Saturday, January 15, 2011

Caterham develops first ever sports prototype racing car

Fans of British sports cars will rejoice after Caterham Cars released it’s first-ever sports prototype racing car for a new one-make series and the track day community.

The Autosport International Show in Birmingham was the venue for the introduction of the Caterham-Lola SP/330.R, which is lightweight and minimalist while featuring a supercharged version of the Ford Duratec power plant, expected to produce 300bhp.

Also included is state of the art computational fluid dynamics technology, with the basic chassis made of an aluminium tub with a mid-mounted engine and a stress-bearing rear axle. The styling is aerodynamically led with a broad aero platform that generates optimal downforce and balance as well as an F1-style raised nose section and sectioned panels that help to reduce repair costs and ease maintenance.

The vehicle also benefits from full race suspension including front and rear dual wishbones with pushrod dampers; while the SP/300.R will stand on Cooper Avon Tyres specially developed for the car. Safety is also paramount as the car has been built to fully comply with MSA safety regulations.

Only 25 SP/300.R vehicles will be manufactured each year. The company is said to be considering a road-legal version of the car as it prepares the model for a one-make championship start in 2012. The car will be priced at £60,000 excluding local taxes.
For more info- http://www.contracthireandleasing.com/car-leasing-news/caterham-develops-first-ever-sports-prototype-racing-car/