Autoblog

Caterham Supersport R gets 40-hp boost from 2.0L Duratec

Chris Tutor — Wed, 14 Nov 2012 08:00:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Convertible, Performance, UK, Racing

How do you make a Caterham Seven Supersport better? If you said more power, Caterham agrees, as it now offers the Seven Supersport R with more and just a bit more weight.

In place of the standard Supersport's 1.6-liter, 140-horsepower Ford engine, the R gets a 2.0-liter Duratec (also from the Blue Oval) with 180 horses. Torque goes from 120 pound-feet at 5,790 rpm on the SS to 143 at 6,100 on the R. In a car that weighs less than 1,200 pounds, 40 horses should be enough to make a real difference. According to Caterham, it's enough to shave its 0-60 time to 4.8 seconds, but that's only a tenth of a second quicker. Top speed is up 10 mph to 130 from the Supersport, however, and we have to wonder if it's mid-range passing power that sees the most improvement.

In the UK, a fully built Seven Supersport R works out to about $45,000 USD including taxes, or the buyer can choose to do some of the assembly and save about $5,000.

A five-speed manual is standard, but customers can opt to upgrade to six gears as well as a long list of other, mostly cosmetic, options. Check out the UK-spec press release below for all the particulars.

Continue reading Caterham Supersport R gets 40-hp boost from 2.0L Duratec

Caterham Supersport R gets 40-hp boost from 2.0L Duratec originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Nov 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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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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Caterham working up all-new sportscar

Noah Joseph — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 14:30:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Racing

There's little question that Caterham is on the rise. The British automaker may still be known primarily for building continuation models of the classic Lotus Seven, but under the new ownership of AirAsia chief Tony Fernandes, it is expanding in a big way.

The company teamed up with Lola for the SP/300.R, one of the only vehicles Caterham has ever made that was not based on the Seven. Caterham now also has its own F1 team, and has promoted the team's technical director Mike Gascoyne - a longtime F1 engineer and chassis designer - as chief technical officer for the entire group, overseeing the road car division, the advanced composites operation, the new R&D center and the motorsport division.

That's not all, though. Caterham has been rumored to be working on a new model line - to be developed and built in-house completely separate from the Seven and SP/300.R - details of which are just beginning to emerge. Although Caterham has reportedly considered going mid-engine with its new model, it is likely to stick with the traditional front-engine, rear-drive setup, with a monocoque chassis built around an F1-style tub, but likely not made of carbon fiber.

Caterham is reportedly intent on keeping both price and weight to a minimum, but the new model is being designed with more creature comforts than its existing stablemates. Both coupe and convertible versions are envisioned from the outset, and while powertrain is still being negotiated with potential suppliers, a supercharged version could be in the cards as well. Discussions are repprtedly also underway with various design studios, but one thing's for sure: this one won't be designed by Colin Chapman.

Continue reading Caterham working up all-new sportscar

Caterham working up all-new sportscar originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 17 Feb 2012 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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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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Kid-sized Mini Seven is perfect for minimalist children

Zach Bowman — Sat, 12 Mar 2011 12:32:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Toys/Games

Mini Seven - Click above for high-res image gallery

We're a little torn on this one. You're looking at what could possibly be the most awesome go kart ever crafted by human hands: the Mini Seven. Mini is a company that specializes in high-end electric golf carts that vary from a proportionally-correct Hummer resort vehicle to a Bentley Continental GT lookalike. This, however, is different. The Seven was built specifically with children in mind, and Mini says that the pint-sized interpretation of Colin Chapman's wonder is safe for operation on tarmac or in fields. Powered by a Honda gasoline engine, the car has a top speed of around 19 mph.

Four disc brakes with a fully-adjustable proportioning valve are standard, as are a set of four-point harnesses to keep your budding speed demon firmly planted in the optional leather seats. Even the pedals are adjustable to keep up with a kid's growth.

