A month after announcing that they were debuting an all-new model at the Autosport International Show, the day has finally come. And true to their word, Caterham didn’t disappoint.
Hoping to build momentum on the recent sales success of the Lotus Seven-derived Roadsport and Superlight, Caterham officially unveiled their latest baby, the SP/300.R.
As a point of clarification, the new SP/300.R will not be replacing the company’s existing models. Instead, Caterham is hoping that the SP/300.R will join the existing range to complement each other and give customers a wider range of models to choose from.
The SP/300.R is the latest in a long line of Caterhams, one that remains true to the lightweight, minimalist DNA of the legendary Seven. Caterham built the SP/300.R in collaboration with Lola Cars and together, the two companies have created a wondrous piece of machinery that should catapult Caterham into the consciousness of younger generations that were too young to enjoy their racers back in their heyday.
UPDATE 10/11/2011: Caterham has announced that the SP/300.R will be headed over to the US. It will be distributed by sportscar team, Dyson Racing, who will get their demo car in early 2012 followed by deliveries to other customers by Spring 2012.
The SP/300.R was obviously designed by Caterham, but will head over to Lola cars to ensure US-spec compliance. After approved, the SP/300.R will be assembled at Dyson Racing’s facility in Poughkeepsie, NY, north of New York City.
Details on the Caterham SP/300.R after the jump.
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After a failed partnership with Group Lotus, entrepreneur and Team Lotus boss, Tony Fernandes, has recently expanded his automotive profile with the acquisition of British sports car maker, Caterham Cars. The official confirmation was given at a special event at Duxford’s Imperial War Museum. Both companies have a strong link to Colin Chapman’s philosophy of ’less is more’ and Fernandes’ opportunistic interest in road cars places Caterham’s unique Seven on a pedestal. Proof of that is in the new special edition Team Lotus Special Edition Seven created to start this partnership off on the right foot.
The only distinguishing features for the Team Lotus Seven will be its Team Lotus-inspired livery paint job with matching interior. The most important addition will be a plaque carrying the signatures of Team Lotus F1 drivers, Jarno Trulli and Heikki Kovalainen. Owners will also receive a Seven history book signed by chief designer, Mike Gascoyne.
Caterham managing director, Ansar Ali, said: "Caterham Cars is starting an exciting and hugely important chapter, so it’s entirely fitting that we celebrate our opportunity to take Colin Chapman’s ‘less is more’ philosophy global, with this special car. Owners of the Special Edition Sevens will have not only a fabulous British sportscar, but a genuine piece of automotive history in their garage."
The new Team Lotus Seven will be limited to only 25 units, each priced at £13,650 or about $22,500 at the current exchange rates. The package can also be applied to any model in the line-up, up to the top of the range Superlight R500.
The Lotus-based Caterham Seven has been around for quite awhile with the first sports car model setting its wheels to the road back in 1973. A lot has changed since then and Caterham is now up for the challenge of producing a speedier model derived directly from the race car that competes in the highly-successful Caterham Supersport championship. The new model is appropriately called the Supersport and can be purchased for £19,995 (including tax) in self-build form (about $32,600 at the current exchange rates).
Caterham Cars engineering director, Mark Edwards, said: "The SP/300.R was our first brand new model for 15 years. But the Supersport is all about our roots. The Seven was born out of motorsport and this new model illustrates the values – accessibility, affordability and unadulterated fun – that have made Caterham the iconic brand it is today and which will ensure the Seven’s continuing global success. We’ve built faster and more powerful accelerating cars before, but the Supersport’s character, value and low running costs have generated a machine that will excite sportscar fans, including those on a budget."
Hit the jump to read more about the Caterham Seven Supersport.
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German tuning firm, Irmscher, is coming to the Geneva Motor Show with a peculiar concept car that it’s tagging as the ‘I SELECTRA’. Now if you’re wondering if the concept looks remarkably similar to a Caterham 7, it’s because it actually is one. Or was one, depending on how you see it.
See, before putting their touches on the concept, the German tuner went out and stripped down a Caterham 7 and then fitted it with its own electric powertrain. We don’t really know whether to be flattered or disappointed on Irmscher’s decision to completely undress a car as iconic as a 7, but that’s an issue for another time.
What we do have is a car that does have the power to make the Caterham 7 proud, especially since it achieves those numbers by using an electric motor, which is always a good thing given the growing paradigm shift towards eco-friendly vehicles.
Details on the Irmscher i SELECTRA after the jump.
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The vehicles from Caterham Cars can all be traced back to the very first model created by Colin Chapman, the original 1957 Series 1 Lotus Seven. Such an iconic car, as a finished vehicle or as a result of a kit, is behind every quirky model that has arisen from Caterham in their little over 50 years of existence. And, as a tribute to the history behind Caterham, the automaker has brought forth a special edition Roadsport 125 Monaco that takes the original’s lightweight philosophy and its bespoke, retro styling to a modern level.
The Roadsport 125 Monaco will be distinguished by brushed aluminum bodywork that will also feature a black nose and wheel guards. A little more color is added with the red and white Monegasque flag that will run the length of the car. On the interior the car will get a hand-tailored black leather interior that is highlighted with red touches to bring out a casino-type feel. Specifically, these color choices were made to represent the roulette wheels found in Casino Square, but if you are not a gambler then you can always opt for the all black trim option. Other options for the vehicle include a wide SV chassis and a lowered floor.
Under the hood there is a 1.6-liter Ford engine mated to a 5-speed gearbox. The car sprints from 0 to 60 mph in less than six seconds and can hit a top speed of 112mph.
This special edition will be priced at £20,995, but the first 20 cars will be available for just £19,995.
Press release after the jump.
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