They say the only way to truly understand the Caterham Seven is to drive it – and now there’s more opportunity than ever before to enjoy the rest of the summer holiday season in style without breaking the bank.

Caterham’s legendary Seven sportscar is now available for hire from eight locations, with a number of new Roadsport models joining the fleet.

Ideal as an extended test drive or short break away, the Hire-A-7 service enables drivers to take in the unique sensation of piloting a lightweight, open-topped sportscar, famed for its intuitive handling characteristics, on their favourite A and B-roads.

With low weekday rates and discounts for weekend hire, the ultimate ‘race car for the road’ can be experienced for little more than the cost of hiring a regular car, with prices starting from £175 a day.

Running until the end of October each year, the Hire-A-7 service is available from Caterham South, Surrey; Caterham Midlands, Leicester; Open Road Hire, Scottish Highlands; Mark on Europe, Swindon; Seven Hire, Gloucestershire.

Most recently, Roadsport Hire in Yorkshire, Highlands Caterham Hire in Scotland and Hire 7, Northern Ireland, have joined the initiative.

Most Hire-A-7 vehicles are Roadsport-spec models, meaning there’s enough comfort for long-distance excursions and weather protection should the elements decide to turn.

With its distinctive handling characteristics, the Caterham Seven is unlike anything else on the road. Its direct, race-inspired steering, alert throttle response and astonishing manoeuvrability unite to provide an unrivalled driver experience.

Priced from £175 for one day’s hire (including 120 free miles) or £325 for two days (including 240 free miles), vehicles can also be loaned from Friday to Monday.

Please visit http://www.caterham.co.uk or call 01883 333 700 for more information.

Caterham’s legendary Seven will be sold in China for the first time after Caterham Cars signed an exclusive deal with new importer, Courtenay Trading International (CTI).

CTI is looking to appoint six retailers in key provinces of China over the next year and is targeting initial sales of between 30 and 50 Sevens in its first year of operation.

All of Caterham’s current EU5-compliant cars will be sold – Roadsport 120, Superlight 120, Roadsport 175, Superlight R300 and CSR 175 – with the first Sevens scheduled to arrive in China in January 2012.

Although Caterham has had a long-standing presence in the Far East, notably in Japan, this will be the first time the iconic Seven has been sold in China and represents Caterham’s continuing expansion into new growth markets.

Caterham Cars’ International Business Manager, David Ridley, said: “We are engaged in one of the most exciting new chapters in the Caterham Cars story and our entry into the Chinese market is another tangible sign of how Caterham is striving to become a truly global brand.”

The relationship with CTI could also offer Caterham a platform from which to launch new models such as its stunning sports prototype launched in January this year, the Caterham-Lola SP/300.R.

Caterham will also seek to further expand internationally the successful motorsport ‘ladder’ model that has made the Seven one of the most raced cars in Europe.

Alongside its new partnership and as a sponsor of the Team Lotus Formula One team, Caterham’s global motorsport outreach will mirror that of F1, which continues to break new ground in emerging Asian markets, with Singapore and Korea recently joining China and Japan on the F1 calendar.

To celebrate its new ownership, iconic British sportscar marque Caterham Cars will build a limited run of Team Lotus Special Edition Sevens.

Just 25 of the Team Lotus upgrade packages, which can be applied to any variant up to the top-of-the-range 263bhp, 150mph Superlight R500, will be built in the UK, with the same number allocated to the Company’s thriving export markets.

For an additional £3,000 over the price of your chosen car, the Sevens will be specially-liveried in the famous green and yellow colours of Lotus and will come with a raft of bespoke Team Lotus additions.

Included in the upgrade package will be an invitation to a customised tour of the Team Lotus F1 factory in Hingham, Norfolk.

As custodians of Colin Chapman’s original ‘50s concept for the Seven since 1973, Caterham Cars’ current product range remains true to Chapman’s philosophy of lightweight, minimalist sportscars.

Outside, the cars will be coated in a Team Lotus-inspired livery and the theme continues in the cockpit, with a plaque carrying the signatures of Team Lotus F1 drivers, Jarno Trulli and Heikki Kovalainen. Owners will also receive a Seven history book signed by chief designer, Mike Gascoyne.

