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Caterham’s first new car in 17 years

Surrey firm debuts track-only SP/300.R one-make racer which could spawn hardcore road car.

Caterham Lola SP/300.R front

By Tom Phillips

13th January 2011

New Caterhams don’t come along very often, but today’s the day that the Surrey firm will unleash its SP/300.R – its first new car since the 21 arrived in 1994.

 

The SP/300.R features looks inspired by Audi’s open top Le Mans cars, right down to the LED daytime running lights. However, the polyurethane bodywork is bespoke, and includes a huge, adjustable carbon fibre and aluminium rear wing.

The bodywork has been honed by British firm Lola, with input from Caterham. Lola also supplies the SP/300.R’s custom aluminium chassis.

The double wishbone suspension and pushrod dampers are related to Lola’s single-seater Formula 3 car. The Caterham has AP Racing brakes, and also uses a 13-inch wheel and Cooper tyre package borrowed from Formula 3.

A supercharged 300bhp Ford Duratec engine provides the power, and is connected to a semi-auomatic gearbox. The Caterham weighs in a less than 600kg, so performance is understandably brisk – with a 0-60mph time of 2.5 seconds and top speed of 170mph possible.

The SP/300.R slots straight into the top of the Caterham range, above the legendary 7. The newcomer is designed for the track, and will compete in a one-make racing series that starts next year. However, the firm is considering a hardcore road-going model, along the same lines of fellow Brit firm Radical’s SR models.

For now, the firm plans to build 25 racers per year, costing £60,000 plus tax.

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1 Comment

What !! another boring one make racing series, what's that going to prove? Why don't Caterham build something to race in established sports car races.
Then if they beat other sports cars and do well races against other well known makes, at least they would be able to sell the road going version with kudos.

By Bobbybev on 17 January, 2011, 12:24am

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Pictures

Caterham Lola SP/300.R front
Caterham Lola SP/300.R side
Caterham Lola SP/300.R
Caterham Lola SP/300.R light

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