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[Steward of the Seven, Graham Nearn, passes away at 76]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/28/steward-of-the-seven-graham-nearn-passes-away-at-76/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/28/steward-of-the-seven-graham-nearn-passes-away-at-76/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/28/steward-of-the-seven-graham-nearn-passes-away-at-76/#commentsFiled under: , ,



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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>caterhamcaterham 7Caterham7graham nearnGrahamNearnlotuslotus 7Lotus7ukWed, 28 Oct 2009 07:39:00 EST<![CDATA[Tokyo 2009: Caterham CSR 175 makes unexpected world debut]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/22/tokyo-2009-caterham-csr-175-makes-unexpected-world-debut/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/22/tokyo-2009-caterham-csr-175-makes-unexpected-world-debut/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/22/tokyo-2009-caterham-csr-175-makes-unexpected-world-debut/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Caterham CSR 175 - Click above for high-res image gallery

It would be tempting to call this year's Tokyo Motor Show an entirely domestic affair, but that's not entirely accurate, as a few smaller specialty automakers like Lotus and Alpina took advantage of a surplus of available square footage by nailing down prime floor space for themselves. As a belated addition to the festivities, Caterham, England's merry band of Colin Chapman acolytes marked the occasion with the world debut of its CSR 175.

The new model slots in as a new bottom rung to the CSR franchise, which is paradoxically the marque's premium range. The 175 joins the range's existing trio of variants, the 200 bhp CSR200, the 260bhp CSR260 and the full-house 260 bhp CSR Superlight. If you're paying attention, you can therefore deduce that the new addition possesses 175 bhp. That may not sound like a lot of power, but in a car that weighs as much as an anorexic gnat, we reckon the Ford-sourced 2.3-liter Duratec four-pot will still be plenty entertaining.

Either way, traditional minimalist roadsters like the Se7en have never been about terminal velocity, they've always been predicated on leech-like cornering and giant-kiling acceleration. And given that the 175 shares the CSR family's stiffer spaceframe chassis, updated suspension and refined aerodynamics, Caterham's latest should continue corner like a cat on carpet. And given the vast empty expanses of the stuff here at the show, we'd be tickled if someone handed us the keys for a bit of after-hours fun...


Gallery: Tokyo 2009: Caterham CSR 175


Photos copyright (C)2009 Drew Phillips / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading Tokyo 2009: Caterham CSR 175 makes unexpected world debut

Tokyo 2009: Caterham CSR 175 makes unexpected world debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 22 Oct 2009 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009 Tokyo Motor Show2009TokyoMotorShowCaterhamCaterham CSRCaterham CSR 175CaterhamCsrCaterhamCsr175lotus 7lotus sevenLotus7LotusSevense7ense7venTokyo 2009Tokyo Motor ShowTokyo2009TokyoMotorShowThu, 22 Oct 2009 10:58:00 EST<![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[VIDEO: Reynard talks about his bike-engined Inverter racer]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/09/video-reynard-talks-about-bike-engined-inverter-racer/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/09/video-reynard-talks-about-bike-engined-inverter-racer/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/09/video-reynard-talks-about-bike-engined-inverter-racer/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above to watch video after the jump

Earlier this month, we told you how the motorsports gurus over at Reynard are preparing to market a bike-engined trackday special called the Inverter. The tube-frame racer promises lightweight thrills and face-contorting lateral Gs to take on the Radicals and Caterhams world.

Reynard has now released an official video teaser that gives us the backstory on the car's development, including an interesting interview with Dr. Adrian Reynard himself. Check out the gallery below after you watch the HD video after the jump.

