Autoblog

Caterham R300 Superlight tackles the Nürburgring

Noah Joseph — Fri, 24 Jun 2011 19:31:00 EST

Filed under: Videos

Caterham R300 Superlight at the Nürburgring - Click above to watch the video after the jump

Nothing punishes quite like the Nürburgring. Drive anything around its twisting, undulating ribbon of tarmac and you know the suspension is working overtime. But it's quite another matter to see it. Unfortunately, the suspensions on most cars are hidden beneath their bodywork - but not on a Caterham Seven.

The classic lightweight roadster has its wheels placed outboard, so when the suspension is in motion, you can see the whole car working, its cycle fenders bobbing up and down. And that's just what you'll see in the video after the jump.

The boys over at Bridge to Gantry - those lovers of everything Nordschleife - headed home to the Green Hell in an R300 Superlight. Not the most powerful car Caterham has ever made (in fact you'll see its 178hp engine maxing out around 125 mph flat-out) but its low, low curb weight, coupled to the expertise of the driver behind the wheel, more than makes up for it, as he passes hot hatches, a Porsche, a motorbike and even a Chevrolet Corvette - along with one car that got spit out the top of the second Karousel. Follow the jump to see for yourself.

Continue reading Caterham R300 Superlight tackles the Nürburgring

Caterham R300 Superlight tackles the Nürburgring originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 24 Jun 2011 19:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Caterham lineup set to expand under Team Lotus ownership

Noah Joseph — Tue, 10 May 2011 18:32:00 EST

Caterham Seven Team Lotus Special Edition - Click above for high-res image gallery

It was only a few months ago that we reported on Caterham's plans to expand its lineup. But a lot has happened since then, particularly for an automaker whose core product range is anchored in a design that goes back nearly six decades.

Since the launch of the SP/300.R, Caterham was acquired by Tony Fernandes - the same Malaysian entrepreneur behind Team Lotus F1. The new ownership is intent to keep the same management in place, but the cash injection is expected to lead to a further broadening of the company's lineup.

Just what that will entail remains to be seen, but Autocar reports that whatever comes next down the pipeline will (arguably unlike some of Lotus' own new products) remain faithful to Colin Chapman's less-is-more philosophy.

The report also indicates a two-way door between Caterham and Team Lotus, the latter's F1 cars set to feature the former's branding while F1-derived technologies are set to trickle down to Caterham's products. A Caterham Seven with regenerative braking and adaptive aerodynamics? Too soon to say, but the sky's the proverbial limit.

Caterham lineup set to expand under Team Lotus ownership originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 10 May 2011 18:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Team Lotus buys Caterham, celebrates with special Seven [w/video]

Noah Joseph — Wed, 27 Apr 2011 09:31:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Performance, Videos, Lotus, Earnings/Financials, UK, Specialty

Caterham Seven Team Lotus Special Edition - Click above for high-res image gallery

We've been waiting a while for official confirmation, and it's finally here: Team Lotus has acquired British sportscar manufacturer Caterham. Both outfits lay claim to Lotus founder Colin Chapman's legacy without any actual support from Lotus Cars itself (with which it is currently embroiled in a naming rights legal dispute) and are now joined under the common ownership of Air Asia chairman Tony Fernandes.

The Malaysian businessman and his partners bought out Caterham's previous owner, Corven Ventures, but have elected to keep Caterham's current managing director Ansar Ali at the helm. The new cash injection ought to help Caterham springboard off the SP/300R to further expand its lineup, while cementing the iconic Seven as a veritable staple of sportscar design.

To celebrate the tie-in, Caterham is preparing to launch a special run of Team Lotus Sevens, of which only 50 examples will be made - 25 for the UK and 25 for overseas. The special package can be added to any variant in the Seven range, bearing the same classic green-and-yellow livery as the team's Formula One racers and a special plaque in the cabin, along with a commemorative book and an invitation to tour the team's factory in England.

