X330 'does what it says on the tin'
This is Caterham’s birthday present to itself – and we can’t wait to rip the wrapping off of it.
It’s the X330, a concept model for now with no production life ahead of it; rather a pointer to the future direction of the company.
The car was unveiled during the jubilee celebrations at Donington over the weekend.
As the name suggests, it packs a mighty 330bhp thanks to the fitment of a supercharger to the 2.3 litre Ford Duratec engine.
Extensive use of carbon fibre
The supercharger delivers up to 0.9 bar boost with zero transient lag according to Caterham. The firm also says that ‘the excellent thermodynamic efficiency of the compressor and intercooler minimise inlet charge temperature, while the direct belt drive from the crank nose provides a boost characteristic that rises linearly with engine speed.
These factors contribute to a knock-free combustion that allows a 10:1 compression ratio. The result is exceptional torque curve of over 221lb ft from 5500 to 7500 rpm, delivering power progressive and responsive performance with excellent low speed driveability’.
Sounds good, doesn’t it. The X330 capitalises on the power hike by shedding weight thanks to lighter gauge steel in the chassis and the extensive use of carbon fibre.
X330 launched at Donington
If this is where the company is going, then things look very promising indeed.