Caterham managing director, Ansar Ali, said: “Caterham Cars is starting an exciting and hugely important chapter, so it’s entirely fitting that we celebrate our opportunity to take Colin Chapman’s ‘less is more’ philosophy global, with this special car.

“Owners of the Special Edition Sevens will have not only a fabulous British sportscar, but a genuine piece of automotive history in their garage.”

The current range of Caterham Seven products starts with the Caterham Classic, priced at £13,650.

To place an order, or for more information, visit http://www.caterham.co.uk or call +44 (0)1883 333 700.

Caterham Cars’ first brand new addition to the world-renowned Seven range in two years – the Supersport – is one of the purest versions yet of the iconic British sportscar.

Derived directly from the race car that competes in the highly-successful Caterham Supersport championship, the road-going edition borrows all of the track version’s performance essentials and then, for good measure, is fine-tuned for the road.

Priced £19,995 (incl tax) in self-build form, the 140bhp Supersport carries the DNA of Colin Chapman’s 1950s concept of ‘less is more’ and remains true to his philosophy of lightweight, minimalist machines that place outstanding handling characteristics and the thrill of driving at their core.

A Caterham Motorsport-tuned 1.6-litre Ford Sigma engine, five-speed ‘sprint’ ratio gearing, lightweight flywheel and race-prepared suspension with CR500 Avon tyres on 13” wheels  promise a raw and unadulterated driving experience – not for the faint-hearted but certainly for driving purists at home both on the road and on the track.

Weighing just 520kg, the Ford powerplant will propel the Supersport from 0-60mph in 4.9 seconds and will achieve a top speed of 120mph without breaking a sweat.

Equipped with a motorsport-honed limited-slip-differential and gearing with sports driving in mind, the Supersport also features uprated springs and dampers borrowed directly from its race car cousin, stiffer anti-roll bars, track biased dash with integrated change up lights and an aero screen. Composite race seats and a four-point race harness instead of standard seat belt complete the track-inspired experience.

Engineered for the track but at home on the road, the latest Seven packs an unrivalled punch for its price tag too. Factory-built, the Supersport will cost £22,995 with enthusiasts able to purchase in component form for £19,995.

The Supersport is unveiled just over two months after Caterham launched its extreme new sports racer, the SP/300.R to great acclaim at the Autosport International Show.

Caterham Cars engineering director, Mark Edwards, said: “The SP/300.R was our first brand new model for 15 years. But the Supersport is all about our roots. The Seven was born out of motorsport and this new model illustrates the values – accessibility, affordability and unadulterated fun – that have made Caterham the iconic brand it is today and which will ensure the Seven’s continuing global success.

“We’ve built faster and more powerful accelerating cars before, but the Supersport’s character, value and low running costs have generated a machine that will excite sportscar fans, including those on a budget.”

The Caterham Supersport Championship represents the third rung of its ‘motorsport ladder’ and is Caterham’s fastest-growing series. With 14 rounds over seven race weekends, the championship heads to the new Snetterton 300 circuit on 24-25^th April.

The UK’s premier series for novice racing drivers, the Caterham Academy, will be backed by the leading weekly motor racing magazine, Autosport, for 2011.

Autosport, which has a weekly circulation of more than 31,000 readers, and a huge following on its acclaimed website, Autosport.com, has long been acknowledged as the ‘Bible’ for British motorsport fans.

The Caterham Academy is recognised as being the best value route into motorsport for rookie drivers and has created some 800 brand new racing drivers since its inception in 1995.

The affiliation with Haymarket Media Group’s Autosport magazine means readers will be kept abreast of series developments via race reports and features in print and online. Additionally, Autosport news editor, Glenn Freeman, will take part in the series to gain hands-on experience of the world of Caterham racing. For a package price of £19,450, Caterham’s unique series helps participants through the process of gaining their race licence, tutors them in car set-up and racecraft and takes them through their first season of competition.

The Autosport Caterham Academy will strap rookie racers into the seat of a legendary Caterham Seven – its underpinnings are identical in specification to the popular, Ford 1.6 powered Roadsport 125 – a car capable of accelerating from 0-60mph in just 5.9 seconds. Many Academy alumni have risen through the Caterham racing ladder to GT and single-seater championships and beyond.