Click on to view the special edition in our high-res image gallery below, and follow the jump for a video announcement and press releases on both the acquisition and the special edition.

Gallery: Caterham Seven Team Lotus Special Edition

[Source: Team Lotus]

Continue reading Team Lotus buys Caterham, celebrates with special Seven [w/video]

Team Lotus buys Caterham, celebrates with special Seven [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 27 Apr 2011 09:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Caterham announces race-based Supersport

Noah Joseph — Mon, 11 Apr 2011 13:58:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Performance, Lotus, MISC

Caterham Supersport - Click above for high-res image gallery

It's not everyday that we get excited about a car with 140 horsepower and 13-inch wheels. But then the Caterham Seven is no everyday car.

Lately, Caterham has been focusing outside the mold of the Seven with new models like the SP/300R and plans for further new products. But after a couple of years when the only new additions to the Seven range have been cosmetic specials like the Monaco and Lambretta editions, the British automaker has announced a new Supersport model.

Modestly powered but sprightly in weight, the Supersport roadster is based on the track model used in the eponymous spec racing series. Its 1.6-liter Ford four is tuned by Caterham to produce 140 horsepower - a far cry from the 500hp supercharged V8 in the Levante model - but with only 520 kg (1,146 pounds) to schlepp around, it'll do 0-60 in a tidy 4.9 seconds, and it probably feels even faster thanks to the classic low seating position that's practically on top of the rear wheels and open cockpit.

Short gearing, lightweight flywheel, limited-slip differential, race-spec springs and dampers, stiffer anti-roll bars, racing buckets with four-point harnesses and a dashboard with shift lights round out the package that's available as a DIY kit for £19,995 or factory-built for £22,995 in the UK - equivalent to $33k and $37k in U.S. dollars (including British taxes), respectively. Follow the jump for the full press release and check it out in our gallery below.

Gallery: Caterham Supersport

[Source: Caterham]

Continue reading Caterham announces race-based Supersport

Caterham announces race-based Supersport originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 11 Apr 2011 13:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Caterham to expand lineup even further

Noah Joseph — Mon, 07 Feb 2011 15:58:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, UK, MISC

Caterham SP/300R - Click above for high-res image gallery

When Caterham launched the new SP/300.R just last month, it was only the second time (following the short-lived 21 of 1994) the company had veered away from the Lotus 7 formula into new territory. But it won't be the last. Not according to the latest reports.

Britain's Autocar weekly cites Caterham chief Ansar Ali on plans to expand beyond the 7 and the SP/300.R with an additional range or even several new models. The inspiration apparently comes from companies like Porsche that have expanded beyond their traditional sportscar roots with great success.

There's no word on what form the next offering from Caterham could take, but Ali promises it won't be far off from the purist performance machines for which it is known. Nor will it be abandoning the 7, either: to the contrary, Ali insists that the Seven will always be at the heart of Caterham's range.

Gallery: Caterham SP/300R

[Source: Autocar]

Report: Caterham to expand lineup even further originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 Feb 2011 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Caterham 7 special outfitted by Lambretta

Noah Joseph — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 10:01:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Lotus, UK, Design/Style

Caterham Seven Lambretta Special Edition - Click above for high-res image gallery

While twist-and-go aficionados will recognize the Lambretta name for its classic Italian scooters, fashionistas know it as a British clothier. Now the latter has teamed up with Caterham to jump into the realm of open-air transport as well.

The special edition Caterham Seven by Lambretta features a special Union Jack paint scheme, matched inside on the dashboard, carpets and leather seats. A classic Moto-Lita steering wheel and the requisite special Lambretta logos complete the package, motivated by a 125-horsepower 1.6-liter four sourced from Ford and mated to a five-speed gearbox.

The special edition is available to British customers for £26,995, or about $42k in equivalent American funds. Get all the details in the press release after the jump.

