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[REPORT: Caterham pursuing electric sports cars?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/21/report-caterham-pursuing-electric-sports-cars/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/21/report-caterham-pursuing-electric-sports-cars/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/21/report-caterham-pursuing-electric-sports-cars/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Caterham R500 - Click above for high-res image gallery

The same things that makes the cars from British boutique automaker Caterham sporty and fun to drive could also potentially make them excellent choices for alternative powertrains. There's plenty of available real estate under the hood, a simple rear-wheel drive chassis and, above all else, a distinct absence of weight.

As such, it's not surprising to hear that Caterham is looking into both hybrid and fully electric drivetrains. According to Autocar, Caterham chief Ansar Ali said at the Tokyo Motor Show that his company would unveil an eco-friendly prototype before the end of the year. Both the hybrid and electric powertrains will be sourced from unnamed manufacturers.

Further, Caterham is planning a one-make race series in 2011 to show off its new green sportscar, which may well be followed up in 2012 with a production model if sufficient demand is found. Performance will reportedly to be just as sprightly in EV form as it is with the firm's normal gasoline-fed engines.


Gallery: Caterham R500


[Source: Autocar]

REPORT: Caterham pursuing electric sports cars? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Oct 2009 18:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Caterhamcaterham 7caterham sevenCaterham7CaterhamSevenelectric caterhamelectric lotuselectric lotus 7electric lotus super 7ElectricCaterhamElectricLotusElectricLotus7ElectricLotusSuper7tokyotokyo 2009tokyo motor showTokyo2009TokyoMotorShowWed, 21 Oct 2009 18:41:00 EST<![CDATA[Caterham celebrates track days with CDX Limited Edition Seven]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/11/caterham-celebrates-track-days-with-cdx-limited-edition-seven/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/11/caterham-celebrates-track-days-with-cdx-limited-edition-seven/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/11/caterham-celebrates-track-days-with-cdx-limited-edition-seven/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


click above for high-res gallery of the Caterham CDX Seven

Our appreciation for the Caterham as a track day weapon knows no bounds. Although we're be willing to put up with a few inconveniences during everyday driving for its true calling on the weekends, the Caterham Driving Experience (CDX) could be a great option for non-owners. For those individuals wanting to replicate the fun had at the CDX events in a (barely) street legal package, Caterham has decided to offer a new Limited Edition Seven that mimics the cars used in the racing series. Painted in a gloss black finish with CDX-style graphics, the new Seven certainly looks every bit a racer. With its 135bhp 1.6L K-Series engine connected to a five-speed gearbox, the lightweight machine is certain to entertain. Power will be put to the ground effectively thanks to the standard limited slip differential and 13-inch Superlight alloy wheels with Avon tires. Individuals living across the pond can get theirs for £17,495 in component form while a completely assembled model will run you £20,495. We are officially jealous.

Gallery: CDX Limited Edition Seven


[Source: Caterham]

Continue reading Caterham celebrates track days with CDX Limited Edition Seven

Caterham celebrates track days with CDX Limited Edition Seven originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 Jun 2008 07:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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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[Caterham celebrates 50 years with Anniversary Pack for the Seven]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/02/28/caterham-celebrates-50-years-with-anniversary-pack-for-the-seven/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/02/28/caterham-celebrates-50-years-with-anniversary-pack-for-the-seven/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/02/28/caterham-celebrates-50-years-with-anniversary-pack-for-the-seven/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click above image for addition high-res shots of the Caterham Seven anniversary package

Caterham's letting buyers in on a bit of the fun (as if buying, driving and owning a Seven isn't fun enough) for its Golden Jubilee celebration. An anniversary appearance package will be available for any 2007-model Seven. Once 50 packages are ordered (one for each year, get it?), it's history. Buyers can select either silver paint with black and gold accents or a black finish with silver and gold accents. Each car receives a signed, numbered plaque, Union Jack badges, 50th Anniversary decals, gold-trimmed leather seats (if ordered) and anniversary wheel centers to boot. All 2007 Caterham Sevens get the 50th anniversary badge shown at right. The cost is £1,957, honoring the year Colin Chapman gave us the original 7. Nice to see that after fifty years, good things never get old. In the case of the Caterham Seven, it just seems to get better.

[Source: Caterham Cars]

Gallery: Caterham Seven Golden Jubilee Anniversary Package

Caterham celebrates 50 years with Anniversary Pack for the Seven originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Feb 2007 15:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anniversarycaterhamcaterham 7caterham sevenCaterham7CaterhamSevengolden jubileeGoldenJubileeWed, 28 Feb 2007 15:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Caterham Seven receives Ford power on 50th birthday]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/25/caterham-seven-receives-ford-power-on-50th-birthday/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/25/caterham-seven-receives-ford-power-on-50th-birthday/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/25/caterham-seven-receives-ford-power-on-50th-birthday/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

With the bitter end of production of the MG/Rover K-series engine, there was a gaping vacancy left under the hood of the run-of-the-mill Caterham Seven in the UK. Starting in 2007, it's getting a new engine for its 50th birthday. The new powerplant will be Ford's Sigma engine, displacing 1.6-liter in this application. Ford uses this motor in a variety of compact vehicles, such as the Fiesta and Focus, but Caterham's engines will be tuned to produce 120 bhp or 140 bhp. The Roadsport 120 will be fitted with the 120 bhp engine. With the Seven's weight just over 1200 lbs, the 120 bhp engine will allow the car to run 0-60 in 5.9 seconds. The Roadsport 140 will shave almost a full second off the 0-60 at an estimated 5.0 seconds. For the die-hard Seven buyers, the Superlight 140 is lightened 50kg or 110 lbs, which allows it to do 0-60 in about 4.7 seconds with the same engine. The relatively flat torque curve of the Ford Sigma gives just a little bit more performance than the previous K-series motor.

All models will begin production in November, with deliveries to begin at the start of 2007. There will be a more an even more powerful motor available in the second quarter of 2007, so our UK readers will have something to look out for.

[Source: World Car Fans]

Caterham Seven receives Ford power on 50th birthday originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 25 Oct 2006 15:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Caterham SevenCaterhamSevenFord SigmaFordSigmaK-SeriesRoadsportSuperlightWed, 25 Oct 2006 15:26:00 EST<![CDATA[Caterham to mark the Seven's 50th anniversary with switch to Ford power]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/05/16/caterham-to-mark-the-sevens-50th-anniversary-with-switch-to-for/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/05/16/caterham-to-mark-the-sevens-50th-anniversary-with-switch-to-for/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/05/16/caterham-to-mark-the-sevens-50th-anniversary-with-switch-to-for/#commentsFiled under: , ,

British specialist automaker Caterham, stewards of the legendary Lotus Seven ultra-minimalist sports car, have announced a wholesale switch to Ford powerplants from the Rover K-Series engines that have been the mainstay of the marque for the last 15 years.

With MG Rover's closing, the clock was ticking to find a new power source before the current K-Series supply ran out, and What Car? reports that Caterham looked at 18 manufacturers before settling on Ford's 1.6-liter engine as it's K-Series replacement.

The company's top-line models, the CSR and the newest edition of the R400 (pictured), are already offered with Ford-Cosworth 2.3-liter and 2.0-liter  powerplants, respectively, the latter propelling the superlight R400 from 0-60 mph in 3.8 seconds.

[Source: What Car?]

Caterham to mark the Seven's 50th anniversary with switch to Ford power originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 16 May 2006 15:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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