Gallery: Reynard Inverter


[Source: Reynard]
http://www.reynardracingcars.com/videos.html

Continue reading VIDEO: Reynard talks about his bike-engined Inverter racer

VIDEO: Reynard talks about his bike-engined Inverter racer originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 09 Feb 2009 13:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CaterhamHuyabusahyabusaInverterKTMNoble supercarNobleSupercarRadicalReynardtrack daytrackdayMon, 09 Feb 2009 13:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Help design Caterham's next sportscar with Project Splitwheel]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/05/help-design-caterhams-next-sportscar-with-project-splitwheel/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/05/help-design-caterhams-next-sportscar-with-project-splitwheel/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/05/help-design-caterhams-next-sportscar-with-project-splitwheel/#commentsFiled under: , ,


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.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>caterhamcaterham 7Caterham7lotus 7Lotus7project splitwheelProjectSplitwheelsuper 7Super7Wed, 05 Nov 2008 12:41:00 EST<![CDATA[Caterham unveils next Superlight R300, Roadsport 175]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/29/caterham-unveils-next-superlight-r300-roadsport-175/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/29/caterham-unveils-next-superlight-r300-roadsport-175/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/29/caterham-unveils-next-superlight-r300-roadsport-175/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click above for a high-res image of the new Caterham R300

Caterham has revised its best-selling Superlight R300, dropping the old Rover mill in favor of a Ford Duratec and pulling a few tricks from its range-topping R500.

The new R300's 2.0-liter four-pot is putting out 175 hp at 7,000 rpm and 139 lb.-ft. of torque to the rear wheels through a six-speed gearbox. With only 1,135 pounds weighing the R300 down - giving it a power-to-weight ratio of 339 hp per ton - it can scoot to sixty in 4.5 seconds and on to a top speed of 140 mph. Available in both build-it-yourself form for £24,995 (or £27,995 complete from the factory), the kit includes everything you need to get on the road, along with a flush-button dash and keyless ignition system pulled from its big-bro the R500. Avon CR500 tires are wrapped around Superlight aluminum wheels, and for those destined for the track, you can option the R300 up with a Stack data logging system, dry-sump oil kit and limited-slip differential.

Caterham has also revised its Roadsport 175 model, a more tame version packing a five-speed transmission with longer gear ratios, 14-inch wheels and a heater. The cost of entry for the 175 comes in at £21,995 in kit form and £24,995 built at the factory. Both models can also be had in "wide chassis" guise for an additional £1,750. We'll take one of each, equipped with the LSD option.

Continue reading Caterham unveils next Superlight R300, Roadsport 175

Caterham unveils next Superlight R300, Roadsport 175 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 29 Oct 2008 09:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>caterhamcaterham r300caterham roadsport 175CaterhamR300CaterhamRoadsport175r300roadsport 175Roadsport175Wed, 29 Oct 2008 09:28:00 EST<![CDATA[All eight, £115,000 Caterham RS Levantes sold out]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/16/all-eight-115-000-caterham-rs-levantes-sold-out/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/16/all-eight-115-000-caterham-rs-levantes-sold-out/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/16/all-eight-115-000-caterham-rs-levantes-sold-out/#commentsFiled under: ,


Click above for a high-res gallery of the Caterham RS V8 Levante

With only eight examples of the Caterham RS V8 Levante being produced, it's no surprise that well-to-do track-tards have snatched up all of them after it went on sale this spring.

The 500-hp Caterham is packing a supercharged 2.4-liter V8 driving the rear wheels through a six-speed gearbox, and with a body comprised almost entirely of carbon fiber, Kevlar and aluminum, the 1,150-pound ode to maximizing minimalist motoring is able to hit 60 in under three seconds. That kind of firepower isn't cheap, with each example fetching £115,000, and thankfully, Caterham is requiring all the RS Levante's owners to enlist in a two-day advanced driving school when they take delivery.

Check out all the details about the Caterham RS V8 Levante here and make the jump to read the automaker's press release, along with a video of the Levante in action.

