Monday 5th December 2005

Caterham's new C400 breaks cover

Cosworth-powered racer weighs just 525Kg

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Caterham C400

Caterham's newest track challenger, the Cosworth-powered C400, has broken cover. The new machine, which features a 2-litre Ford Duratec engine with 220bhp and 160lb-ft of torque, is currently undergoing a comprehensive test and development programme.

The new 525Kg car, based on the R400 chassis and boosted by Caterham's development partner Minister Racing Engines, has already completed hundreds of laps at circuits across the UK.

Eurocup and UK Caterham Challenge frontrunner Ben Dezille Butler has undertaken much of the development driving and was impressed. "Although the test and development programme is not yet complete, the new car has demonstrated that it is significantly quicker," said Butler. "You really notice the extra torque out of the corners and on a long straight the C400's extra power means you can change gear earlier and achieve a higher top speed."

Minister boss Graham Fuller said: "We are very pleased with the way the test programme is going, although we have been occasionally frustrated by the weather. Our testing is on-going and we hope to complete it before Christmas."

Project management of the new car is being overseen by Caterham Cars director of motorsport Magnus Laird, who said: "The combination of the tried and tested R400 chassis and this potent and compact Cosworth engine is proving to be the most fantastic package - a really worthy successor to the R400."

The new engine develops 220bhp -- 20bhp more than the K-Series unit of the existing R400 model. Caterham engineering director Jez Coates said: "The larger capacity of the Cosworth engine means that it has a much greater tolerance of high temperatures and the sort of punishment it will face on the race track. The unit has just successfully undergone a 50-hour durability test at Cosworth."

The C400 will next season share UK Caterham Challenge and Eurocup grids with the outgoing R400 model. Several orders have already been received for new cars from Roadsport Challenge drivers wishing to progress up the Caterham racing ladder, and Caterham is also experiencing keen interest in kits to convert R400s to C400 specification.

Backers for Caterham Motorsport's UK and European race series include Arch Motors, Autosport, Bilstein, Brian James Trailers, Comma, Cosworth, Cooper-Avon Tyres, evo, HSBC Insurance Brokers, Mitchell Cotts, Motorsport News, PTP and Stack.

• Championship site

[Hendry]

How confusing! Seemingly having reverted to the numbers in model designations meaning the power figure (CSR200, CSR260) with the Cosworth powerplant, for this they now refer to something that might be the power to weight ratio (although it isn't, as that is now 420bhp/tonne).

Those guys are crazy!

[dannylt]

Whatever looks best I guess; the bhp per ton of the CSR200/260 aren't that great. Not sure why they didn't just put the 2.3 engine in the racer - it's only a few kgs heavier.

[rj]

I think that's to give the old R400's a chance!

These are still eglible to race in the 2006 season, and as both volume and power already has been increased over the R400 it isn't a too fair game even with the 2ltr...

[mrloudly]

Engine's still too tall for the car!! Something like 35mm clearance under the sump!! My old R400 was bad enough for grounding on std springs even with its dry sump!! Stiffen 'em up and it'll blurr your vision on the road!!

[jackal]

plenty of clearance under my 2.0 duratec sump, >5cm
and thats with a low front ride height circa 10cm with the wishbones slightly pointing downward

[dannylt]

mrloudly said:

Engine's still too tall for the car!! Something like 35mm clearance under the sump!!

Really? I have a 2.3 in my R500 and there's certainly a lot more clearance than that - in fact, I don't think the sump has a mark on it. It's only about 2cm taller than the 2.0, and it's upwards rather than downwards if you see what I mean; i.e. the head is taller, not a deeper sump. I think rj must be right about giving the existing cars a chance

[mic]

The 2.3 fits under the Series 3 bonnet with a standard cam cover, without the need to lower the engine in the chassis.



>> Edited by mic on Tuesday 6th December 19:36

[jackal]

dannylt said:

[quote=mrloudly]in fact, I don't think the sump has a mark on it.

you're not trying hard enough Danny




hows the engine coming along btw ?

[dannylt]

The sump doesn't have a mark on it because the bell housing touches down first I think . Hi mic - welcome to pistonheads!

[mikee]

well I asked CC that same question and simon told me the engine was too tall for the standard chassis, so I said loads of people use the 2.3l in an S3 chassis and his response was, "well that's alright for people like you who are prepared to risk a grounded sump but not for the majority of our customers"

personally think they don't want to undermine the performance of the CSR260 with a 2.3l 'R600'

[mic]

Hi Rich

Engine is fine, really need to get it mapped. I,m using Dannys' map still.

How is the repair going.

[jackal]

yes good thx
lots of new parts !
will be a minter when its done !

[jaker]

So do we know if and when this car will be made into a road version?

[mikee]

a friend has one on order and he's been told to expect delivery early summer 2006

[jaker]

Hi Mikee, is that a race or road version he has on order?

[mikee]

it's a road version.....

[jaker]

I spoke to Caterham today about pricing... seems to be priced above the CSR200... sounds expensive to me... will have to wait and see what the spec is like I guess.