Autosport editor, Andy van de Burgt, said: “The Caterham Seven is one of the best-known racing cars in the world and boasts legendary status in racing circles. Anybody who’s had the pleasure to drive one can attest to its glowing performance attributes. “If it weren’t for series like the Academy, motorsport in the UK would not have the same vibrant appeal that it enjoys today so we are delighted to back the 2011 series.”

Caterham Cars Motorsport Manager, Simon Lambert, added: “Experiencing a Caterham on the race track is a fantastic thrill and we’re delighted Autopsort is taking part and backing the series this year. It perennially sells out by virtue of the extremely close fought racing it produces and the renowned Caterham support structure.”

Caterham Cars has opened an exciting new chapter in its 50-year history with the release of its first ever sports prototype racing car for a new one-make series and the trackday community.

Unveiled at the Autosport International Show (Birmingham, UK), the Caterham-Lola SP/300.R is a major new addition to sit alongside the legendary Seven, yet remains true to its lightweight, minimalist DNA to deliver all the thrills of driving a fast, but confidence-inspiring, sportscar.

Created in partnership with another iconic British engineering brand, Lola Cars, the aesthetically-sensitive sports prototype will also feature the debut of Caterham Motorsport’s new supercharged version of the Ford Duratec power plant, expected to produce around 300bhp.

Caterham is in the final stages of development of the powertrain and handling characteristics of the car, in readiness for a one-make championship to start in 2012, while the feasibility of a road-legal version of the car is also being considered.

Only 25 SP/300.Rs will be manufactured each year, allowing Caterham to focus on enhancing the build quality of every vehicle and maximising its renowned one-to-one customer service.

The car will provide the ‘top end’ natural progression for Caterham’s already successful domestic and international racing ‘ladder’. It will also provide the blossoming premium trackday community – both home and abroad – with a potent new model.

Bearing subtle design cues from the Seven, the first new model from Caterham since the 21 road car reproduces the Company’s core motorsport values of affordability, reliability and accessibility.

With Lola, as technical design consultant, leading the aerodynamic styling and downforce development in collaboration with Caterham’s design direction, the Seven’s engineers have been responsible for developing the power plant, braking system and making sure the two-seater’s renowned ride and handling characteristics are firmly transferred into the SP/300.R.

While the global expansion of the Seven’s motor racing activity will continue unabated, the SP/300.R will allow Caterham’s loyal clientele to move further up the performance racing ‘ladder’ without having to leave the proven expertise and ‘value for money’ of the Company’s motorsport infrastructure.

“Motorsport is not only part of the history of Caterham, it’s been the lifeblood running through the character of our vehicles – race cars for the road,” explains Ansar Ali, managing director of Caterham Cars. “Today, racing is not only the heartbeat of the business, it’s an intrinsic part of our fabric both here and abroad and the SP/300.R represents the next logical step in the development of our product offering.”

Drivetrain

The beating heart of the SP/300.R will be a Caterham-tuned, supercharged version of Ford’s 2.0L Duratec unit, which will produce 300bhp.

The Company’s long-standing relationship with Ford continues to allow Caterham’s engineers unparalleled technical access to the Ford range of engines. Today, Ford products power the entire range of Caterham cars, from the entry-level Roadsport through the entire Superlight collection.

Caterham’s engineers have chosen the supercharged Duratec with its drivers in mind. As with all Caterham products, the driving experience is at the core of the SP/300.R’s design.

The supercharged induction module has therefore been chosen for its linear torque delivery across the entire engine speed range, which is perfectly-matched to the lightweight architecture of the car.

The Duratec unit is well-known to Caterham’s engineers and already boasts a proven track record as a resilient engine that is cost-effective for customers to run, while other offerings feature a more ‘all or nothing’ character and require further refinement before Caterham will consider using them.

Caterham has worked alongside partners such as Pectel to deliver a highly-developed package that will reward drivers with advanced data logging and features such as ‘push to pass’ power enhancement and an integrated semi-automatic gearshift control.

