Unveiled: Caterham's Dramatic New SP/300.R

First all-new model for 15 years is mid-engined sports prototype racer

Caterham has unveiled the dramatic new Caterham-Lola SP/300.R at the Autosport International show at the NEC - the first all-new model from the Dartford company for a decade and a half, and its first-ever sports prototype.

The new car - Caterham's first mid-engined offering - has been developed in conjunction with legendary chassis builder Lola Cars, and marks the debut of a new supercharged version of the familiar Ford Duratec motor.

That's expected to produce around 300bhp, with up to 330bhp available for short bursts via a 'push to pass' button. The sub-600kg kerb weight will give the car around 500bhp per tonne (excluding the driver).

Caterham reckons this should allow the SP/300.R to reach 60mph from rest in just 2.8secs, while the gearing has been developed to allow the car to hit its maximum 170mph on the Spa-Francorchamps circuit's Kemmel straight.

Only 25 SP/300.Rs will be built each year, and the finishing touches are currently being put to the car's powertrain and chassis before a one-make race series is launched for the car in 2012.

The SP/300.R will initially focus on racers and track day customers and, although a roadgoing version is being considered, motorsport is the new model's main focus as it is intended to provided the next step up for Caterham's domestic and international racing 'ladder'.

"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," says Caterham MD, Ansar Ali.

"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."

Oh, and if you're a Seven fan don't worry - the evergreen roadster is still dear to Caterham's heart and will continue to be developed...

Caterham SP/300.R Technical Specification

Engine	Supercharged Ford Duratec 2.0L
Max Power	305PS@7500rpm
Push-to-Pass Power	335PS @7800pm
Max Torque	290Nm@7500rpm
0-60mph (claimed)	2.8s
Top Speed	290kph
Wheelbase	2600mm
Overall length	4200mm
Overall width	1700mm
Height	1015mm
Downforce	450kg @ 250kph
Weight	545kg