Think Caterham and you're probably visualising a barebones open-wheeler with styling that takes its inspiration from a 1950s design manual.
Well, that's all about to change as the niche British marque used the recent Autosport International Show in Birmingham to whip the covers off its first-ever sports prototype racing car -- a high-tech device conceived with the help of Lola.
The company says the Caterham-Lola SP/300.R is "a major new addition to sit alongside the legendary Seven, yet it remains true to its lightweight, minimalist DNA to deliver all the thrills of driving a fast, but confidence-inspiring sportscar".
Caterham's boffins are now tweaking the powertrain and handling characteristics of the car in readiness for a one-make championship due to start in 2012. The feasibility of a road-legal version is also being considered.
Only 25 SP/300.Rs will be built and sold each year, and pricing in the UK will start at £60,000 ($96,000), excluding local taxes.
Propulsion comes from a Caterham-tuned, supercharged version of Ford's 2.0-litre Duratec unit with around 225kW -- sufficient for a claimed 0-100km/h sprint in 2.5sec for the sub-600kg car. Top speed is said to be around the 275km/h mark.
Features will include advanced data logging and a 'push to pass' facility, and the engine is mated to a Hewland semi-automatic FTR transmission. Caterham says the drivetrain was conceived with low maintenance in mind.
The engine sits longitudinally in the aluminium-tub chassis and is coupled to a stress-bearing rear transaxle. A forward splitter and large rear wing allegedly reduce lift, while a flat underbody is said to maximise ground-effect benefits.
The SP/300.R bodywork also features an F1-style raised nose section and sectioned panels that are claimed to reduce repair costs, simplify maintenance and allow single-handed removal of body panels track-side.
It rides on adjustable front and rear dual-wishbone suspension with pushrod dampers, and is equipped with bespoke wheels and Cooper Avon tyres. Standard safety kit includes an integrated roll cage, six-point harness, fire extinguisher and cut-off switch.
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