Gallery: Caterham RST-V8 Levante

Continue reading All eight, £115,000 Caterham RS Levantes sold out

All eight, £115,000 Caterham RS Levantes sold out originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 16 Oct 2008 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>caterhamCaterham RS V8 LevanteCaterhamRsV8Levantelevantersv8Thu, 16 Oct 2008 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Australia's Eflin debuts Type 5 Clubman in Sydney]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/11/australias-eflin-debuts-type-5-clubman-in-sydney/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/11/australias-eflin-debuts-type-5-clubman-in-sydney/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/11/australias-eflin-debuts-type-5-clubman-in-sydney/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above for high-res gallery of the Elfin Type 5 Clubman

Fans of the original Lotus 7 will undoubtedly be familiar with Elfin. Others who, like Lotus itself, have come to realize that automotive development has advanced in the past few decades, may be less so. The Australian sportscar-maker is right up there with the likes of Caterham and Westfield, only from the land of reverse-flushing toilettes and leaf-eating marsupials. The company is under the care of Tom Walkinshaw, a legend in the motorsports and tuning communities who has leveraged his close ties with GM's Holden subsidiary for the vehicle you see here, called the Type 5 Clubman. Replacing the discontinued Type 3, the new Type 5 joins the line-up alongside the MS8 Streamliner and was recently unveiled at the ongoing Sydney Motor Show.

The new roadster features the same 260-hp turbo four from the Pontiac Solstice GXP and Saturn Sky Redline, only in a much lighter frame of just 750kg (about 1,650 lbs). The combination of generous power and low weight means the Type 5 is pegged to hit 100 km/h (62mph) in a rapid 3.7 seconds while commanding a sticker price comparable Down Under to a Nissan 350Z or Mazda RX-8, only without frivolities like a roof or doors.

Gallery: Elfin Type 5 Clubman


[Source: Elfin]

Australia's Eflin debuts Type 5 Clubman in Sydney originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 11 Oct 2008 18:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>caterhamelfinelfin type 5elfin type 5 clubmanElfinType5ElfinType5Clubmanlotus 7Lotus7super 7Super7type 5Type5walkinshawSat, 11 Oct 2008 18:57:00 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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>caterhamcaterham 7Caterham Driving Experiencecaterham sevenCaterham7CaterhamDrivingExperienceCaterhamSevencdxCDX Limited Edition SevenCdxLimitedEditionSevenWed, 11 Jun 2008 07:58:00 EST<![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<![CDATA[Caterham RST-V8 Levante cracks the 1000 bhp per tonne mark, scares children]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/26/caterham-rst-v8-levante-cracks-the-1000-bhp-per-ton-mark-scares/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/26/caterham-rst-v8-levante-cracks-the-1000-bhp-per-ton-mark-scares/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/26/caterham-rst-v8-levante-cracks-the-1000-bhp-per-ton-mark-scares/#commentsFiled under:


Click above for a high-res gallery of the Caterham RST-V8 Levante.

Caterhams have always been the model for minimalist motoring and it's rare that owners have been wanting for more motivation, but RS Performance has answered the call of a few owners that want insane power to match the Caterham's spartan looks.

Packing a supercharged 2.4-liter, V8 driving the rear wheels through a six-speed gearbox, RS Performance is giving well-heeled drivers 550 hp (at 10,000 rpm!) to simultaneously dry their hair and wet their pants. With a curb weight of almost 1,150 pounds, that means a power to weight ratio of around 1000 hp per ton and a 0-60 time of under three seconds.

Getting that grunt to the ground is difficult, at best. With the majority of the body panels being replaced with carbon fiber bits, along with an F1-style front splitter, steering wheel and Kevlar seats, the lack of mass is something drivers will have to overcome. Thankfully, the chassis, sticky rubber and traction/launch control should keep things in check.

If the £115,000 cost of entry for the supercharged version is a bit more than your wallet can bear, a naturally aspirated variant is available as well producing a "paltry" 380 hp. Included in the cost of the RST-V8 is a two-day driver training course when you take delivery. Good call Caterham.

The full press release with all the technical details is posted after the jump.

