners originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 14 Dec 2007 16:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>apap brakesApBrakesbrakescaparocaparo brakescaparo t1CaparoBrakesCaparoT1driver educationdriver trainingDriverEducationdrivers educationDriversEducationDriverTrainingsafetyt1Fri, 14 Dec 2007 16:56:00 EST<![CDATA[Connaught and Caparo conspiring on Type-D]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/28/connaught-and-caparo-conspiring-on-type-d/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/28/connaught-and-caparo-conspiring-on-type-d/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/28/connaught-and-caparo-conspiring-on-type-d/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Connaught's getting help from a fellow British sports car maker to get the Type-D to market next year. Caparo's vehicle engineering division, which does much the same thing as Lotus - supplying parts and engineering services to customers, will build the steel and composite chassis for the Type D. Caparo will also supply the body panels to Connaught, and production is planned to begin in June 2008. Connaught's original plan was to have a supplier based outside the UK provide chassis and superstructure, but Caparo managed to win the deal instead. We're sure fans of British iron are pleased that the Type D will be a properly English endeavor, and we're anxiously awaiting our chance to sample the uniquely-styled high performance ride. We wonder if Lucas will be tapped as the supplier for electrical components (not that it would matter - it's not the bad old days anymore)?

[Source: Autocar]

Connaught and Caparo conspiring on Type-D originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Nov 2007 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bodybritishcaparochassisconnaughtenglishpartnershipsports carSportsCartype dTypeDukWed, 28 Nov 2007 10:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Caparo T1 disqualified after taking <i>Top Gear</i> lap record]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/20/caparo-t1-disqualified-after-taking-i-top-gear-i-lap-record/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/20/caparo-t1-disqualified-after-taking-i-top-gear-i-lap-record/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/20/caparo-t1-disqualified-after-taking-i-top-gear-i-lap-record/#commentsFiled under:


Performance figures don't give an accurate picture of just how well a car performs overall. A given car may be the fastest to sixty, but that doesn't mean it has the highest top speed, tightest cornering or sharpest brakes. Lap times around a given track paint a more accurate, comprehensive picture of a car's abilities, but picking one track as the gold standard is dicey business. That's where Top Gear's Power Lap board comes into play.

Although weather conditions can vary, BBC's Top Gear puts all the cars through the paces at the same test track outside their studio, and what's more is that they're driven - or at least, so we're lead to believe - by the same driver: The Stig.

The latest high-performance supercar to make a run for the top of the record board is the Caparo T1, which, at 1:10.6, easily trounced the previous record holder, the Koenigsegg CCX, by an astonishing seven seconds. Unfortunately the Caparo was disqualified because, in its track set-up, it lacked the adjustable ride height to enable it to clear a requisite speed-bump. Caparo insists they deserve a second chance with a road-spec version. If the show's producers give the Ultima GTR an official run, meanwhile, the Caparo's reign as king of the Power Lap could be short-lived, adjustable shocks or not.

[Source: PistonHeads]

Caparo T1 disqualified after taking Top Gear lap record originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 20 Nov 2007 11:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>boardcaparodisqualifiedgearlappowerrecordt1topTue, 20 Nov 2007 11:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Speeders are screwed! Caparo T1 police edition]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/31/speeders-are-screwed-caparo-t1-police-edition/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/31/speeders-are-screwed-caparo-t1-police-edition/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/31/speeders-are-screwed-caparo-t1-police-edition/#commentsFiled under: , ,



You feelin' lucky, punk? Don't even think about trying your luck in London with this Caparo T1 police car on the prowl. It will run you down faster than a cheetah does a gazelle, that is, if it doesn't burst into flames first. Top Gear reports that the car will obviously not be pressed into service, but it's a fun idea and one of the hottest cruisers we've ever come across. Produced in conjunction with the London Metropolitan Police and Caparo, the T1 cruiser will be display this week at the MPH '07 Show in jolly old England, at Earls Court in London to be specific.

