Automanie.net

In a perfect example of automotive alchemy, Caterham Cars is set to deliver all the driving excitement associated with its stripped-out Superlight versions to the range-topping Caterham CSR260 model, to create the brand new Caterham CSR260 Superlight.


Aimed at the enthusiast, the 2.3 litre Cosworth-powered road legal Caterham CSR260 Superlight brings all the performance credentials associated with its stablemate, like a supercar-humbling 0-60mph time of 3.1 seconds and a licence-losing top speed of 155mph, yet swaps the windscreen, carpet, heater and weather gear for a limited slip differential and a quicker steering rack. Decisively, it also premiers ‘Dynamic Suspensions' dampers manufactured by MTCe as original Equipment for an undiluted performance driving experience.

The result is a breath-taking Caterham experience that blends no frills road legal agility with devastating track capability.



Twenty five kilos lighter than the standard CSR260, this model variant also adds distinctive Superlight styling to the exterior, including a wind deflector, a carbon fibre dashboard and wings, a black powder coated cockpit, quick release MOMO steering wheel and ‘black pack' that disguises otherwise aluminium detailing.

A natural extension of the CSR range, this Superlight model delivers all the thrills of frantic acceleration, pin-sharp steering, high revving eager performance mated to a close ratio six speed box, in a sportscar that is perfectly balanced to focus the driver solely on driving and smiling.

With a power-to-weight ratio of 460 BHP per tonne, the Caterham CSR260 Superlight finds itself in similar company to the £323,000 Porsche Carrera GT or the £118,000 Ferrari F430.

In a now customary move, Caterham has developed an options list that highlights the cost alongside the weight of items such as windscreen, heater, weather gear, dry sump, track day roll-over bar and fire extinguisher.

Caterham is taking orders now with the first cars delivered in August. Prices start at £37,995 fully built.



SPECIFICATION CSR260 SUPERLIGHT

Performance:

Maximum speed: 155 mph / 250 kph

Acceleration 0-60 mph: 3.1 seconds

Construction:

Tubular steel space frame.

Stressed Aluminium Body Panels.

Aluminium honeycomb impact protection.

Glass fibre reinforced plastic nosecone and wings.

Drivetrain:

Front engine rear wheel drive

Weight:

Gross 565 kg

bhp per tonne 460bhp per tonne

Engine:

Number of cylinders 4 in line

Bore 87.5 mm

Stroke 94.0 mm

Swept Volume 2261 cc

Compression ratio 12.0:1

Maximum power (DIN) 260PS / 192kW @ 7500rpm

Maximum torque 200lb/ft / 272Nm @ 6200rpm

Fuel requirement Unleaded Gasoline - 97RON / (95RON minimum)

Induction System Caterham Roller-Barrel port throttles

Cylinder Head Ported, Matched, Machined Combustion Chambers Light Weight Cam Cover.

Camshafts Cosworth Profile, High Lift

Uprated Valve Springs

Spark plugs NGK BR7EFS

Pistons Cosworth Forged

Connecting Rods Bespoke High Strength Steel

Lubrication Internal, Twin Scavenge Pumps
Combined Bellhousing, Oil Tank and Oil-air Separator tower

Exhaust Equal Length 4-1 Stainless Steel

Manifold Performance Catalyst
5” Diameter Silencer, Side Exit.

Engine Management MBE ECU with Caterham-Cosworth Developed Calibration and Data Logging.

Transmission:

Forward speeds: 6 - Manual Selection

Ratios -

1 st 2.69:1

2 nd 2.01:1

3 rd 1.59:1

4 th 1.32:1

5 th 1.13:1

6 th 1.00:1

Reverse 2.96:1

Clutch actuation Hydraulic

Final drive ratio 3.38:1

Suspension:

Front

Independent Double Aerofoil section Wishbones

Pushrod actuated, inboard mounted, coil over spring-damper units

Anti-roll bar

Adjustability: Ride Height, Camber, Caster, Toe, Bump Steer, Roll Bar

Rear

Independent Double Wishbone

Coil Over spring-damper units

Adjustability: Ride Height, Camber, Toe, Bump Steer

Brakes:

Two circuits, split front / rear, un-assisted, no ABS

Front

Calliper 4-piston Cast Aluminium Alloy

Disc 254 mm, Vented

Rear

Calliper Single Piston Aluminium Alloy,

Integral Parking Brake.

Disc 254mm, Solid

Steering:

Unassisted bespoke rack & pinion, 2 turns lock-to-lock.

Wheels and Tyres:

Front

Wheels - 15” x 6.5J 10-Spoke Aluminium alloy - Anthracite Finish

Tyres - 195/45 R15 Avon CR500

Rear

Wheels - 15” X 9.0J 10-Spoke Aluminium alloy - Anthracite Finish

Tyres - 245/40 R15 Avon CR500

Dimensions:

Overall length 3300 mm

Overall width 1740 mm

Overall height (hood up) 1140 mm

Overall height (hood down) 1115 mm

Wheelbase 2300 mm

Front track 1490 mm

Rear track 1465 mm

Ground clearance 85 mm

Turning circle (between kerbs) 11 m

Fluid Capacities:

Fuel tank 41 Litres

OPTIONS CSR260 SUPERLIGHT

Track Options	Option Price	Weight Penalty/Reduction
Battery Master Switch	£100	N/A
Hand Held Fire Extinguisher	£53.46	+1KG
Dry Sump Lubrication System	£1000	+11KG
Track Day Roll Over Bar	£175	+3.94KG
Road Options	Option Price	Weight Penalty/Reduction
Full Windscreen & Weather Equipment	£855	+14.4KG
Heater	£250	+3.9KG
Leather Seats	£250	+10.8KG
Spare Wheel (Including Carrier)	£325	+11.5KG
Individual Options	Option Price	Weight Penalty/Reduction
Race Filler Cap	£80	N/A
Tonneau Cover	£125	+1.6KG
Carbon Fibre Seats	£940	--3.2KG
15” Wheel and CR500 Tyres	£100	N/A
Standard Non-Metallic Paint	From £795	+2.5KG