2009 Caterham R500: Gone (from 0 to 60) in under 3 seconds

There are cars and then there are big boy toy cars – the new Caterham R500 falls without doubt in the second category. The latest model from the British sportscar manufacturer takes the Lotus Seven philosophy to a new level combining more power with even less weight. To be precise, Caterham’s engineers shaved an extra 9 kg or 20 lbs off the already featherweight RS400, bringing the total weight down to just 506 kg or 1,115 lbs.

Powering the RS500 is a heavily modified all-alloy 2.0 litre Ford Duratec engine. The normally aspirated, four-cylinder unit delivers an amazing (for a non turbo engine) 263 Hp and 177 lb-ft of torque. Power is transmitted to the rear wheels by either a standard 6-speed gearbox or the optional Caterham Motorsport engineered sequential transmission. The flagship Caterham is capable of sprinting itself from standstill to 60 mph (96 km/h) in 2.88 seconds.

Apart from the modified powertrain, the 2009 R500 now comes with keyless ignition start, a redesigned digital dash featuring flush fitted switchgear, ACES sequential gear change lights and a new Stack display with scrolling textshift lights along with an optional launch control. On sale immediately in the UK, the factory built R500 starts at £36,995 or $72,900. –Click through for pics and details

Caterham Superlight R500 Technical Specification

Engine 2.0-litre Caterham Powertrain (CPT) Ford Duratec
Max Power 263bhp @ 8500rpm
Max Torque 177 lbsft @ 7200rpm
0-60mph (claimed) 2.88 seconds
Top Speed 150mph
Wheelbase 2225mm
Overall length 3100mm
Overall width 1575mm
Height 800mm
Ground clearance 80mm
Kerb Weight 506kg (516kg sequential gearbox)

Standard Equipment

• 2.0-litre Caterham Motorsport Ford Duratec
• 6 Speed Caterham Gearbox
• Limited Slip Differential
• Superlight Suspension (wide track front and de Dion rear with Watts linkages)
• Carbon dash, nose cone, rear and front cycle wings
• ACES change-up lights
• Ventilated front brake discs with 4 pot calipers
• 13” Anthracite eight-spoke alloy wheels with Avon CR500 tyres
• Carbon interchangeable wind deflector
• 4 point Road Harnesses
• Quick-release Momo Steering Wheel with integrated indicator switches
• Carbon Kevlar seats

Optional Performance Upgrades

• Sequential Gearbox - £2950
• Launch Control - £350
• Carbon Induction Airbox - £450
• Suspension package consisting Eibach Springs and dampers derived from the C400 race series - £1250