The SP/300.R will be capable of being adapted to suit alternative engines but the factory-fit engine will offer unrivalled levels of reliability – together with a perfectly-matched Hewland semi-automatic FTR transmission, Caterham aims to reproduce the enormously-durable drivetrain solution that has been so successful in the Superlight R300 series, where engine rebuilds are virtually unnecessary.

Chassis

The rich racing heritage of the Caterham Seven and Caterham’s motorsport expertise will ensure the success of the Company’s expansion into sports prototype racing.

However to achieve that end, Caterham has teamed up with the world’s leading manufacturer of customer race cars, Lola Cars. Its expertise, particularly in the sports racing category, was invaluable in the creation and styling of a bespoke chassis that forms the basis of the SP/300.R.

With the styling aerodynamically, rather than aesthetically led, the SP/300.R has been designed using Lola’s state-of-the-art CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) technology, with input and critique from Caterham.

The basic chassis is an aluminium tub with a longitudinally mid-mounted engine, coupled to a stress-bearing rear transaxle. A forward splitter and large rear wing reduce lift, while a flat underbody maximises ground effect benefits.

A broad aero platform generates optimal downforce and balance, while the aerodynamic performance is fine-tuned by ducts and dive-planes. The SP/300.R bodywork also features an F1-style raised nose section and sectioned panels, which will help reduce repair costs, ease maintenance and, importantly, allow single-handed removal of body panels track-side.

Caterham’s research suggests that most sports prototypes in today’s market require more than one person to assist in the removal of body panels, e.g. oil check, set-up, etc; the SP/300.R will be the only sports prototype that offers this unique, flexible and yet convenient feature.

The car also takes subtle design cues from the instantly-recognisable Caterham Seven; for instance, the Seven’s grille shape appears beneath the raised nose of the SP/300.R.

Performance

The pairing of Lola’s world-beating aerodynamic package with the Ford engine will produce a car that will easily meet the desires of Caterham customers, whether they are seeking their first serious step into sports prototype racing or the ultimate trackday machine.

The supercharged Duratec’s 300bhp will propel the sub-600kg car from 0-60mph in around 2.5 seconds, translating into 500bhp-per-tonne, excluding the driver.

The gearing of the car has been selected to reach maximum rpm in top gear at the end of Spa-Francorchamps circuit’s Kemmel Straight, chosen as it is one of the more frequently-visited race and trackday venues. Top speed will be around 170mph.

Suspension

The SP/300.R will benefit from full race suspension – front and rear dual wishbones with pushrod dampers, adjustable ride height and bespoke wheels and tyres will all make for a race car of exquisite balance and stability.

The rear suspension architecture is derived from that used at the rear end of the Lola Formula 3 and World Junior cars – coupled with the high downforce generated by the aerodynamic package, this will be a direct and rewarding race car to drive.

Wheels & Tyres

Thanks to Caterham’s long-standing partner, Cooper Avon Tyres, the SP/300.R will stand on bespoke rubber developed specially by Cooper Tire for this car.

Cooper Tire provides tyres for the British Formula 3 International Series, acknowledged as the toughest domestic single-seater championship in the world and a recognised ‘stepping stone’ to Formula 1. The SP/300.R’s tyres are fitted to 13-inch race rims.

Measuring a muscular 250mm wide at the rear, and 180mm at the front, the tyres have been specifically designed to cope with vast engine torque married to a lightweight chassis.

Safety

Naturally, the SP/300.R has been built to comply with MSA safety regulations. The main component of the safety system is a roll cage, which has been designed specifically for the car and incorporated into the styling schemes.

The chassis has also been designed as a race chassis with the requisite crash structures. Other components include the six-point harness, fire extinguisher, cut-off switch and so on.

Components

In keeping with the SP/300.R’s stature as a premium race product, Caterham has selected fixings and fittings of a very high quality.

These include the steering wheel, which incorporates data display (Stack/MOMO), wheels (ATS, Speedline or OZ), brakes (AP Racing) and driver’s harness (Schroth).

One-make championship

With Caterham’s vastly rich heritage in motorsport – both domestically and internationally – it is no surprise to find that Caterham Motorsport is planning a prestigious one-make series in which the SP/300.R will star.