Unfortunately, all of this unbelievable kit comes with a similarly eye-widening price tag. Expect to fork over £6,995, or roughly $11,305. Awesome? Sure. That awesome? Probably not.

Gallery: Mini Seven

[Sources: Born Rich, Gizmag, Mini Electric Vehicles]

Kid-sized Mini Seven is perfect for minimalist children originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 12 Mar 2011 12:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Seven Marine uses Cadillac CTS-V engines in outboard motors

Aaron Richardson — Sat, 12 Mar 2011 09:45:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Videos, Cadillac, Off-Road

Seven Marine 557 - Click above to watch the video after the jump

In case anyone was accusing supercharged, the 556-horsepower LSA V8 that powers the Cadillac CTS-V of lacking versatility, refer to this video and stand corrected. Custom boatbuilder Seven Marine has taken the enormously powerful engines and adapted them to a marine outboard application.

According to Seven Marine, its 557 is the most powerful outboard ever made. The grunt is channeled to the water through an electronically-controlled ZF transmission. The Seven Marine 557 is also the first outboard ever to be joystick-controlled.

According to Seven, it can be hung as a single-engine setup on a 25 to 27-foot boat, or in a double, triple or quad setup on boats ranging up to 55 feet. Seven Marine claims the engine should be good for a 10-20 percent efficiency and performance increase over standard onboard engines because it requires fewer gear sets to operate, which means less drag. You can check the CTS-V-powered marine setup in the video after the jump.

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading Video: Seven Marine uses Cadillac CTS-V engines in outboard motors

Video: Seven Marine uses Cadillac CTS-V engines in outboard motors originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 12 Mar 2011 09:45:00 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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Evisol Thorr brings electric power to the Super 7

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 16:29:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Green

Click above for a gallery of the Evisol Thorr.

Since the Telsa Roadster is on the steep side and the Fisker Karma is strictly vaporware until we get to drive one, most electric sports cars are out of reach of mere mortals, but Evisol is looking to rectify that with its own version of the Lotus Super 7. Packing a Siemens-sourced electric motor and a set of lithium-polymer batteries, the Thorr has a continuous output of 91 hp, but can deliver a peak of 272 hp and 332 lb.-ft. of torque. In true Seven fashion, the Thorr is about as minimalist as it can get, but in addition to losing the luxuries of a modern automobile, the lack of a transmission, ABS, boosted brakes and anything resembling sound absorption material has it tipping the scales at 1,664 pounds. Theoretically, that should allow the Thorr to make a quiet sprint to 60 in a few ticks over three seconds. How quiet? Check the video after the jump to find out.

Gallery: Evisol Thorr

[Source: Evisol via Carscoop]

Continue reading Evisol Thorr brings electric power to the Super 7

Evisol Thorr brings electric power to the Super 7 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 28 Apr 2008 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Happy 50th Birthday Caterham: X330 Concept

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 05 Jun 2007 17:04:00 EST

Filed under: Etc.

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.

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Vintage Bentleys rally Europe right

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 16 May 2007 15:53:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Bentley

When Bentley wants to open a new showroom, they don't do it by half measures. In honor of Istanbul, Turkey's first Bentley dealer on the Bosporus, the marque is putting on a 2,500-mile rally from London to Turkey. Called the Bentley Calista Rally -- because it ends at the Calista Luxury Resort in Belek -- seven Bentley Speed Sixes and seven Bentley 4.5-liters will make the trek across The Continent.

The participants are invited members of the Benjafield's Racing Club, which was founded by Bentley Boy Dudley Benjafield. Back when W.O. Bentley was making what Ettore Bugatti called "the world's fastest lorries," the group of men who were winning races like the 24 Hours of LeMans and beating trains from Calais to London were called the Bentley Boys. In that spirit and in their honor, the ten-country Calista Rally will combine some of the world's most wonderful engines with some of Europe's most wonderful destinations. We're sure Walter Owen would be proud.

[Source: Winding Road]

Vintage Bentleys rally Europe right originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 May 2007 15:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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