Caterham Launches Supersport R with 180hp Ford Duratec

CaterhamCaterhamUnited Kingdom, 1973 > present9 models
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might have launched a new partnership with RenaultRenaultFrance, 1898 > present189 models
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earlier this week, but it is still using FordFordUnited Kingdom, 1909 > present33 models
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engines for versions of the Seven, at least for now. It also just launched a new Seven model called the Supersport R that ditches the 1.6-liter Ford engine from the standard SupersportCaterham 7 1.6 SupersportUnited Kingdom, 2001 > present5 photos
for a 2.0-liter Duratec. 

The Supersport R makes 180hp and 143lb-ft of torque, which is a 25% improvement over the 135hp that the 1.6-liter engine provided, and is even 5hp more than the R300 version has. Power is routed through a five-speed transmission to the rear wheels with a limited-slip differential. It takes 4.8 seconds to to get to 60mph and had a top speed of 130mph. 

The car rides on Avon CR500 tires with Supersport dampers and race springs. It weighs 535kg.

The interior is basically the same as the Supersport with gearshift light on the steering wheel, composite race seats, four-point seat harnesses and windscreen. 

Prices start at £24,995 for the Supersport R as a kit and £27,995 in fully built form. 

“The performance of the car is very impressive but, teamed with the accessibility of the suspension specification that works so effortlessly on the road and track on the base model, it is well-balanced, satisfying and fun in terms of the driving experience it offers," said Caterham CEO Graham Macdonald.

A six-speed transmission, ventilated brake discs with four-piston calipers, leather interior, wide-body chassis and roll bar are all available extras.