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[VIDEO: <i>Autocar</i> pits the Caterham R500 against a Ducati]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/15/video-i-autocar-i-pits-the-caterham-r500-against-a-ducati/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/15/video-i-autocar-i-pits-the-caterham-r500-against-a-ducati/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/15/video-i-autocar-i-pits-the-caterham-r500-against-a-ducati/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



There's no arguing that the Caterham R500 is an amazing piece of four-wheeled machinery. In fact, it may just be the quickest way around a race track short of a Formula 1 car. We're equally as certain that the Ducati Hypermotard is an awesome motorcycle, so putting both of these performers on the same track and letting them have at it is certain to entertain. Autocar must have thought so, too, and udging by the video posted after the break, the event didn't let anybody down. As is usually the case when a bike is put up against a car, the race was close. In the longer straight sections of the track, the Duck's power-to-weight ratio allows it to pull away from the Caterham. The Caterham, with twice the number of contact patches, easily out-brakes the Ducati rider and can carry more speed throughout the turn. So, is the race that will finally put an end to the age-old question about which is faster around a given course? Probably not, but it sure is fun to watch. Want to know who won? Hit the jump, and be sure to pay attention as the Caterham goes airborne.

[Source: Autocar]

Continue reading VIDEO: Autocar pits the Caterham R500 against a Ducati

VIDEO: Autocar pits the Caterham R500 against a Ducati originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 May 2008 19:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>caterhamcaterham 7caterham r500caterham sevencaterham-r500caterham7CaterhamR500caterhamsevenducatiducati hypermotardducati-1098ducati-hypermotardDucatiHypermotardThu, 15 May 2008 19:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Officially Official: Caterham R500, really warps time, and face]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/11/officially-official-caterham-r500-really-warps-time-and-face/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/11/officially-official-caterham-r500-really-warps-time-and-face/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/11/officially-official-caterham-r500-really-warps-time-and-face/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click above for a high-res gallery of the Caterham R500.

After getting teased and then leaked on, we officially have details on Caterham's new Superlight R500. The stats are as insane as we predicted, with a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter Ford Durtec sending 263 hp and 177 lb.-ft. of torque to the rear wheels through either a six-speed manual or a six-speed sequential gearbox equipped with launch control. With 520 hp per ton (it weighs 506 kg, or 1,116 pounds) the R500 can rocket to 60 in exactly 2.88 seconds, but that's only part of the performance equation.

Caterham fitted the R500 with a "Carbon Induction Airbox," Eibach springs and dampers pulled from the C400 Caterham racer, four-piston calipers in front and two-piston rotors out back, Avon C500 track-day rubber, and replaced many of the components with aluminum and carbon fiber to shed 9 kgs from the chassis. The R500 is also equipped with a new electronic IP nestled into a full carbon fiber dash. If you're in the UK and have £36,995 to spare, you could do worse for you next track-day excursion.

Make the jump for the full press release.

Gallery: Caterham R500

Continue reading Officially Official: Caterham R500, really warps time, and face

Officially Official: Caterham R500, really warps time, and face originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 11 Apr 2008 16:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>caterhamcaterham r500CaterhamR500r500Fri, 11 Apr 2008 16:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Caterham R500 Superlight, warps time and face]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/10/caterham-r500-superlight-warps-time-and-face/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/10/caterham-r500-superlight-warps-time-and-face/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/10/caterham-r500-superlight-warps-time-and-face/#commentsFiled under:


Click above for a gallery of the Caterham R500.

Caterham teased us yesterday, and today we get our first glimpse of its new minimalist masterpiece. While the paltry pics don't do it justice, we've got confirmation that the R500 will be packing a 263-hp, 2.0-liter Duratec four that can spin upwards of 8,500 rpm. Power is shoveled down to either a six-speed manual or a six-speed sequential 'box and launch control is part of the £37,000 package. While we don't think the clear plastic hood will make it to production and there's no word on weight, there's little doubt that the R500 will get you to 60 in under three seconds and do things to your hair only a jet turbine-powered blow drier could.

Gallery: Caterham R500 - First pics


[Source: CarTribe via Jalopnik]

Caterham R500 Superlight, warps time and face originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Apr 2008 17:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>caterhamcaterham r500CaterhamR500r500Thu, 10 Apr 2008 17:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Don't tease: Caterham Superlight R500]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/09/dont-tease-caterham-superlight-r500/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/09/dont-tease-caterham-superlight-r500/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/09/dont-tease-caterham-superlight-r500/#commentsFiled under:



Caterham has released a teaser to follow in the over-powered, stripped-down footsteps of its predecessor, the R400. The Superlight R500 is rumored to be powered by a 2.0- or 2.3-liter Ford four-pot, hits 60 in under 3.4 seconds and tops out at around 150 mph. With a curb weight less than 500 kg (1,100 pounds) and body panels, dashboard and seats made up of carbon fiber, the R500 is expected to crest the 500 hp/per ton mark with ease. Sales will begin later this year with pricing expected to be around £40k.

[Source: Caterham via Car]

Don't tease: Caterham Superlight R500 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Apr 2008 14:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>caterhamcaterham r500caterham superlight r500CaterhamR500CaterhamSuperlightR500r400r500superlightWed, 09 Apr 2008 14:32:00 EST