Continue reading Caterham RST-V8 Levante cracks the 1000 bhp per tonne mark, scares children

Caterham RST-V8 Levante cracks the 1000 bhp per tonne mark, scares children originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 26 Feb 2008 13:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>caterhamCaterham RST-V8 LevanteCaterhamRst-v8Levantelevanterstv8Tue, 26 Feb 2008 13:33:00 EST<![CDATA[Happy 50th Birthday Caterham: X330 Concept]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/06/05/happy-50th-birthday-caterham-x330-concept/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/06/05/happy-50th-birthday-caterham-x330-concept/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/06/05/happy-50th-birthday-caterham-x330-concept/#commentsFiled under:


Click image for gallery

None of us at Autoblog HQ are knocking on the half-century mark yet, but we can only hope that we're saluted in the same way that Caterham decided to celebrate its 50th anniversary.

The X330 Concept is exactly that, but it foretells the destiny of future Caterhams. A 2.3-liter, turbocharged Ford Duratec produces the concept's namesake, sending 330 HP and 221 lb.-ft. of torque through a six-speed manual gearbox to the rear wheels. Carbon fiber makes up the majority of the body panels, while a lighter steel frame holds it all together. The resulting thrust makes the lack of windscreen a disturbing proposition.

Although the X330 isn't slated for production, those of you who were in attendance at the Donington Park event this past weekend, celebrating the 7's golden anniversary, were in for a show.

[Source: Caterham]

Gallery: Caterham X330 Concept

Continue reading Happy 50th Birthday Caterham: X330 Concept

Happy 50th Birthday Caterham: X330 Concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 05 Jun 2007 17:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>50 years50th anniversary50thAnniversary50Years7caterhamduratecfordseventurboturbochargedv6X330Tue, 05 Jun 2007 17:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Light. Fast. The Caterham R400.]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/30/light-fast-the-caterham-r400/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/30/light-fast-the-caterham-r400/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/30/light-fast-the-caterham-r400/#commentsFiled under: ,


Click image for photo gallery

Sure, the modern bare-bones open sports cars like the Ariel Atom and KTM X-Bow get all the attention these days, but some of us here at Autoblog still think that the 50-year-old Lotus Seven design in use by the speed fiends at Caterham is the way to go. After all, you simply can't argue with the performance the automaker regularly delivers to its customers.

Further proof arose this week with the launch of the astounding Superlight R400. Sporting a more rigid frame and a 2.0L Ford Duratec four-cylinder tuned in-house by Caterham Motorsport, the car has 210 horsepower on tap. Don't sniff at it. The R400 weighs in at a paltry 1,157 pounds and races to 60 mph in just 3.8 seconds. Shifts come courtesy of a six-speed manual, and the car's race-inspired themes are reinforced with features such as carbon-fiber fenders, a quick-release steering wheel, and 4-point belts. Does it look old? Yes. That's part of the attraction. Well... that and the fact that this simple, decades-old design is still capable of taking on the best modern automotive machinery out there and leaving it in its dust.

Full details and UK pricing can be found in the release after the jump.

[Source: Caterham Cars]

Gallery: Caterham R400

Continue reading Light. Fast. The Caterham R400.

Light. Fast. The Caterham R400. originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 30 Mar 2007 18:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>caterhamr400Fri, 30 Mar 2007 18:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Brooke Double R gets power bump from blower]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/26/brooks-double-r-gets-power-bump-from-blower/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/26/brooks-double-r-gets-power-bump-from-blower/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/26/brooks-double-r-gets-power-bump-from-blower/#commentsFiled under:



Ariel Atoms, Caterham Superlights, KTM X Bows, Derondas and the like tend to follow a certain formula that happens to be very successful in the world of racing. Keep it simple, keep it light, and keep it balanced. They don't need 500-hp V10s to prove their point. Small rev-happy motors that can churn out 140, 180, 220 hp are the norm, but there are always options. Some people look at these horsepower figures and think, "I know it offers a superior driving experience and can lap any given track as quickly as cars with rheww times the power, but what if this car had that much power, too?" That is why Brooke will now be offering a supercharged version of its Ford Duratec powerplant for use in the Double R. While horsepower can easily reach more than 400, they think the final tune will be around 350. Not a huge jump over the top current option at 300, but it will have twice the torque of the lesser motor, as well. That should really make things interesting in this sub-ton car.