[Source: Top Gear]

Speeders are screwed! Caparo T1 police edition originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 31 Oct 2007 12:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>caparocaparo t1caparo t1 cruisercaparo t1 policecaparo t1 police carCaparoT1CaparoT1CruiserCaparoT1PoliceCaparoT1PoliceCarWed, 31 Oct 2007 12:18:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: Jason Plato's firey review of the Caparo T1]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/18/video-jason-platos-firey-review-of-the-caparo-t1/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/18/video-jason-platos-firey-review-of-the-caparo-t1/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/18/video-jason-platos-firey-review-of-the-caparo-t1/#commentsFiled under: ,



Earlier this month, Fifth Gear presenter and British Touring Car Championship driver Jason Plato was hurt behind the wheel of the high-performance Caparo T1 supercar while filming a segment for the UK television show. In this video footage of the incident, all looks swell as Plato takes the car around a track, but towards the end of the test, the flames start to build and the car suddenly comes to screeching halt.

Jason escaped without sustaining serious injuries; just some burns to his left hand and neck. According to Caparo, they've corrected the fault that started the fire, although no word was given whether or not this was a production model or a prototype.

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: Jason Plato's firey review of the Caparo T1

VIDEO: Jason Plato's firey review of the Caparo T1 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 18 Oct 2007 15:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CaparoCaparo T1CaparoT1Fifth GearFifthGearJason PlatoJasonPlatoThu, 18 Oct 2007 15:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Jason Plato injured when Caparo T1 bursts into flames at 150 mph]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/09/jason-plato-injured-when-caparo-t1-bursts-into-flames-at-150-mph/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/09/jason-plato-injured-when-caparo-t1-bursts-into-flames-at-150-mph/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/09/jason-plato-injured-when-caparo-t1-bursts-into-flames-at-150-mph/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Jason Plato, BTCC champion and Fifth Gear presenter, found himself in the midst of a Caparo T1 barbeque while testing the new supercar at the Bruntingthorpe Proving Ground in Leicestershire. According to Plato, he noticed a loss of power while traveling upwards of 150 MPH. He checked the outside mirror, saw smoke and then felt a rush of intense heat. The T1 "spontaneously erupted into a ball of flame," said Plato, who immediately stopped the Caparo and jumped out after sustaining burns to his neck, face and hands.

He was rushed to the hospital and is expected to consult a burn specialist later today. Plato still intends to compete at the final BTCC race this weekend at the Thurxton Circuit this Sunday, which coincides with his 40th birthday. Just be careful blowing out those candles, Jason.

[Source: Fifth Gear]

Continue reading Jason Plato injured when Caparo T1 bursts into flames at 150 mph

Jason Plato injured when Caparo T1 bursts into flames at 150 mph originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 Oct 2007 15:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>btcccaparofifth gearFifthGearjasonjason plato caparo t1JasonPlatoCaparoT1platot1Tue, 09 Oct 2007 15:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Behind the wheel of the Caparo T1]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/06/30/behind-the-wheel-of-the-caparo-t1/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/06/30/behind-the-wheel-of-the-caparo-t1/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/06/30/behind-the-wheel-of-the-caparo-t1/#commentsFiled under:



Although we've covered the entire gestation of the Caparo T1, we've yet to drive it. No surprise, as we'll be the first to admit that it outclasses us in every conceivable way. On the other hand, Nick Hall, the supercar scribe from across the pond, is one of the few motoring journos that actually has had seat time in the clichéd "Formula One car for the road." And although he hates that description, if the shoe fits...

His review over at World Car Fans provides you the prerequisite stats for you to rattle off when you're bench-racing your buddies, and the description of his time behind the wheel gives the best insight yet on what the 1,045 BHP per ton track toy is capable of - and why even though it's road legal, your kidneys will thank you if you avoid trips to the corner store. Read on and enjoy.

[Source: World Car Fans]

Behind the wheel of the Caparo T1 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 30 Jun 2007 09:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>caparonick hallNickHallt1Sat, 30 Jun 2007 09:36:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: Caparo T1 in action]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/06/09/video-caparo-t1-in-action/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/06/09/video-caparo-t1-in-action/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/06/09/video-caparo-t1-in-action/#commentsFiled under: ,



We just can't get enough of the Caparo T1. We've surely bored you with all the stats -- performance figures, power-to-weight ratio and engineering geeketry -- but nothing compares to actually seeing the closest thing to a street-legal F1 car making the rounds on a closed circuit.

The video after the jump is entirely too short, but evidence of the T1's physics-defying abilities can be seen by its nonexistent body roll and the glorious sounds of the 3.5-liter V8 being run into the red at a heady 10,500 RPM. Goosebumps, anyone?

