Picked up my new R500 yesterday and having SO much fun!
Discussion
Yes the cage changed again last year back to the roadsport one, not sure why but I do find it easier to get into (on the driver side) than the other version.
I did Caterham racing in the late 90's so not new to the whole thing however in the 10 years I've been away from Caterham I must say the cars have improved in all areas really. They are stiffer, the Duratec is fantastic compared to the K Series in terms of drivability without loosing any of it's character. The extra flexibility and the smoothness the power is delivered makes the handling balance even easier to play with and exploit.
The sequential box (ignoring the noise which I really like) is a revelation again lets you focus on driving rather than changing gear and to be able to shift up mid corner without upsetting the car will give it so many more options on track to get everything from the engine and available grip.
Another thing is the Caterham race suspension actually works ok on the road, something it was never that comfortable doing on the old R500 from my experience.
Other than that will focus on getting more miles in the seat and I think it's going to be car that will take time to get the best out of on track. Looking forward to the challenge.
As for the Lambo, no that's my best mates car, I've got a 355 as well which I think is the best of the Italians for road use.... but that's a whole other discussion!
I did Caterham racing in the late 90's so not new to the whole thing however in the 10 years I've been away from Caterham I must say the cars have improved in all areas really. They are stiffer, the Duratec is fantastic compared to the K Series in terms of drivability without loosing any of it's character. The extra flexibility and the smoothness the power is delivered makes the handling balance even easier to play with and exploit.
The sequential box (ignoring the noise which I really like) is a revelation again lets you focus on driving rather than changing gear and to be able to shift up mid corner without upsetting the car will give it so many more options on track to get everything from the engine and available grip.
Another thing is the Caterham race suspension actually works ok on the road, something it was never that comfortable doing on the old R500 from my experience.
Other than that will focus on getting more miles in the seat and I think it's going to be car that will take time to get the best out of on track. Looking forward to the challenge.
As for the Lambo, no that's my best mates car, I've got a 355 as well which I think is the best of the Italians for road use.... but that's a whole other discussion!
Very nice! Congrats!
As you have the side doors and cage, does the roof still fit - or are you limited to getting wet?
Also - re race suspension, it looks like yours has the standard superlight suspension. Unless I'm mistaken, the race suspension has the springs low down, whereas the superlight suspension has the springs high up (or at least that's how it was with mine).
As you have the side doors and cage, does the roof still fit - or are you limited to getting wet?
Also - re race suspension, it looks like yours has the standard superlight suspension. Unless I'm mistaken, the race suspension has the springs low down, whereas the superlight suspension has the springs high up (or at least that's how it was with mine).
subirg said:
Very nice! Congrats!
As you have the side doors and cage, does the roof still fit - or are you limited to getting wet?
Also - re race suspension, it looks like yours has the standard superlight suspension. Unless I'm mistaken, the race suspension has the springs low down, whereas the superlight suspension has the springs high up (or at least that's how it was with mine).
that's purely down to the orientation of the fitment of the damper, rather than the choice of damper itself.... Although some dampers don't like being mounted 'upside down'!As you have the side doors and cage, does the roof still fit - or are you limited to getting wet?
Also - re race suspension, it looks like yours has the standard superlight suspension. Unless I'm mistaken, the race suspension has the springs low down, whereas the superlight suspension has the springs high up (or at least that's how it was with mine).
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