On April 20, 2006, the world of super-light, street legal race cars->ke148 became a lot richer. It was the day when the Caparo T1->ke1406 was unveiled at the Top Marques auto show in Monaco. Developed by Ben Scott-Geddes and Graham Halstead, two engineers formerly involved in the creation of the McLaren F1->ke1159, the T1 was designed as a lightweight race car for the road and track. Tipping the scales at only 1,040 pounds, the Caparo, which blended styling cues specific to racing prototypes and Formula One->ke662 cars, was bolted on a carbon-fiber and aluminum chassis, and fitted with a 3.5-liter, naturally aspirated V-8 engine. Generating as much as 575 horsepower at 10,500 rpm, the mill gave the T1 a power-to-weight ratio of 1,223 ponies per tonne, a figure that not even the most expensive production supercars can't match. Performance figures are equally impressive. The incredibly light T1 needs 2.5 seconds to accelerate from naught to 60 mph and reaches a top speed of 205 mph. In 2014, eight years since its inception, Caparo->ke1405 is developing the T1 Evolution -- a revised version meant to push T1 even further.

Details are scant as of August 2014, but Caparo has already opened the order books for the T1 Evolution. The Brits promise significant updates for the supercar, including revised aerodynamics and engines, as well as a redesigned and modern body.

Click past the jump to read more about the Caparo T1 Evolution.

2016 Caparo T1 Evolution

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2016 Caparo T1 Evolution
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array

Extreme Aerodynamics, 700-Horsepower Engine

The teaser image released by Caparo suggests the T1 Evolution will follow in the footsteps of the original supercar->ke177. Design-wise, the vehicle appears to sport a Le Mans->ke1591 prototype-like cockpit and fin, an aerodynamic front end, Formula One-like side pods, and a huge rear wing. The Brits claim the custom drivetrain will deliver as much as 700 horsepower, but no specs are available as of 8/6/2014 or whether Caparo will continue to use a V-8 engine.

Caparo also makes mention of an updated chassis, a new suspension system, and traction and stability control. Improved driver comfort and an enhanced driving experience are also on its list, as are various telemetry and communications systems. Again, no actual details are provided, but the T1 Evolution sound enticing to begin with. There's no info as to when the T1 Evolution will be unveiled, but make sure you stay tuned to TopSpeed for further information.

Competitors

Ariel Atom V-8 500

Finding a proper competitor for the upcoming Caparo T1 Evolution is difficult to say the least, especially when we have to consider a weight of only 1,000 pounds and no less than 700 horsepower. Both the KTM X-Bow and the BAC Mono are spectacular in their own right, but with "only" 300 and 280 horsepower at their disposal, respectively, they are no match for Caparo's latest masterpiece. Then there's the Ariel Atom V-8 500.

This British machine comes with a no-frills construction and, unlike the T1, it doesn't feature a proper body, only a wraparound roll-cage with a nose and a rear wing. The lack of a conventional body is compensated by an impressively low weight, which stands at only 1,212 pounds. Add the fact that the 3.0-liter V-8 engine cranks out 500 horsepower and you have a rocket on your hands. The output enables the Atom V-8 to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in only 2.5 seconds, making it quicker than most supercars available in 2014. Its top speed is less impressive at 168 mph, but more than enough on most tracks.

Caparo T1