Autoblog

Hardcore x2: How to flog a Caterham Supersports up a snow-covered French mountain

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 12 Mar 2012 14:57:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Performance, Videos, MISC

The English are mad. And we know this for two reasons: one, they admit it; two, it's true. If more proof is needed, a video of Evo magazine's features editor, Henry Catchpole, sliding a Caterham Supersport up a French mountain in the snow should be enough. And the spindly car is missing its top. And he's missing his hat.

The Supersport is Caterham's street-legal version of the racing Seven used in the one-make racing series. It's got short gearing, a lightweight flywheel and LSD, a race-tuned suspension, and its 1.6-liter Ford engine has 140 horsepower to motivate a 1,146-pound car.

So, obviously, where else would you drive it? Follow the jump for the memorable action.

Continue reading Hardcore x2: How to flog a Caterham Supersports up a snow-covered French mountain

Hardcore x2: How to flog a Caterham Supersports up a snow-covered French mountain originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 12 Mar 2012 14:57:00 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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Sondergard Automotive looking for startup capital for lighweight, low C02 roadster... on eBay?

Zach Bowman — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 15:29:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Coupe, Performance, Europe, Earnings/Financials, Design/Style, Diesel

Sondergard Automotive Prototype - Click above for high-res image gallery

It's hard to get a car company off of the ground these days - just look at Tesla. Despite strong financial backing from the federal government, partnerships with companies like Mercedes-Benz and Toyota and a strong IPO, many are still gun shy of Tesla stock. It's notoriously difficult to come up with the kind of capital necessary to move a vehicle from a computer rendering to a full-blown production prototype, which may be why it appears that Sondergard Automotive has taken to courting investors via the miracle of eBay Motors. The company is primarily concerned with building a low-weight, low-emission sports car that's as fun to drive as it is eco friendly.

According to the eBay ad, the company has already come up with one prototype that weighs just 1,300 lbs but packs more than 330 horsepower from an efficient diesel engine. How efficient? The company claims fuel economy well above the 80 mpg mark. Color us skeptical. If you're more of the optimistic persuasion, Sondergard is looking for an investor willing to drop $7 million to fund the Lotus Seven/Donkervoort-like project, though it will also consider a number of smaller backers with the need to pony up $500,000 each. For more information, check out the company's eBay auction listing.

Gallery: Sondergard Automotive Prototype

[Source: eBay Motors]

Sondergard Automotive looking for startup capital for lighweight, low C02 roadster... on eBay? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Aug 2010 15:29:00 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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Dutch Delight: Donkervoort launches D8 235 E

Jonny Lieberman — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 19:41:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Performance, Europe

Donkervoort G8 235 E - click above for high-res image gallery

Spring is in the air, and if any car shouts "Spring!" the loudest it's a Se7en. If you happen to be in the unfortunate position of not knowing what makes a Se7en, they are modern day interpretations of the legendary Lotus 7. Only because of a long fought, still-running legal battle, they're called Se7ens. Featuring no roof, no doors and practically no weight, there's almost nothing between you and the road ahead. Many people take to describing Se7ens as four-wheeled motorcycles, a definition we can't argue with.

Speaking of Se7ens, Holland-based manufacturer Donkervoort has just released their newest, the D8 235 E. Donkervoot is probably best known to Autoblog readers for the hardcore, closed coupe D8 GT. A stud of a performance monster, no doubt, though we must say that enclosing any Se7en's cockpit is kinda not the point. But hey, different folks, strokes, etc. Thankfully, Donkervoort also sells open top cars, including the new D8 235 E.

The big news vis-a-vis the D8 235 E is that power is up. By reworking the intake and exhaust, and remapping the ECU the Audi-sourced 1.8-liter inline-four now makes 235 horsepower, up from 210 hp. If that doesn't sound like much, remember that the D8 weighs around 1,300 pounds. Having driven a number of Se7ens in the 125-hp neighborhood that car crest 60 mph in five seconds flat and we can tell you that 235 hp is a much more than adequate amount of power. But hey, need more? Donkervoort will happily sell you a 270-hp version called the D8 270 RS.

Gallery: Donkervoort D8 235 E

[Source: Donkervoort]

Dutch Delight: Donkervoort launches D8 235 E originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 26 Mar 2010 19:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Donkervoort tweaks the D8 GT for 24-hour race debut in Dubai

Noah Joseph — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 13:28:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Coupe, Performance, Europe, Audi, Specialty, Middle East, MISC, Racing

2010 Donkervoort D8 GT(4) endurance racer - Click above for high-res image gallery

While fanatics around the world debate the supremacy of one sportscar over another based on numbers alone, here at Autoblog we postulate that such exotic machinery is only as good as its capacity to transport you to another place, if not in body then in your mind. So bear with us and imagine the following scenario: You're based in Holland. You've created what could be the ultimate neo-Lotus 7, and with it you've already placed in a major racing series. So where do you go next? Why, to Dubai, of course!