[Source: StreetFire.net]

Gallery: Caparo T1

Continue reading VIDEO: Caparo T1 in action

VIDEO: Caparo T1 in action originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 09 Jun 2007 13:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>caparof1t1Sat, 09 Jun 2007 13:15:00 EST<![CDATA[The obession continues: Caparo T1 in final stages of testing]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/06/08/the-obession-continues-caparo-t1-in-final-stages-of-testing/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/06/08/the-obession-continues-caparo-t1-in-final-stages-of-testing/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/06/08/the-obession-continues-caparo-t1-in-final-stages-of-testing/#commentsFiled under:


Click the image for more pics.

Let's put things into perspective. The Caparo T1 weighs 550 pounds less than a Lotus Elise, while packing a 3.5-liter V8 producing 575 HP. That's 1045 horsepower per ton. Superbikes can barely crack the millennial mark and the Bugatti Veyron is downright portly at 506 HP per ton. It's epic, and it's in the final stages of development.

"Development" is the key word in that last sentence, as the T1 is essentially a rolling showcase of what Caparo is capable of. The firm's goal is to influence and design components for the automotive industry, utilizing lightweight materials and composites to reduce weight while increasing safety.

We've ran through the stats before, but as a quick refresher, the Caparo T1 can hit 60 in 2.5 seconds, crack the 100 MPH mark in under five seconds, and produces the aforementioned 575 HP at 10,500 RPM and 310 lb.-ft. of torque at 9k. According to the T1's engineers, they haven't even utilized the motor to its full capacity - they know it can rev to 17,000 RPM without drama.

All the technical details, including a few more quotes from the eggheads behind this beast, are available after the jump. Want to know how it drives? Those lucky bastards blokes at Car just got done at the track and you can read all about it here.

[Source: Caparo]

Gallery: Caparo T1

Continue reading The obession continues: Caparo T1 in final stages of testing

The obession continues: Caparo T1 in final stages of testing originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 08 Jun 2007 00:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>caparot1Fri, 08 Jun 2007 00:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Caparo T1 update: 200 HP per liter, no more supercharger]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/05/14/caparo-t1-update-200-hp-per-liter-no-more-supercharger/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/05/14/caparo-t1-update-200-hp-per-liter-no-more-supercharger/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/05/14/caparo-t1-update-200-hp-per-liter-no-more-supercharger/#commentsFiled under:



The folks over at Car procured a few shots of the Caparo T1 undergoing testing and have gleaned some interesting information about Gordon Murray's newest masterpiece.

First off, the road-going F1 car is living up to its ethos by ditching the supercharger and coming to the party with a naturally aspirated V8 that makes 700 HP and revs all the way to 10,200 RPM. A shot of the engine bay, although a bit cramped, reveals a mechanical masterpiece, complete with polished intake trumpets that are making the hair on the back of our neck stand up on end.

Naturally, the performance equation doesn't just revolve around the mid-mounted engine. Aluminum honeycomb, carbon fiber and a six-speed sequential box, made up of magnesium, contribute to the T1's epic accomplishments. Zero-to-60 times are in the 2.5 second range, while braking from 100 MPH comes in at a scant 8.5 seconds, courtesy of 355mm steel discs at all four wheels.

Deliveries are still expected to begin this summer, at a cost of £217,500. But for those of you (and us) attending this year's Goodwood Festival of Speed, you'll be able to see the T1 making the rounds during the show.

[Source: Car]

Caparo T1 update: 200 HP per liter, no more supercharger originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 May 2007 12:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>caparogoodwoodgordon murrayGordonMurrayt1Mon, 14 May 2007 12:03:00 EST<![CDATA[First Caparo T1 prototype completed]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/03/first-caparo-t1-prototype-completed/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/03/first-caparo-t1-prototype-completed/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/03/first-caparo-t1-prototype-completed/#commentsFiled under:



Caparo Vehicle Technologies has achieved the monumental task of completing the first of two prototypes of its T1 supercar less than a year after the company was formed. We'll remind you that the T1 is a street-legal, ultralight F1-inspired racer designed by ex-McLaren engineers Ben Scott-Geddes and Graham Halstead. Powered by a 2.4-liter supercharged V8 rated at 500 horsepower, the T1 can reach 60 mph in just 2.5 seconds thanks to its low 1,100 lb. curb weight. The XP1 prototype car started under its own power, which is always a good sign, and will now begin comprehensive testing and tweaking before a second prototype, the XP2, begins additional testing in December. Customers will likely begin receiving their cars in early 2007, and Caparo claims it has half of its available production for next year already sold. The T1 will be not be a mass produced exotic, however, with Caparo capable of building only two units per month at its Basingstoke facility in the U.K.

