Automanie.net

Caterham unleash Superlight R500 evolution.
Honed on the race circuits of Europe, and with nearly half a century of heritage, the explosive new Caterham Seven Superlight R500 evolution has arrived.
7th April 2004





Weighing just 470 kg, the lightweight Seven packs a 530bhp per tonne punch from the specially bored 1998cc K Series engine. Impressive figures but the real clout comes from the 190lb ft of torque that kicks in at less than 4,000 revs, serving up the 125bhp per litre quicker and with more gusto than anything else on the road.

Engineered, designed and hand built in Britain, the new R500 evolution will sit at the top of the hugely successful Superlight family - joining the world record breaking R500, the R400 and fastest ever selling Seven, the R300.

The minimalist cabin is dressed with lightweight carbon-fibre trim, carbon-kevlar race seats and the classic Superlight Stack speedometer. New lightweight 13-inch eight-spoke wheels shod with Avon CR500 tyres help convert the raw power into road performance, whilst the AP Racing brakes have been fine-tuned at endurance events at Nurburgring and in the USA.

Fully adjustable dampers allow those buying the R500 evolution for track day hedonism to travel en route to the circuit with a set-up more tuned to the road conditions, only to alter and lower for the rigours of high-speed tarmac action.

“Designed for the experienced driver, the Superlight R500 evolution perfectly sums up the spirit of the Seven and in doing so, sets a new standard in terms of performance, agility and enjoyment,” explained Simon Nearn, managing director of Caterham Cars.

On sale from end of April, the Superlight R500 evolution is priced at £42,000 on the road.

Technical Specification

Model	Caterham R500 Evolution
Engine	4 cylinder 1998cc MG Rover K Series, prepared by Minister Racing Engines
Power	250bhp > 8000rpm
Torque	190lb ft > 4000rpm
Power to Weight	530bhp / tonne
Top Speed	150mph
0-60mph	3.2secs
Length	3100mm
Width	1575mm
Height	800mm
Wheelbase	2225mm
Weight	470kg
Mpg	n/a

19th April 2004

Caterham teams up with Rizla Suzuki

Caterham has teamed up with the Rizla-Suzuki British Superbike team as part of its launch programme for the new flagship Seven Superlight R500 evolution.

The partnership will see a Rizla-Suzuki liveried R500 evolution accompany the team in a promotional capacity as it contests the 13-round British Superbike Championship, widely acclaimed as the most competitive Superbike series in the world.

Team rider and 2003 runner-up John Reynolds will take centre stage during race weekends as he swaps his 200mph Crescent prepared GSX-R1000 for the devastatingly quick Caterham Seven to complete demonstration hot-laps.

With a pedigree firmly established in motorsport, the new 2.0-litre, 250bhp powered sportscar will be in good company at Rizla Suzuki.