British sportscar maker, Caterham, has revealed details of its latest racing-bred road car, the Superlight R400.

This new model uses the Seven’s classic formula of motorsport technology and minimalism to deliver a car weighing just 525kg, capable of effortlessly sprinting out of the blocks to 60 mph (96.5 km/h) in 3.8 seconds.

The heart of the Seven is the new Cosworth-developed 2.0-litre powerplant that is mated, for the first time, to the legendary de Dion chassis.

Delivering an explosive 210 bhp at 7,600 rpm – equivalent to a massive 400 bhp per tonne - and 150lbft of torque at 6,300 rpm, the engine embodies Cosworth’s vast expertise in performance engine development. With its near-telepathic steering, muscular power delivery, and epic cornering ability, the R400 is a superlative car for the keen driver.

Sitting purposefully on bespoke Avon CR500 tyres and 15" wheels, the new model is also fitted as standard with 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 substantial 14% increase in torsional rigidity. The increased stiffness translates to even greater real-world cornering performance and handling feel than before. This huge leap forward for Caterham has been unlocked through a switch to a new chassis supplier, Caged, who have 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, which will be setting alight the Caterham Superlight Challenge grids in 2006, the new model continues Caterhams’ long admired tradition of developing "a race car for the road".

Such is the demand for the new R400 that Caterham has been taking orders for several months despite not having announced specification or pricing.

Caterham will offer the new 2006 car at a lower price than the outgoing R400, despite the gains in performance. This supercar-beating Seven available in component form, for those wishing to self-build, for £26,995 or fully built at the firm’s Dartford factory for £29,495.

Caterham is taking orders now. Production begins in July.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION

þ 6 Speed gearbox

þ Composite wind deflector

þ Black Pack

þ Carbon front cycle wings

þ Superlight suspension

þ Ventilated front discs & 4-pot callipers

þ 15" Superlight wheels and CR500 tyres

þ Standard carbon dash

þ Composite race seats

þ Road 4-point harness

þ Dry sump

þ Limited Slip Differential

þ MOMO wheel & quick release column

þ Black powder coated interior

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