Caterham X330

The car that can outgun McLaren

It’s a golden anniversary for Caterham

Auto Express Car Reviews

18th June 2007

The British company is celebrating 50 years of production by unleashing its most powerful model ever – the supercharged X330. The newcomer is based on the hot 2.3-litre CSR but, with output up from 260bhp to 330bhp, its power-to-weight ratio of 600bhp per tonne trumps the likes of the Bugatti Veyron and McLaren F1 supercars.

These upgrades also increase the torque figure by 27Nm to 300Nm, and bosses claim the new model is as easy to drive as the regular CSR.

There’s more good news for fans of the brand because, although the one-off X330 is billed as a concept, elements of the two-seater are likely to make it to production. Caterham has announced its intention to start testing a range of alternative fuel sources using the X330, beginning with bioethanol.

Other innovations pioneered by the concept that could filter down to roadgoing cars include thinner- gauge steel for the chassis. The X330’s special lightweight alloy wheels, plus the more extensive use of carbon fibre body panels, are set to reach production vehicles, too.

The matt-black newcomer follows the Caterham’s minimalist brief to the letter, with a tiny wind deflector in place of a conventional screen, plus wafer-thin racing seats.

Tell us about your car in our Driver Power survey.