[Source: Autocar]

Brooke Double R gets power bump from blower originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 26 Mar 2007 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Ariel AtomArielAtomBrooks Double RBrooksDoubleRCaterhamDerondaKTM X BowKtmXBowMon, 26 Mar 2007 15:58:00 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[Watch the Caterham CSR260 take the top spot on Stig's track]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/27/watch-the-caterham-csr260-take-the-top-spot-on-stigs-track/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/27/watch-the-caterham-csr260-take-the-top-spot-on-stigs-track/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/27/watch-the-caterham-csr260-take-the-top-spot-on-stigs-track/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

It is the supreme testament to the capabilities of the Caterham CSR260 that it captured the track record on Top Gear's test track. The unsuspecting CSR260 lapped TG's test track faster than a Koenigsegg CCX, a Pagani Zonda F, a Maserati MC12, or even an Enzo. If this isn't an advertisement for the less-is-more philosophy of Colin Chapman, we don't know what is. The real cool bit is you can watch the fast Caterham do its business in real time at Dunlop's Injection.tv by clicking the Read link. Check it out, it's the best 1 minute 17.4 seconds you'll spend today.

[Source: Dunlop via Pistonheads]

Watch the Caterham CSR260 take the top spot on Stig's track originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 27 Oct 2006 14:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CaterhamCaterham CSR260CaterhamCsr260CSR260Top GearTopGearFri, 27 Oct 2006 14:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Caterham CSR260 Superlight hits the scene]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/06/14/caterham-csr260-superlight-hits-the-scene/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/06/14/caterham-csr260-superlight-hits-the-scene/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/06/14/caterham-csr260-superlight-hits-the-scene/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Caterhams are light and fast. Take the company's flagship CSR260, for example. Weighing in at around 1300 pounds and packing a 260-horse 2.3-liter Ford Duratec screamer underhood, the car flashes from 0 to 60 in 3.1 seconds and tops out at 155 mph. Now the company has decided to up the ante with the introduction of the CSR260 Superlight.

Apparently, it was felt that the regular car could benefit by going on a diet, so the windshield, carpeting, heater and weather equipment (wipers, etc.) all got tossed in the dumpster. A carbon fiber wind deflector is installed in the spot vacated by the windshield. The material is also used to form the cockpit's new dashboard and wings that help keep it safely planted to the ground ("Wings" is Brit-speak for "front fenders." Thanks to commenter Otto for the clarification. -AN). The rest of the cockpit gets powder-coated and outside, most of the exposed aluminum gets blacked out (Caterham calls this the "black pack").  Handling improvements come in the form of faster steering, a limited-slip differential, and Multimatic-developed "Dynamic Suspensions" dampers. Finally, a detatchable MOMO steering wheel rounds out the Superlight's racy character. The deleted parts and materials represent 55 lbs in weight savings over the standard car, and the whole package is designed to give the driver world-beating handling behavior.

The Superlight shares the 0-60 times and top speed of the regular CSR260, and really, that's fine. Any faster and the car would run the risk bending the space/time continuum without requiring the use of a flux capacitor.

Finished car pricing starts at £37,995 (around $70,000 USD), and Caterham is taking orders now. Delivery of the new rides this August..

(More pictures and Caterham's press release after the jump ... )

[Source: Caterham Cars Ltd.]

Continue reading Caterham CSR260 Superlight hits the scene

Caterham CSR260 Superlight hits the scene originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Jun 2006 13:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>caterhamcaterham carscaterham csr260 superlightCaterhamCarsCaterhamCsr260SuperlightCSR260duratecford duratecFordDuratecmultimaticWed, 14 Jun 2006 13:27:00 EST