It seems Top Gear the magazine and Top Gear the TV show have split their Car of the Year decisions. The magazine chose the the Dodge Challenger as its COTY (CORRECTION:Muscle Car of the Year), while the Clarkson, Hammond and May are sticking by the Caterham Superlight R500. The two cars are alike in that they are both retro fun, but accomplish it in two very different ways.

The Challenger is brute fun (you’ll see in our upcoming review.) Shortcomings that arise from a muscle car built on a full-size car chassis are made up for with a huge engine and badass personality.

The Caterham is the never-say-die spirit of the Lotus 7. Where the Challenger uses a big Hemi V8 to get its speed, the Superlight R500 stays true to its name and uses its svelte 1100 lbs weight (500kg) to give it speed. It also helps that its 2.0-liter Ford-sourced engine is rated at 263 hp. 0 to 60 times are in the sub-three second range.

Caterham R500 - Top Gear TV 2008 Car of the Year originally appeared on topspeed.com on Tuesday, 16 December 2008 10:10 EST.

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After Caterham revealed the first teaser of the R500 Superlight here are the first official images and informations about the 500 kilos supercar.

The R500 Superlight is powered by a 2.0 liters Ford Duratec engine that delivers a maximum power of 263 hp at 8500 rpm. It will be offered as a standard option with a six-speed manual transmission and as an option with a sequential Quaife 6. Rumors say the 0-60 mph sprint will be made in under 3 seconds.

The R500 gets the CSR nose, aero wishbones, 13-inch anthracite wheels and clear lens tailamps. Pricing will start from 46.000 euro.

Caterham R500 Superlight originally appeared on topspeed.com on Friday, 11 April 2008 08:47 EST.

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