We're talking about the Donkervoort D8 GT, undoubtedly one of the most futuristically phallic retro road rockets on the street or track today. We got our first glimpse three years ago, and took a closer look in Geneva back in 2007, before production began last year. The 1400-pound cab-rearward track tool packs an Audi-sourced 1.8-liter turbo four driving 270 horsepower to the rear wheels. That's enough power to sixty in less than four seconds.

With the D8 GT, the Dutch manufacturer has already taken second place in the FIA GT4 European Cup, and it is now heading to its first 24-hour race at the Dubai Autodrome on the shores of the Persian Gulf. To prepare for the event, Donkervoort has tweaked the fuel system, the brakes, the aerodynamics, the carbon-fiber sandwich panels and aluminum chassis to create the D8 GT(4). The results ought to be interesting as the 24 Hours of Dubai kicks off in mid-January, but you can check it out now in the gallery below and the press release after the jump.

Gallery: 2010 Donkervoort D8 GT endurance racer

[Source: Donkervoort]

Continue reading Donkervoort tweaks the D8 GT for 24-hour race debut in Dubai

Donkervoort tweaks the D8 GT for 24-hour race debut in Dubai originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Dec 2009 13:28:00 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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Tokyo 2009: Caterham CSR 175 makes unexpected world debut

Chris Paukert — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 10:58:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Performance, Tokyo Motor Show, Specialty

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

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.

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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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Australia's Eflin debuts Type 5 Clubman in Sydney

Noah Joseph — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 18:57:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Misc. Auto Shows, Holden, Australia

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.

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Westfield Sportscars developing hybrid 7

Frank Filipponio — Thu, 21 Dec 2006 19:26:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Performance, Green

To some, the Lotus 7 was the quintessential British sportscar. Its tires are pushed out to the corners to deliver the ultimate driving experience through a direct connection to the road. It didn't need a lot of horsepower to move it along because it was so light weight. It just went where it was told, kind of like the winning formula for today's Elise. The 7 was so popular in fact that after Lotus stopped making it, dozens of companies jumped in and started offering their own 7 kits. Although Caterham bought the tooling and rights to become the official 7 maker, there are still others building versions of this legendary car.

One of these is Westfield Sportscars. One of the things that sets Westfield apart is the use of fiberglass bodies and its own unique independent rear suspension. Well, Westfield Sportscars is about to gain another distinguishing characteristic when its finished developing a hybrid version of the 7 along with the University of Warwick's manufacturing group. Together they are expected to figure out a way to mate the 7 with an existing hybrid drivetrain, probably one from Toyota or Honda. The added torque of the electric motor should further reduce naught-60 times and fuel economy should likewise be stellar.

It's somewhat ironic that the new Tesla Roadster is seen as an electric Elise due to the involvement of Lotus in its development. This new Westfield hybrid Lotus 7 threatens to bring even more green to the Lotus name.

[Source: Westfield SportsCars via AB Green]

Westfield Sportscars developing hybrid 7 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 21 Dec 2006 19:26:00 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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Forbidden Fruit: Brooke Cars Double R

Chris Paukert — Mon, 15 May 2006 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Performance, Europe, Supercars

You're looking at the Brooke Cars Double R, the latest purist roadster to hail from the UK. Powered by either a 2.0-liter or 2.3-liter Ford Duratec mill fettled by the high-performance blokes at Cosworth, the customer's engine of choice is mounted amidships in a steel tube frame that's clothed in composite bodywork.

According to Auto Express, properly equipped, the cycle-fendered sportscar will tag 60 mph in just 3.1 seconds, but its likely happiest in the twisties, with a wide footprint, four wheel independent suspension, 15" OZ wheels help get the Blue Oval powerplant's gumption to the tarmac. Regardless, with three available states of tune (200 hp, 260 hp and 300 hp),

Unusual options befitting the weekend racing nature of the Double R include different sized steering wheels and windscreens, Quafe limited-slip differential, trackday exhaust silencer, lap timer/data logger, and a roll cage.

No word on any availability for minimalist-loving Yankees, but we can only hope.

[Sources: Brook Cars; Auto Express]

Forbidden Fruit: Brooke Cars Double R originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 15 May 2006 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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