The T1 is really a rolling showcase for lightweight vehicle technology that Caparo hopes will attract the business of aerospace and automotive companies seeking weight reductions through the use of composite materials, a Caparo specialty. Thus, Caparo's Chief Executive Richard Butler calls the T1, "but one-tenth of the business plan". Caparo has long been a supplier of aluminum and steel, but with the T1 it has demonstrated its capacity as an automotive component supplier that can design, develop and produce lightweight components for both the aero and auto industries.

(Additional pic and press release can be found after the jump.)

[Source: Caparo]

Related Posts:

Continue reading First Caparo T1 prototype completed

First Caparo T1 prototype completed originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Oct 2006 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>caparoprototypeT1testingTue, 03 Oct 2006 16:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Ex-McLaren F1 designer, Gordon Murray joins Caparo team]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/12/ex-mclaren-f1-designer-gordon-murray-joins-caparo-team/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/12/ex-mclaren-f1-designer-gordon-murray-joins-caparo-team/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/12/ex-mclaren-f1-designer-gordon-murray-joins-caparo-team/#commentsFiled under: ,



When it comes to exotic automotive composites, you won't find a bigger name than Gordon Murray. Murray who led the design team that birthed the McLaren F1 and who was up to his elbows in the development of the McMerc, has made the move to Caparo, producers of the T1 supercar.

The move mainly centers on Caparo's development and marketing of lightweight materials to be used by automakers to reduce emissions and improve fuel mileage. If the Caparo team and Murray are at the forefront of that development, there is no doubt that the fiscal impact would be epic and the design element would be a revolution for passenger cars.

Murray's biggest ambition at this point isn't the development of another elite, physics-defying road rocket, but the pursuit of an affordable, highly efficient city car for the masses.

Here's to hoping that you too can buy a car designed by a legend.

[Source: World Car Fans, who also have photos of Murray and the T1]

Ex-McLaren F1 designer, Gordon Murray joins Caparo team originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 12 Aug 2006 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>caparocarbon fibercarbon fibreCarbonFiberCarbonFibrecompositef1gordon murrayGordonMurraymclarenmercedest1Sat, 12 Aug 2006 15:58:00 EST<![CDATA[New Zealand-built Hulme supercar debuts]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/07/26/new-zealand-built-hulme-supercar-debuts/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/07/26/new-zealand-built-hulme-supercar-debuts/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/07/26/new-zealand-built-hulme-supercar-debuts/#commentsFiled under: ,



Cut from the same cloth as the Caparo T1 exotic, the Formula 1-inspired Hulme supercar went its U.K. rival one better this month, debuting a pre-production model at both the Goodwood Festival of Speed and London's exclusive Salon Privé exotic car show. A prototype of the car was first unveiled in New Zealand last year.

With its brand name inspired by New Zealand's 1967 Formula 1 world champion Denny Hulme, the long-time teammate of legendary New Zealand racecar designer/driver Bruce McLaren, the Hulme supercar draws on the composite construction expertise that has made New Zealand a powerhouse in international yacht racing circles.

The car will begin production in 2008, with only 20 to 30 units produced each year. The company is initially targeting customers in the U.K. and Germany.

The show car carries the orange livery of the McLaren racecars of the '60s and early '70s in which Denny Hulme rose to prominence in Formula 1 and the Can-Am sports car series. The Hulme supercar has more in common with the Caparo T1 than its extreme styling - the Caparo's designers worked in the modern-day incarnation of McLaren Cars before leaving to develop their version of an F1 car for the street.

More pics and specs after the jump.

