Caterham and racing go together like cheese and toast, which is why few eyebrows raised at
Car Enthusiast when we heard about its new car. However, Caterham hasn't produced yet another spin off of the venerable 7; instead it has created a prototype racing car with design input from Lola and power from Ford.
The new Caterham-Lola SP/300.R makes its debut at the
Autosport International Show in Birmingham, with the 300 relating to the expected 300bhp from the supercharged 2.0-litre Ford engine.
Just 25 examples of the SP/300.R will be produced each year, and with Caterham's roots very much in motorsport it will organise a one-make championship for the cars from 2012.
Caterham describes the new car as a natural progression for its international racing series and drivers wanting to continue ascending the ladder. It will also appeal to what Caterham calls the 'premium trackday community'.
Regardless, the firm promises that the SP/300.R will follow the proven value for money route of Caterham's existing motorsport structure.
Underneath the aerodynamically sculpted bodywork is an aluminium tub with the engine longitudinally mid-mounted behind it. Weighing under 600kg the 300bhp from the supercharged 2.0-litre unit should translate to a 0-60mph time in about 2.5 seconds and a top speed around 170mph - depending on gearing.
Full race suspension with dual front and rear wishbones and bespoke Avon tyres - designed specifically to cope with the lightweight car's large torque output - also feature.
Being built as a race car the SP/300.R features easily removable crash structures, a six-point harness, fire extinguisher, roll cage and it complies with MSA safety regulations.
Caterham is quoting a price of £60,000, excluding local taxes, and if you want one we suggest you make the call pretty quickly - as the first 25 are likely to sell out pretty quickly.
Kyle Fortune - 13 Jan 2011