The details of its own championship are yet to be finalised, but the SP/300.R series will initially focus on UK circuits, with the potential addition of one round abroad.

However, the projected success of the cornerstone debut season is expected to make the SP/300.R and its race series eminently marketable further afield in Europe, which will provide a major boost to Caterham’s already thriving export market.

The Caterham Superlight R500 in which Top Gear’s erstwhile Stig set the BBC programme’s test track alight is making its final journey next week before being retired from active service.

The iconic R500 CC, which embarrassed many far more expensive supercars and was named Top Gear’s 2008 Car of the Year, will be on display at the Marks & Spencers store at the Bluewater shopping centre in Kent.

It will be promoting the expanded M&S range of remote control R500s – as well as the Stig’s colour scheme, you can now also buy a red version with a white stripe.

While customers seeking the ultimate Seven drive will still be able to buy their own R500 models, the Bluewater appearance will end R500 CC’s time on the Caterham Cars press fleet, the car only being made available for special events.

Caterham Cars’ marketing manager, James Drake said: “The white and orange R500 has already claimed its place in motoring history. It’s worked hard since the new R500 was launched in 2008 and we feel it’s now time to let it have a rest. It will still be available as a static display car, but its hard driving days are over.

“We’re stopping short of wearing black armbands in the office, but it’s still going to be a sad day when its final public engagement is over.”

The car’s many fans can celebrate its achievements with the remote control versions, available in time for Christmas from all M&S stores, priced £19.50.

Meanwhile, the real thing will be on display at the Bluewater store between Monday, December 6 and Sunday, December 12 and the R500 model is still available from Caterham Cars from £40,200.

Caterham Cars is evoking the elegance, class and rich motorsport heritage of Monte Carlo with the latest Special Edition of its similarly timeless sportscar, the Roadsport 125 Monaco.

The latest incarnation of Caterham’s iconic Seven remains true to Colin Chapman’s original 1957 design in both its lightweight philosophy and its bespoke, retro styling.

Harking back to the golden era of motorsport, the Monaco features Caterham’s brushed aluminium bodywork, with black nose and wheel guards, while the familiar red and white of the Monegasque flag form a motif that runs the length of the car.

In the cockpit, the theme is naturally continued, with hand-tailored black leather interior featuring red highlights pairing with the black body trim to capture a colour scheme reminiscent of the roulette wheels found in Casino Square complete the evocative ‘50s feel.

The Monaco is the latest in a series of entry-level Caterham Special Editions which traditionally suffer little or no depreciation – the Beaulieu launched in 2001 now typically sells for more than its original list price.

For just £20,995, the Monaco combines Caterham’s thrilling performance and driving experience with a unique touch of European flare and glamour. However, the first 20 cars to be ordered are available for just £19,995.

Under the skin, the engineering is pure Caterham. The 1.6-litre Ford engine produces a top speed of 112mph and a power-to-weight ratio of 227bhp per tonne.

The 5-speed gearbox propels the lightweight 500kg chassis from 0-60mph in under six seconds and full weather kit means the Roadsport is thoroughly enjoyable in any conditions.

Options include the wide SV chassis and a lowered floor for extra comfort in the cockpit, while all black trim is also available.

In response to buoyant sales of its lightweight two-seater sportscar, Caterham Cars has announced plans to ramp up capacity at its Dartford factory for the foreseeable future.

Not only will the move help the Company continue to meet healthy demand for the Seven, the increase in capacity will go some way to shortening the current 3-4 month waiting list.

Over the past 12 months, Caterham has enjoyed consistently strong sales both in the UK and a rapidly-maturing overseas market. The British marque was one of only three European brands at the Tokyo Motor Show last November.

“Despite the economic background we have recorded an extremely positive sales period,” says Ansar Ali, Managing Director of Caterham Cars. “Adding to our capacity merely underlines our position in the market.”

In the UK, the Roadsport 175 and the more track-focused Superlight R300, remain the most popular models, just ahead of the entry-level Ford Sigma-powered Roadsport 125.

Since its launch in March 2008, Caterham’s range-topping Superlight R500, which can hit 60mph in under 2.9 seconds, has sold around 100 units worldwide to date – a figure its predecessor took a five-year period to achieve.

