Caterham-Lola SP/300.R

A previous attempt by Caterham to expand its range beyond the iconic Seven was not a great success. Only forty-eight examples of the 21, launched in 1994, were ever built.



Now it’s having another go with the SP/300.R, a shrunken Le Mans Prototype in the style of cars such as the Westfield XTR and Radical SR series.

The project has been developed in collaboration with Lola Cars, which was involved in engineering the aluminium tub chassis and perfecting the aerodynamics.



As with the current Seven line-up, power is provided by Ford. In the case of the SP/300.R it’s a two-litre Duratec motor which, thanks to the addition of a supercharger, produces 300 bhp (223 kW / 304 PS). Drive to the rear transaxle is via a Hewland semi-automatic FTR gearbox.

With the Caterham-Lola weighing less than 600 kg (1,322 lbs), that set up is enough for a zero to 60 mph (96 km/h) time of about 2.5 seconds. Top speed should be in the region of 170 mph (273 km/h).



Keeping the SP/300.R on the tarmac is race-derived suspension. There are dual wishbones front and rear, pushrod dampers and an adjustable ride height, all of which is assisted by down force from the front splitter and rear wing.

Although a road-legal version might appear later, for now the SP/300.R is destined for the circuits only. There’ll be a UK-based one-make series from 2012, although the Caterham-Lola will probably find its way into other championships as well as numerous trackdays, too.



The price of the Caterham-Lola SP/300.R is £60,000 (about €71,600 at today’s exchange rate) excluding local taxes. Annual production volume is anticipated to be twenty-five units.

2010 Caterham Special Edition Seven Sport Cars By Lambretta

British sportscar-maker Caterham company Caterham Cars will be releasing a special edition of the Caterham Seven later this year.  The specialized automaker joined up with British fashion company Lambretta Clothing (named after the scooters) to create a new look for their version of the Lotus 7.

2010 Caterham Special Edition Seven Sport Cars By Lambretta

Few icons are as quintessentially British as the Union Jack and the Caterham Seven. Originally engineered by Lotus, the 7 is still built by British sportscar-maker Caterham, and has now been outfitted for a special edition by British fashion house Lambretta.

The British-owned fashion label, which is based in London’s famous Carnaby Street, has drawn on its characteristic flair and rich heritage in popular culture to create a bespoke, custom-tailored Caterham, which screams ‘Britannia’. The body paint, decals and livery leave you in no doubt of its geographic heritage with the Union Jack’s unmistakable hue of red, white and blue dressing the paintwork.

Under the skin, the engineering is pure Caterham.

Powered by a 1.6-litre Ford Sigma engine, which pushes out 125bhp, the 2010 Caterham Special Edition Seven Sport Cars By Lambretta can call upon 120lbs ft of torque to propel its lightweight frame to 60mph in six seconds. The marriage of a quick-fire five-speed gearbox, with a purposeful chassis, provides the responsiveness and handling characteristics every Seven is famous for.

Available immediately, the 2010 Caterham Special Edition Seven Sport Cars By Lambretta is priced at £26,995 OTR. Lambretta’s managing director, Rob Harmer explained: “Designing the exterior and interior of a car is an entirely different challenge to our core business of fashion and accessories, but there are clearly some shared philosophies between the two companies, which made this collaboration so exciting.”  

2010 Caterham Special Edition Seven Sport Cars By Lambretta

2010 Caterham Sport Cars Seven Roadsport 125 Monaco

Manufacturer of specialist lightweight sports cars, Caterham Cars, announced the latest Special Edition. The Lotus Seven, and the Caterham Seven have been around for 53 years, it is still one of the basic and quintessential sports cars made. The Seven was never about power, it was about lightweight, minimalistic driving, and it remains true to it’s roots today. Caterham Cars is evoking the elegance, class and rich motorsport heritage of Monte Carlo with the latest Special Edition of its similarly timeless sportscar, the 2010 Caterham Sport Cars Seven Roadsport 125 Monaco.

The latest incarnation of Caterham’s iconic Seven, the Roadsport 125 Monaco, remains true to the original design by Colin Chapman in 1957. The Monaco features the British automaker’s brushed aluminum bodywork, with black nose and wheel guards. The familiar red and white of the Monegasque flag, the official flag of Monaco, form a motif that runs the length of the car, which takes us back to the golden era of motorsport.

2010 Caterham Sport Cars Seven Roadsport 125 Monaco

Caterham have kept the car fresh by producing several special editions over the years and this Monaco Edition is the latest. Powered by a 1.6 liter Ford four cylinder, it produces 125 horsepower and 120 ft/lb of torque, which should be entertaining since the car only weighs 1,100-1,200 pounds! According to Caterham the car is good for a six second 0-60 run and a top speed of 112mph.

Under the skin, the engineering is pure Caterham. The 1.6-litre Ford engine produces a top speed of 112mph and a power-to-weight ratio of 227bhp per tonne. The 5-speed gearbox propels the lightweight 500kg chassis from 0-60mph in under six seconds and full weather kit means the Roadsport is thoroughly enjoyable in any conditions.

2010 Caterham Sport Cars Seven Roadsport 125 Monaco

The Roadsport 125 Monaco options include the wide SV chassis and a lowered floor for extra comfort in the cockpit. The company added that the all black trim is also available for the customers to choose from.

For just £20,995, the Roadsport 125 Monaco combines Caterham’s thrilling performance and driving experience with a unique touch of European flare and glamour. However, the first 20 cars to be ordered are available for just £19,995.

Caterham Seven Monaco

Caterham has launched a special version of its iconic Seven. Based on the Roadsport 125, the Monaco is supposed to ‘evoke the elegance, class and rich motorsport heritage of Monte Carlo’.

Regardless of whether it achieves that or not, the brushed aluminium bodywork with black nose and wheel guards certainly looks the part. The red and white stripes (a reminder of the Monegasque flag) and the ‘Monaco’ script aren’t too subtle though, and might not be to everyone’s taste.



But the price should more than make up for that. While the standard Roadsport 125 costs £21,200, the Monaco (which features a normally optional black leather interior with red highlights) is £20,995. Even better, the first twenty cars ordered will be offered at a bargain £19,995.



Power comes from a 1.6 litre Ford Sigma engine, which produces 125 bhp (93 kW / 126 PS) and 162 Nm (120 lb/ft) of torque. That might not sound like much but, as the Seven only weighs 550 kg, 0-60 mph (96 km/h) takes just 5.9 seconds. Top speed is 112 mph (180 km/h), and a five-speed gearbox is fitted.



As with other Roadsport models, the Monaco can be specified with the SV chassis option. Costing £2,000 extra, this increases the length and width of the car, improving cabin space and luggage capacity. Another benefit is the greater range from a larger fuel tank. Although there’s a 25 kg weight penalty, Caterham says the SV chassis particularly suitable for anyone over 6’2” (187 cm).