Iconic British road and race car manufacturer, Caterham Cars, has developed its most extreme race-ready Seven to date – the Superlight R600.
With stunning performance potential and all the character of existing Caterham circuit cars, the new supercharged incarnation of the Seven will represent the top echelon of the Caterham racing spectrum in the Superlight R600 Championship from 2013.
Powered by a supercharged, 2-litre Ford Duratec engine, producing 275bhp, the R600’s dedicated championship will further extend the Caterham Motorsport ‘ladder’, currently topped by the hugely successful R300 series.
The R600 race car, expected to cost around £44,995 (incl VAT), will be the first Seven ever to feature forced induction technology, making it the fastest ever production Seven and a natural progression from the advances made with Caterham’s sports prototype, the SP/300.R, which uses a similar power plant.
Caterham is expecting at least a16-car grid for the debut championship season in 2013, with 30 cars anticipated to compete the following year.
Simon Lambert, Caterham’s Chief Motorsport and Technical Officer, said: “Caterham racing just got even more interesting.
“As the fastest Seven we’ve ever built, this will provide our existing R300 racers with a real step up and a new and exciting challenge, even for experienced drivers. The R600 represents an increase in aggressiveness, although the linear power delivery of the supercharged engine makes it superbly driveable, much like the R300.”
A clear development from the Academy, Roadsport, Tracksport, Supersport and R300 race cars, the R600 will transfer driving characteristics inherent to all Sevens but will be more aggressive – with 200lb-ft of torque, it represents a 13% increase on the current top-of-the-range road-going Seven, the legendary Superlight R500.
Meanwhile, 275bhp is directed to the rear wheels through a six-speed, sequential gearbox.
The headline specification also comprises a Titan limited-slip differential and Avon radial slicks or wets, for increased traction and quicker lap times.
The latest variant of the Seven can be bought as a new car or existing R300 owners can upgrade their vehicles to R600 spec. Exact price will be confirmed in the coming weeks.
As Caterham’s brand profile continues to rise, thanks to its addition to the Formula One grid, the Company will also look to gather together its flourishing series of domestic championships – from the entry-level Academy to the premium new championship – to create dedicated, festival-style Caterham race days.
To register your interest in the new car and race series, please contact Caterham on 01322 625800 or email us.
Fabulous!! love it
Will there be a road going version available?
Very interested I’n car and series. Commitment would really depend on circuits/venues. Ie uk or Europe or a mix of both !!! EM
There are currently no plans for a road version
Previously raced a CSR in Masters series as well as elsewhere.
Any information in the new car/series would be welcome together with contact names of Teams willing to support races.
Regards
Could the r600 upgrade kit be applied to a lesser Caterham therefore making a road going version of the R600?
What supercharger does it use?
I had trick 260bhp X-Series. Would love to have a 7 with more useable power as was all very high up. Presumably this one comes with a novel psycho whining noise. Want one but please make available for road as have 4 kids and business and can’t do race series.
When will Top Gear be allowed to test drive it?
George,
Official race teams are listed on Caterham’s site in the Motorsport section but you could give me a ring (SPY Motorsport) if you want any info on the cars, series, or race support.
I’ve already driven the R600, it’s awesome!
Thanks
Hi Ray,
As with all of our cars Top Gear would be allowed to test it whenever they liked… but unfortunately it doesn’t really work like that. Top Gear would be inundated with an endless supply of cars from all manufacturers if it were a case of just “letting them test it” as no one in their right mind would miss the opportunity to have a car featured on the show. However, the way it actually works is that it is a waiting game until one of our products catches their eye and then they request it.
Having said all this, we’d absolutely love to see it on the show!
Best wishes,
The Caterham Team