Ali adds: “The Export market has certainly been boosted by the exchange rate but more decisively by our success in achieving European Type Approval last year and the launch of the Ford Duratec powered Roadsport 175. Collectively they have combined to deliver for us.” 

Please visit www.caterham.co.uk or call 01883 333 700 for more information.

Caterham Cars has teamed up with another iconic British company, Lambretta Clothing, to give its legendary Seven sportscar a visual overhaul for a unique 2010 Special Edition.

The British-owned fashion label, which is based in London’s famous Carnaby Street, has drawn on its characteristic flair and rich heritage in popular culture to create a bespoke, custom-tailored Caterham, which screams ‘Britannia’.

The body paint, decals and livery leave you in no doubt of its geographic heritage with the Union Jack’s unmistakable hue of red, white and blue dressing the paintwork.

Naturally, the theme continues inside with a matching colour scheme spanning the leather seats, dash, carpets and boot. Hand-stitched seat piping, embossed Lambretta motifs and a stylish Moto-Lita steering wheel finish the interior detailing.

Under the skin, the engineering is pure Caterham.

Powered by a 1.6-litre Ford Sigma engine, which pushes out 125bhp, the Lambretta Special Edition can call upon 120lbs ft of torque to propel its lightweight frame to 60mph in six seconds. The marriage of a quick-fire five-speed gearbox, with a purposeful chassis, provides the responsiveness and handling characteristics every Seven is famous for.

Available immediately, the Caterham Seven Lambretta Special Edition is priced at £26,995 OTR.

Lambretta’s managing director, Rob Harmer explained: “Designing the exterior and interior of a car is an entirely different challenge to our core business of fashion and accessories, but there are clearly some shared philosophies between the two companies, which made this collaboration so exciting.”         

Please visit www.caterham.co.uk or call 01883 333 700 for more information.

The 2010 BookaTrack.com Caterham Superlight R300 Championship starts with thirty-two
regular drivers who hold a whopping thirteen Caterham championship titles between them;
four are reigning champions; half the grid are race winners and the majority of the rest are
no stranger to the podium.

That’s a lot of talent.

More importantly, it’s also a lot of egos and they can’t all win. “I’ll have more chance of
picking a Grand National winner with a dart”, reveals Caterham Motorsport Manager Simon
Lambert about his somewhat basic gambling technique. “Caterham racing is always close,
but we’ve never had a grid of this proven calibre before. I wouldn’t be surprised to see any
one of about a dozen drivers win at the opening round.”

Reigning R300 champion Jon Walker has the formbook on his side, though ’09 title rival
James Sharrock largely threw away his challenge unaided after leading for much of the year.

Toys now firmly back in the Wigan man’s pram, the pair will be expecting total domination
of the front row of the grid. Another ‘veteran’ of the inaugural campaign aiming for nothing
less than glory is Paul Wilson (LiteTM). Bad luck ruined Wilson’s year, but a new season, a
new look for both car and driver, plus several rabbits missing feet in the Newbury area
suggests that he means business.

However, there are a number of outstanding drivers coming in from other Caterham series
who expect to see these three only as disappearing dots in their mirrors. Chief amongst
them is Caterham’s most successful driver ever, Jamie Ellwood. The MegaGrad title holder
is rarely beaten, but when he is, it’s usually at the hands (or wheels) of Andy McMillan who
joins the series alongside him (literally, we expect).

Meanwhile, coming from last year’s most closely contested series, Roadsport-B, isn’t just
current champ Trevor Fowell, but also the second, third and fourth placed men. Between
Londoner Fowell and runner-up Gordon Sawyer, they have won all but one of the races they
have ever competed in, only third placed man Paul Brannan managing to sneak past when
they weren’t looking. Aussie Andrew Harrison-Sleap makes up the quartet and although the
least race experienced, has spent more time on track behind the wheel of a Superlight than
his rivals.

From the Superlight R400 championship and his strongest year since he started competed in
Caterhams in 2004 comes Simon Young. Whilst he will have an eye on the title, it could be
sibling rivalry with younger brother Peter that will be foremost in his mind. Stepping up
from ClassicGrads is another reigning champion, Flick Haigh. Although making the biggest
jump in series, the driveability of the R300 should mimic the ClassicGrad she’s been used to
and could well reward her style.

