Let's be honest: unless you're a diehard Caterham anorak you're unlikely to spot that this is a brand new model - but you're actually looking at the next-generation Caterham Superlight R300.
It's changed quite a lot, though. The old R300 was powered by the legendary Rover K-Series engine, but that's no longer with us, so this time Caterham has turned to Ford. In comes a 2.0-litre Duratec block generating 175bhp, which is enough to propel the 515kg Superlight to 60mph in 4.5 seconds and on to 140mph.
The previous R300 was Caterham's best seller, so the maker isn't messing around with the basic formula too much; you'll still have to rev this one into the stratosphere to get the best out of it. Peak torque comes at a lofty 6,000rpm, and even then there's only 139lb.ft of torque.
Still, these cars are all about seat-of-your-pants driving involvement, which the R300 promises to provide in spades thanks to an uncompromising setup aimed at track use. There's a close ratio six-speed gearbox, carbon fibre aplenty (inside and out), wide-track suspension, superlight 15-inch alloys shod in custom Avon rubber and, of course, the ever-impressive starter button. A limited slip differential can be specified and, if you're into graphs and things, a set of data logging instruments.
The R300 completes the line-up of Superlight Caterhams, after the R400 and R500, though if it all sounds a bit too hardcore, a Roadsport 175 will be available too. Powered by the same Duratec engine, the Roadsport loses some of the carbon and the racing-biased suspension in favour of a more comfort-oriented setup. The wheels go down to 14-inches and the gearbox loses a cog too. It does gain an cockpit heater though, which will no doubt upset some purists, but apparently a minority of Caterham drivers enjoy the occasional bout of warmth.
Back to the R300: write a cheque for £24,995 if you fancy building one yourself, or add £3,000 to have the experts do it for you. A box full of Roadsport 175 parts will cost £21,995, again with a £3k premium for completed car.
Mark Nichol - 29 Oct 2008