Gallery: Caterham Seven Lambretta Special Edition

[Source: Caterham]

Continue reading Caterham 7 special outfitted by Lambretta

Caterham 7 special outfitted by Lambretta originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 22 Apr 2010 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Caterham + Yacht = Yes, please

Jonathon Ramsey — Sat, 09 Jan 2010 19:59:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., UK

Sunseeker Predator 108 + Caterham Se7en - Click above for high-res image gallery

There really isn't too much to say here, because when you mix awesome with awesome and come up with something stupendous you needn't bother with the chatter. As a special treat for the London Boat Show, Sunseeker grabbed one of its Predator 108-foot flybridge motor yachts, then instead of putting a tender in the hold, it stowed a Caterham Se7en. The only thing we want to figure out now is whether the Sunseeker is the best garage ever, or if the Se7en is the best replacement for a Zodiac in history?

Have a look at the duo in the gallery of high-res photos below and check out the presser after the jump. We need to make a quick call about getting these in the Autoblog Garage...

Gallery: Sunseeker Predator 108 + Caterham Se7en

[Source: Sunseeker]

Continue reading Caterham + Yacht = Yes, please

Caterham + Yacht = Yes, please originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 09 Jan 2010 19:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Steward of the Seven, Graham Nearn, passes away at 76

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 07:39:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Etc., UK

Graham Nearn helped develop and sell the Lotus 7, creating Caterham Cars in 1959 as a retail outlet for the lightweight roadster. After having seen the car through its years of broadcasting fame on the BBC show The Prisoner (that's Nearn on the right with Prisoner star Patrick MacGoohan), he then saved the 7 from the death dealer's axe when Lotus wanted to bury the car in 1973.

Nearn took over the manufacturing rights and kept the car true to its origins -- the Caterhams we reported on from Tokyo last week are still Nearn's children. Nearn passed away last weekend. AB sends its condolences to the entire Caterham family worldwide.

[Source: Caterham]

Steward of the Seven, Graham Nearn, passes away at 76 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Oct 2009 07:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Caterham pursuing electric sports cars?

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 18:41:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Performance, Electric

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.

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Help design Caterham's next sportscar with Project Splitwheel

Noah Joseph — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 12:41:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Performance, UK

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

Caterham is making a new sportscar. But we can't tell you what it is, because you haven't designed it yet.

The British sportscar company has made its name by producing the Super 7 of Lotus fame long after Lotus had moved on. They've made a whole basketful of versions since, but it all boils down to that bare-bones, long-nose, cabin-over-rear-axle design. The format has legions of faithful fans around the world, but Caterham is preparing to move on with a second range to accompany the 7, and is opening up the design process to user submissions. The project is being undertaken in conjunction with Project Splitwheel, an open-source collaborative project that seeks to combine the efforts of gearheads around the world into one resource. Interesting idea, and Caterham is committed to producing at least a working prototype of the final design. The project kicks off in January, with the first prototype scheduled to debut sometime in 2010. Follow the jump to watch a brief explanatory video, or the link to Splitwheel's website for more info.

Gallery: Caterham R500

[Source: Project Splitwheel via Autocar]

Continue reading Help design Caterham's next sportscar with Project Splitwheel

Help design Caterham's next sportscar with Project Splitwheel originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 05 Nov 2008 12:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Caterham celebrates track days with CDX Limited Edition Seven

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 07:58:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Performance, UK, Specialty

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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VIDEO: Autocar pits the Caterham R500 against a Ducati

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 15 May 2008 19:02:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Performance, Europe, Motorcycle

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.

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Caterham celebrates 50 years with Anniversary Pack for the Seven

Alex Nunez — Wed, 28 Feb 2007 15:25:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Europe, Supercars

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.

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Caterham to mark the Seven's 50th anniversary with switch to Ford power

Stuart Waterman — Tue, 16 May 2006 15:47:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, I.C.E., Plants/Manufacturing

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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