Finally, Ollie Taylor and Jonny Leroux are another two ’09 R300 drivers looking to fend off
the pretenders. Taylor finished the year on a high with two wins and is mentored by
Caterham legend, Graham Fennymore. Talking of legends, title sponsor BookaTrack.com’s
front man Leroux was, like Taylor, new to Caterham racing last year and with experience
and victory under his belt, will be a regular feature of the sharp end of the field.
The men-from-boy/girl sorting gets underway at Silverstone this Easter with two 30 minute
races on Easter Sunday on the newly titled Bridge GP circuit, drivers egged on [sorry] by the
promise of trophies overflowing with Cadbury’s Crème Eggs.

“I don’t think it’s over-egging it [again, sorry] to say that I can sum it up with one word:
Epic”, said Lambert modestly. “We had a phenomenal first season last year and it’s no
surprise the series has sold out for 2010. I can’t wait for the season to start!”

The Superlight R300 championship is Caterham’s premier domestic series, created in 2009
and sold out for 2010. As with all Caterham racing, close control of the regulations ensures
a level playing field of machinery and the regulations have been designed to enable a car to
be competitive out-of-the-box, without the need for expensive testing and setup.

The dedicated Caterham race chassis is powered by a 175bhp Caterham Duratec lowmaintenance engine, driving a Caterham 6-speed gearbox and Titan limited slip differential. Bespoke Bilstein suspension and Avon treaded tyres help propel the 540kg missile to 60mph in about 4 seconds.

CHAMPIONSHIP ROUNDS
3/4 April – Silverstone GP; 15 May – Oulton Park International; 5/6 June – Zolder, Belgium;
3/4 July – Rockingham; 21/22 August – Brands Hatch Indy; 2 October – Castle Combe;
16/17 October – Donington.

The volume was turned to full blast as the Caterham Drive Experience hit the Autosport International show at Birmingham’s NEC over the weekend.

More than 2,000 members of the public experienced a full-throttle assault of the bespoke, indoor drift course with a professional driver at the helm of a Caterham Seven.

A squadron of the iconic sports cars were deployed by Caterham and its technical partner, Comma, for fans to get a taster of the full Caterham Drive Experience, which usually take place at the UK’s top race circuits, like Silverstone and Brands Hatch.

Throughout the four-day show, 90,000 visitors sampled Europe’s largest dedicated motorsport exhibition, catering for trade professionals and enthusiasts alike, with people queuing throughout the weekend for a chance to sample the Sevens.

This year’s show marked the return of the CDX event after a two-year absence and punters were not disappointed by the adrenalin-fuelled ride of their lives.

James Drake, Caterham Cars’ Marketing Manager, said: “It’s great to see first-timers in the car rendered speechless as they witness a smoking tyre track being drawn through the laws of physics, but even those who have been in the cockpit of a Seven many times still get as much of a blast out of the car. The noise, the smells and sensation of speed always puts huge grins on faces.”

CDX days were designed initially as a platform to highlight the joys of owning a Seven. To get behind the wheel yourself, CDX days take place under the guidance of experienced professionals. Participants get to experience the full ability of this legendary two-seater sports car in venues across the UK; the first CDX event of the year kicks off at Brands Hatch on 23 January.

Sportscar maker, Caterham Cars, and luxury super yacht builder, Sunseeker International, have formed a unique alliance to create the ultimate expression of the millionaire lifestyle.

With the London International Boat Show 2010 (LIBS) due to commence on January 8, Sunseeker’s Predator 108 Special Edition is making its world debut and will do so with one of Caterham’s iconic Sevens stowed in its garage.

Usually reserved for a small sports boat, the garage area at the stern of the Predator is just as capable of storing and launching a sportscar for the transition from sea to land at glamorous locations, such as the harbours of Monaco, St Tropez and Cannes.       

The union of the two British companies will last for the duration of the London International Boat Show – open 8-17 January 2010 – with the Predator being the largest craft ever to be displayed inside the ExCel centre, in London’s Docklands.

