(Caterham Cars press release - 15 October 1999)
Superlight R500 ready for take off at London Motor Show
A blisteringly quick new Caterham Seven model, the Superlight R500, is to be launched at the London Motor Show in October. A weight of 460 kgs combined with 230bhp results in the Worlds best power to weight ratio for a production road car, with a staggering 500 bhp/tonne.

This latest bespoke Seven from the British firm features a unique development of the acclaimed K-Series engine and takes over the mantle of the Caterham 7 JPE as the most dynamically developed car in the Seven line up.

The engine, which has been jointly developed by Caterham Engineering and Minister Race Engines, features a unique Caterham Motorsport inlet manifold and single roller barrel throttle. Other developments include; steel con-rods and crankshaft, Cosworth forged pistons and a specially developed exhaust system combine to produce a staggering 230 bhp.

As with all Caterhams, racing is the basis of all development, and the R500 is no exception. Two seasons of Superlight R racing in the UK, Japan and Europe as well as a win in the Belcar Zolder 24 Hour Race for the Caterham 21 GT3 has provided the test bed for many of the innovations that have found their way onto the car.

The special features of the R500 include, aerofoil section front wishbones and oval tube lower wishbones, bespoke radial Avon tyres with enhanced directional stability and grip, magnesium centre 13 inch split rim wheels and a bespoke four into one exhaust system with carbon clad silencer. Weight is further reduced with the use of carbon fibre body panels, ultra light weight magnesium bellhousing and a dry sump lubrication system.

Race derived stack instrumentation, revised switch layout and sequential gear change lights, allows information of car and engine performance to be accurately and clearly delivered to the driver.

Traction control with dashboard mounted "launch control button" is offered as an option to further improve the Superlight R500 in extreme conditions.

"With the World leading power to weight ratio we, are offering the traction control to feed the power in smoothly at take off, with the added benefit of increased adhesion through corners, especially in the wet. Caterham�s policy is to build in safety features where appropriate", said Simon Nearn, Caterham Cars managing director. "In addition we are, of course offering driver training which we will continue to make compulsory for under 25s as has been our policy since the introduction of our first high performance model in 1989".

The price for the R500 will be under �30,000 and officially launched at the London Motor Show. This is in addition to �15-23,000 K-Series range and �10,950 for a home built Classic.