RE: Caterham beats Koenigsegg?
Monday 23rd October 2006
Caterham beats Koenigsegg?
Dunlop claim new Top Gear record for a CSR260
A quick lap from a Dunlop test driver in a Caterham CSR260 has broken the Stig’s Top Gear track record and ousted the Koenigsegg CCX from its place at the top - according to Dunlop.
The 250-horsepower Caterham was shod with Dunlop track-day tyres and beat supercars such as the Maserati MC12, Pagani Zonda F and Ferrari F60 Enzo in a triumphant day at Dunsfold.
The former top power lap time held by the Koenigsegg CCX was 1:17:06 before the Caterham piled in with a result of 1:17:04.
Dunlop communications manager, James Bailey said: “Our track-day tyres are designed to offer drivers more precise handling and ultimate feedback so that they can push their limits. We were over the moon to hear that Dunlop Tyres played a part in taking the power lap top spot.”
Footage from the lap at Dunsfold can now been in the ‘Thrills’ section of Dunlop’s www.injection.tv
Discussion
I'd suggest its the kind of margin that could simply put it down to a good driver at the wheel. However, it is pretty obvious that a Caterham lightweight with an extra 50 horses or so would beat the Koeniggsegggg by enough of a margin toput it beyond doubt.
Do bear in mind that these track day tyres need to be street legal for any of this to count.
Still, its a mega achievement for British engineering.
Do bear in mind that these track day tyres need to be street legal for any of this to count.
Still, its a mega achievement for British engineering.
And were the "track day tyre's" available O.E. or even road legal. I suspect the supercars tested were all on the usual rubber they're sold with? And surely the record would have to be broken by The Stig as he's the driver of all timed laps that go on the board. Did they let Stggy have a go?
D4V KC said:
And were the "track day tyre's" available O.E. or even road legal. I suspect the supercars tested were all on the usual rubber they're sold with? And surely the record would have to be broken by The Stig as he's the driver of all timed laps that go on the board. Did they let Stggy have a go?
I thought and have been told that there are several Stigs and therefore the times recorded are not necessarily consistant.I was told about this record several weeks ago during a Caterham Motorsport Trackday at Cadwell.Well done Caterham it's good to see the british small scale manufacturers showing the 'Big boys' a thing or two.
Come on Ultima - show us how it's really done !!!!
fantastic to see this kind of thing for Caterham as they have been missing the awards, records and things recently.
Mind you were Caterham involved or is it just a Dunlop thing? Caterham have their agreement with Avon after all (or does this signal a change ahead?).
Nothing on the Caterham webby about it either!
Graham
Mind you were Caterham involved or is it just a Dunlop thing? Caterham have their agreement with Avon after all (or does this signal a change ahead?).
Nothing on the Caterham webby about it either!
Graham
What would the Koenig lap be with slick Dunlop tyres ! So not really a level playing field me thinks. Also, the Top Gear track isnt really a power circuit .... if the track was Spa for example where the heavyweights could really run their legs I think the differences would be much more noticable.
Surely the "standard" Caterham CSR tyres would be Avon CR500's that are also trackday tyres and likely to be similar in speed to the Dunlops?
It's noticeable how much smoother that driver is that the Stig (if indeed the Stig is one person) who usually showboats a lot and must lose time as a result. It looks mostly smooth and controlled with nice neat exits.
It's noticeable how much smoother that driver is that the Stig (if indeed the Stig is one person) who usually showboats a lot and must lose time as a result. It looks mostly smooth and controlled with nice neat exits.
Shakman said:
What would the Koenig lap be with slick Dunlop tyres ! So not really a level playing field me thinks. Also, the Top Gear track isnt really a power circuit .... if the track was Spa for example where the heavyweights could really run their legs I think the differences would be much more noticable.
To be fair though, the Caterham is on trackday tyres not slicks. Many cars are now supplied as such, Exige, CSL's etc.
Surely swapping the circuits is rather moving the goalposts slightly don't you think?
gridgway said:
tony*t3 said:
Top Gear specifically test cars with 100% no modification, which includes tyres. they have to be as delivered to the customer. So no record has been broken.
What about the Top Gear wing on the K?
Aha, good point but they're selling the koenigsegg WITH wing now to customers as well, I believe! So not really a good point after all
CR500s are not match for dunlop's current breed of t/day rubber. The CR500s lose grip very quickly when pushed as they overheat. I use them as a wet weather tyre on track only.
As AndrewD said, I'd be interested in seeing a well driven SR3, or SR8 (assuming they can stop the engine letting go) set a new record.
I bet the CSR was moving around a lot to acheive that sort of time. I suspect that if they let a properly setup race car on there i.e. sports GT like a Jade or nemesis, it may be interesting to compare the so called 'fast; road cars!!
As AndrewD said, I'd be interested in seeing a well driven SR3, or SR8 (assuming they can stop the engine letting go) set a new record.
I bet the CSR was moving around a lot to acheive that sort of time. I suspect that if they let a properly setup race car on there i.e. sports GT like a Jade or nemesis, it may be interesting to compare the so called 'fast; road cars!!
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