Capable of up to 34 knots, the Predator 108 Special Edition is one of Sunseeker’s most extreme, performance-orientated crafts. Noted for its agility and its luxurious fittings, eight guests and up to four crew can be kept in absolute comfort.

While the sea’s most desirable cruiser costs from around £7.1 million, a road-going Caterham Seven starts from £12,995. Its lightweight design and eye-watering performance could provide the Predator’s owner with as much fun on the roads as the sea, whether in the South of France or Italian isles.

Caterham Cars Managing Director, Ansar Ali, said: ‘Our two companies have more in common than one might think at first, despite the disparity in vehicle size. The more minimal, performance-focussed approach Sunseeker has adopted for the Predator series may well have been congratulated by Colin Chapman himself and surely any Sunseeker owner would relish the chance to match their experience on the waves with the ultimate drive on the roads.’

Time is running out for aspiring racing drivers to get on to the grid for the 2010 Caterham Academy series, with less than 10 places remaining.

Since 1995, the Caterham Academy has introduced more than 700 people to motor racing, taking them through the race license process and their first season of racing in sprints, hillclimbs and track events.

Despite the current economic recession, a surge of interest in the £17,995, one-make motorsport starter package has seen slots fly as novice racers sign up.

‘With the current economic climate, we always knew that 2009 was going to be a hard year,’ explained Caterham Motorsport Manager, Simon Lambert. ‘We wondered whether to cut the field in half but talked ourselves into sticking to what we normally do and, as it turns out, we needn’t have worried.

‘The competitive price of the package, which includes your car, tuition and the full season of racing, has obviously appealed to even cash-strapped novices.’

With six months still to go until the 2010 Academy blasts off the starting grid, the race is now on for those who would like to try their hand at racing in Caterham’s 1.6-litre, 227bhp-per-tonne cars, with only a handful of places remaining.

Anyone wishing to book their place should contact Caterham by calling 01883 333700 or emailing sales@caterham.co.uk.

The iconic Caterham Superlight R500 will make its debut in the Top Gear Live show when the Top Gear Live World Tour gets underway next month at the MPH Prestige and Performance Motor Show in Earls Court, London.

The 2008 Top Gear Car of the Year will take centre stage in homage to Ken Block’s masterful Gymkhana film from the last series of the ever popular BBC programme – a sequence which promises a maelstrom of tyre-smoking mayhem for the live audience.

After its star turn at London’s Earls Court on November 5-8 and Birmingham’s NEC on 12-15 November, the British sportscar will take in Dublin, Sydney and Auckland as part of the Top Gear Live World Tour.

With The Stig behind the wheel, the 2-litre, six-speed R500 – which boasts a mind-numbing 520bhp-per-tonne – embarrassed the performance of many big ticket supercars with a time of 1m 17.9s around the Top Gear test track last autumn.

Tickets for the MPH Prestige and Performance Motor Show and the chance to watch Jeremy, Richard and James live on stage can be purchased via www.mphshow.co.uk or through the ticket hotline 0871 230 5588. Tickets cost between £42 and £99 each.

Please visit www.caterham.co.uk for more information about the R500 and the Seven range.

The Caterham Superlight R500 won accolades across the board in 2008, including the prestigious Top Gear Car of the Year.

But you know you’ve really made it when you’re built in LEGO.

LEGOLAND designers were so impressed by the R500’s achievement in winning the BBC’s top motoring decoration last year that it decided to capture the moment in its famous coloured plastic bricks.

Taking their place within the 40 million-brick MINILAND, one of a number of attractions at LEGOLAND, Top Gear presenters Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May, plus the elusive Stig, can be seen huddled around the famous Caterham Seven in a motorsport-themed area.

As well as gaining the Top Gear award, the £38,000 Caterham Superlight R500 proved its giant-killing potential by outpacing supercars like the £1 million Bugatti Veyron.

LEGOLAND’S chief model maker, Guy Bagley, said: ‘My colleague remembered that the Stig had put the R500 through its paces and how incredible it was on the track. It’s such a timeless and iconic car that it was a ‘no-brainer’ as our choice for the motorsport area, having already decided to feature Top Gear. Its design lends itself particularly well to our bricks, too.’