Caterham has added to its iconic range of Sevens, giving the acclaimed Supersport a steroid-induced brother – the two-liter Supersport R, which packs 180bhp and track-bred dynamics.
Like the standard Supersport, the new edition has many circuit-orientated performance essentials but gains a bigger engine and a five-speed gearbox to boost outright performance significantly.
Designed to sit immediately above its 1.6-liter sibling in the Seven range, the new adaptation's 2-liter Ford Duratec engine has proven its durability and performance on the track, having been developed during three years in Caterham's R300 race championship.
Competitively priced at £24,995 (incl tax) in self-build form or £27,995 fully-built, the new model benefits particularly in mid-range 'punch' and features a 25% power increase on the Supersport, as well as 5bhp more than the R300 road car.
Caterham Cars announced a bold new joint venture engineering partnership this week with Renault, which will result in a range of brand new vehicles, starting with an ambitious 'everyday' sportscar that will deliver the brand's 'accessible fun' philosophy to new markets. But the Supersport R shows the firm's continuing commitment to develop the iconic Seven, which it has been engineering and building for nearly 40 years.
Caterham Cars' Chief Executive, Graham Macdonald, said: "The Supersport's formula has struck a chord with driving enthusiasts and we are confident that, by extending the range to include an R model, we will be able to build on the original's success.
"The performance of the car is very impressive but, teamed with the accessibility of the suspension specification that works so effortlessly on the road and track on the base model, it is well-balanced, satisfying and fun in terms of the driving experience it offers."
The front-mounted Caterham-developed Ford Duratec engine pairs up with a limited-slip differential to further enhance its performance credentials.
Meanwhile, grippy Avon CR500 tires, Supersport dampers, and race springs ensure the car's handling is highly-focussed but still supple enough for the road.
Weighing just 535kg, the new vehicle extends the Supersport line, which already includes road and track versions of the 1.6-liter model.
Inside the cabin, a bespoke Supersport steering wheel, integrated change-up light, composite race seats, and four-point race harnesses complete the track-inspired experience. Naturally, an aero screen comes as standard.
The Supersport R's DNA stems from the Caterham Supersport Championship, which is the fourth rung of its motorsport 'ladder' and is Caterham's fastest-growing series.
Caterham Supersport R – from £24,995
- Engine: 2.0-litre Caterham Powertrain (CPT) Ford Duratec
- Max Power (bhp/rpm): 180bhp @ 7,300rpm
- Max Torque (lbs ft/rpm): 143lbs-ft @ 6,100rpm
- Weight: 535kg
- 0-60mph: 4.8 seconds
- Power-to-weight: 336bhp-per-tonne
- Top Speed: 130mph
Caterham Supersport R Specification
Standard equipment
- 2.0-litre Caterham Powertrain (CPT) Ford Duratec
- 5-speed Caterham gearbox
- Limited slip differential
- Track-optimized cooling package
- De-Dion rear suspension with Supersport Dampers
- Wide track front suspension with Supersport race dampers
- Powder coated interior with Composite race seats
- Alloy wheels with Avon CR500 tires
- 4 point race harness
- Push button start
- Immobilizer
- Shift Light
- Composite aero screen
- Bespoke Supersport half doors, tunnel top, and boot cover
- Bespoke Supersport Dashboard
- Black pack
Optional
- 6-speed gearbox
- Ventilated front discs and quad piston calipers
- ACES change-up lights
- Leather adjustable seats
- Full weather gear
- Carbon dash
- Lowered floors (driver and passenger)
- SV (wide body) chassis
- Carbon fiber rear wings
- Carbon fiber nose cone (not available for SV)
- Track day roll bar
- Battery Master Switch
- Race 4 point harnesses
- Momo Q/R steering wheel
- Avon ZZR track day wheel and tire package
- Large diameter track day silencer (no cost option)
- Interim catalyst bypass pipe
Suspension
- Front: Adjustable double wishbone with roll bar
- Rear: De Dion axle located by lower A-frame and Watts linkage Brakes Twin circuit split front/rear with low-level warning system. Discs front and rear Steering Rack and pinion, 1.93 turns lock to lock
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