Caterham has gone back to the roots of the Seven sportscar with its latest model, the Supersport. With 140bhp on tap from its 1.6-litre Ford-sourced engine, the Supersport relies on its feather weight for 0-60mph in 4.9 seconds and 120mph top speed.

Derived from the Supersport racing Caterham, which runs in its own dedicated championship, the road-going Supersport goes back to the original philosophy of the Seven. It tips the scales at just 520kg and has "sprint" gearing for better acceleration rather than outright top speed.

Other components making Supersports a hardcore driver's car are a limited slip differential, uprated springs and dampers, stiffer anti-roll bars and 13-inch alloy wheels with Avon CR500 track day tyres.

The Supersport has a minimal cabin, even by Caterham's standards, and comes with four-point race harnesses, a simple dashboard with change-up lights and an aero screen in place of the usual windscreen. There are also two composite race seats and that's about your lot.

Those looking to save some cash can build the Supersport for themselves, with the kit costing £19,995. Or, you can buy a completed car direct from Caterham for £22,995.

Alisdair Suttie - 12 Apr 2011