Tuesday 12th April 2011

Caterham Reveals New Track-focused Supersport

140bhp Seven pays homage to 'Supersport'-spec racer

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Question: What looks like a Caterham R500, but isn't an R500? The answer is this, the Seven Supersport Caterham - first full-on new Seven model for two years.

For a whisker under £20k (£19,995 incl tax), the Supersport gets a new 140bhp version of the 1.6-litre ford sigma engine, short-ratio gears, a lightweight flywheel and race-spec suspension (including toughened-up anti-roll bars and springs and dampers borrowed directly from its Supersport series race car cousin).

There is also a limited-slip diff, and track-focused CR500 Avon tyres on 13in wheels. The whole thing comes in at just 520kg (plus driver) and can sprint to 60mph in 4.9secs on its way to a 120mph top speed.

Inside (well, you know what we mean), its track focus is emphasised with integrated change-up lights, an aero screen, composite race seats and a four-point race harness.

Factory-built, the Supersport will cost £22,995.

[Stew2000]

Why?

[kambites]

Stew2000 said:

Why?

Of all the cars featured on Pistonheads recently, I would have thought this would least deserve that question. It's a vaguely affordable, road legal track car.

[edo]

Wow, been waiting for Caterham to bring out a track focussed car for a while. Thank god.

[Matt UK]

Factory-built, the Supersport will cost £22,995

So based on my research into buying a used Caterham, in 10 years time this will be worth about £21,995

[Mastodon2]

Matt UK said:

Factory-built, the Supersport will cost £22,995

So based on my research into buying a used Caterham, in 10 years time this will be worth about £21,995

I was looking at these "used" the other day, they are pretty damn pricey!

[AA121]

Stew2000 said:

Why?

Pretty good chance that this will be the spec and bhp for the "Supersport" race series next year.

[bobberz]

I really wish they sold these in the U.S.; they look like so much fun, and 140bhp is plenty for 500kg.

[W00DY]

If you're going to get a Caterham, you might as well get one of the light wieght one and this does seem to offer decent value and good looks, hopefully with the aforementioned glacial depreciation.

[wackojacko]

Stew2000 said:

Why?

Why not ?

Caterham are a sensational brand/company ..... and their cars always amaze me .....

[k-ink]

The sellers of used caterhams must be on drugs, looking at their asking prices. Much like original mini owners. WTF comes to mind!

[vrooom]

Those kit car prices are expenisve, they are supposed be cheap using donar car... and the chassis is just 50 year old design of tubes...

[h4muf]

vrooom said:

Those kit car prices are expenisve, they are supposed be cheap using donar car... and the chassis is just 50 year old design of tubes...

You don't really get Sevens do you?

[k-ink]

I get it. Less is more. Less cost to build, more cost to buy. A great business model for Caterham!

[Graebob]

Sigh.

Dear naysayers, pompous headline chasers, muppets and forum trolls,

You don't have to want one. You don't have to buy one. They aren't "practical" as an everyday method of getting from A to B for one who see's driving as a chore. But driving isn't a right, it's a privilege of modern life, afforded to us by our own prosperity and the engineering prowess of geniuses.

You have to understand that Caterhams and the like are pure, distilled driving pleasure. There is nothing there that need not be there. They are completely focussed on being a wonderful experience and utilisation of skill and sensation.

And I've never even driven one!

I'm glad that Caterham are constantly evolving a simple idea, rather than titting about chasing invisible money from pompous wksocks who want the image of being "sporty" but but refuse to develop their own skills/trim their fat behinds to save weight. Bravo, and carry on.

Love
Graebob
x

[El Capitano]

nice.....

out of interest, i wonder why its on an 07 plate? Or are these pics just of a similar spec 7? as i guess they all will look pretty much identicle!

[Dontlift]

I have the pleasure of working for a caterham race team http://www.mcmm.co.uk

And I must admit that in the last 6 months I have learnt alot about these cars and how fantastic they are the supersport race cars are excellent, but i have a yearning for an R300

[2000 GTV]

Looks like good value.

[Killer2005]

I need this in my life

[bigfoot7]

El Capitano said:

nice.....

out of interest, i wonder why its on an 07 plate? Or are these pics just of a similar spec 7? as i guess they all will look pretty much identicle!

It's supposed to read 'Caterham' but you have to squint really hard!

[suffolk009]

k-ink said:

The sellers of used caterhams must be on drugs, looking at their asking prices. Much like original mini owners. WTF comes to mind!

all the lovely old ones (crossflow, arch chassis, big headlamps, proper paint, cloth seats) just sit in peoples garages as treasured members of the family, so don't come on the market much. When they do they're likely headed down to the docks for a new life in Europe - such is the pound/euro rate.

I see a lot of newer ones (K series and later) just not selling and being listed at optimistic prices to keep the wife/bank manager happy. Just a thought...

Don't believe the hype that they don't depreciate - my R500 went from £40k+ to 25k in just two months.