Cosworth-powered Caterham arrives
New Superlight R400 boasts 400bhp/tonne
Cosworth-powered Caterham R400
This keenly anticipated new model weighs just 525Kg and hits 60mph from rest in 3.8 seconds. It's propelled by a new Cosworth-developed 2.0-litre powerplant delivering 210bhp at 7,600rpm -- equivalent to a massive 400bhp per tonne -- and 150lbft of torque at 6,300rpm. With its fast steering rack, muscular power delivery, and epic cornering ability, the R400 looks set to offer some serious driving fun.
It sits on bespoke Avon CR500 tyres and 15-inch wheels and includes as standard a dry sump, limited slip differential, carbon fibre front wings, composite bucket race seats, four-point harness and a composite wind deflector in lieu of a windscreen.
The car is the first new model from Caterham following the introduction of state of the art chassis construction techniques, which have resulted in a 14 per cent increase in torsional rigidity. The increased stiffness translates to even greater real-world cornering performance and handling feel than before, according to Caterham. It's the result of a switch to a new chassis supplier, Caged, which has invested heavily in sophisticated laser cutting and robot welding technology.
The new Superlight R400 is the successor to the hugely popular Rover K-Series engined R400, a car that not only enjoyed great success on the road, but also excelled on the circuit through Caterham’s R400 and Eurocup race series. Derived from the C400 race car, used in the Caterham Superlight Challenge 2006.
Demand for the new R400 is high, according to Caterham. It's been taking orders for several months despite not having announced specification or pricing and first in the queue is singer Chris Rea, a long standing Seven owner. "When I heard about plans to introduce a replacement for the old R400, I simply had to have one!" said Rea. "The combination of Cosworth power and the Series 3 chassis delivers an adrenaline rush and a level of performance that I cannot resist."
Caterham is taking orders now and production begins in July. It costs £26,995 in kit form or £29,495 fully built at the firm’s Dartford factory.
dannylt said:
Blimey - yes, very familiar looking! That's Honda Irish Green?
GTRene - nope - still normally aspirated, just very modified by RaceCo!
very interesting dannylt, but in that high state of tuning, can you still talk a bit about reliabillity? just like a duratec 300hp turbo or SC? I bet its more racy your way
but I also like a bit reliabillity about the same as lets say Honda SC 300hp?
thanks
GTRene
The CSR and new R400 straight line stats look great but every journo and Caterham guru I speak to says that the R500 has the FEAR factor that the CSR (and presumably new R400) lack.
. After a bike engined car I missed the midrange torque so wasn't interested in high powered K-series.GTRene said:I don't know of many SC Honda's with 50k+ miles in the UK yet. And how many Caterhams have that sort of mileage? As long as it doesn't blow up between yearly upgrades I'll be happy!
GTRene - nope - still normally aspirated, just very modified by RaceCo!
Yetidog said:
Anybody got any idea why these new cosworth engines lack the buzz of the k series? I am hunting for a young R500 or new CSR 260. Open minded, but...
The CSR and new R400 straight line stats look great but every journo and Caterham guru I speak to says that the R500 has the FEAR factor that the CSR (and presumably new R400) lack.
The jornous are talking more about the new chassis and suspension vs. the old s3 dedion setup. Personally wouldnt read too much into what the mags say, most of the journo cars are stupidly setup in and awful to drive in any case. My car has more than enough buzz, and the low down torque of these duratecs will scare you more than any R500 !
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