Continue reading New Zealand-built Hulme supercar debuts

New Zealand-built Hulme supercar debuts originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 26 Jul 2006 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bruce mclarenBruceMclarencaparocaparo t1denny hulmeDennyHulmefreestreamhulmehulme supercarmclarenmclaren carssupercars nzsupercarsnzWed, 26 Jul 2006 13:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Caparo T1 to be displayed at Goodwood]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/06/27/caparo-t1-to-be-displayed-at-goodwood/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/06/27/caparo-t1-to-be-displayed-at-goodwood/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/06/27/caparo-t1-to-be-displayed-at-goodwood/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Caparo T1

The Caparo T1 supercar unveiled in Monaco this past April will be making an appearance at the Goodwood Festival of Speed next month. The insectlike T1 should be quite an attraction, given its unique appearance, astonishing performance capabilities, and British heritage (the T1 is designed, developed and built in England).

Weighing in at a scant 1100 lbs., the T1 is powered by a 2.4L supercharged V8 good for 500 horsepower. That should translate into a 0-60 rush of just 2.5 seconds, with a top speed approaching 190 miles per hour. All that in a package that can be fairly described as looking like a two-seat F1 car with a roof and fenders.

Now, Goodwood attendees expecting to see the T1 rocket up the Goodwood hill will be disappointed. This year, it'll be on static display only. Next year is a different story, however, as plans call for the T1 to enter the hill climb competition at the 2007 Festival of Speed.

If the car's performance is half as exciting as its appearance would indicate, then the star of next year's event may have already been determined. We can't wait to see it in action.

(Press release, photos after the jump)

[Source: Caparo]

Continue reading Caparo T1 to be displayed at Goodwood

Caparo T1 to be displayed at Goodwood originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 Jun 2006 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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None other than His Serene Highness Prince Albert II unveiled the Caparo T1 at the Top Marques auto show in Monaco. The calm and dignified ruler of the principality was joined by hyperactive motorsports commentator Murray Walker, who has had the pleasure of a drive in another project by T1 masterminds Ben Scott-Geddes and Graham Halstead - the McLaren two-seater Formula 1 car. (Surely it's not a coincidence that the two ex-McLaren engineers chose orange - the color of McLaren's historic team cars - for the first T1.) More after the jump...

Continue reading Caparo T1 unveiled in Monaco

Caparo T1 unveiled in Monaco originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 25 Apr 2006 07:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Autoweek.nlcaparocaparo t1CaparoT1Formula 1Formula1freestreamfreestream t1Graham HalsteadGrahamHalsteadLe Blog AutoLeBlogAutoMonacoMurray walkerMurrayWalkerprince albertPrinceAlbertScott-Geddestop marquesTue, 25 Apr 2006 07:06:00 EST<![CDATA[Coachbuilder tour de force: the Antas GT]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/21/coachbuilder-tour-de-force-the-antas-gt/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/21/coachbuilder-tour-de-force-the-antas-gt/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/21/coachbuilder-tour-de-force-the-antas-gt/#commentsFiled under: ,



On display this week at the Top Marques auto show in Monaco is this extravagant one-off by Italian coachbuilders Walter Faralli (right, above) & Luca Mazzanti (left). Although pictures of the car are all over the net this week, it actually debuted in September 2005 at the Gran Premio Automobilistico di Roma.

The Antas GT is at the opposite end of the car-building spectrum from the Caparo T1, also on display in Monaco. While the T1 is a pure expression of form following function, the Antas is rolling sculpture, with its roadgoing performance secondary to the expression of historic design themes of the 1930's and 1950's. With a nod to its Italian roots, the Antas gets its name from the ancient Etruscan word for "Eagle."

Even the engine bay plays a part, scorning fuel injection for the crowning touch of the chrome intake trumpets of four two-barrel Weber carbs - the classic performance statement of the '50s and '60s brought back to life.

The Antas wasn't "designed" in the way that Chris Bangle or J Mays probably thinks of design, it was drawn. In the words of Faralli & Mazzanti, "Nothing was developed by computer; everything came from the heart, from the imagination and the capable hands of experts."

Whether or not you think the Antas is a beautiful car, it's nice to know that the automotive world still has a place for artists like Faralli & Mazzanti. More pictures after the jump, and check out the extensive galleries at the F&M website, here.

[Source: Progettofem.it]

Continue reading Coachbuilder tour de force: the Antas GT

Coachbuilder tour de force: the Antas GT originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 21 Apr 2006 13:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>antasCaparoChris BangleChrisBangleGran Premio Automobilistico di RomaGranPremioAutomobilisticoDiRomaJ MaysJMaysLuca MazzantiLucaMazzantiWalter FaralliWalterFaralliFri, 21 Apr 2006 13:34:00 EST