There are cars and then there are big boy toy cars – the new Caterham R500 falls without doubt in the second category. The latest model from the British sportscar manufacturer takes the Lotus Seven philosophy to a new level combining more power with even less weight. To be precise, Caterham’s engineers shaved an extra 9 kg or 20 lbs off the already featherweight RS400, bringing the total weight down to just 506 kg or 1,115 lbs.

Powering the RS500 is a heavily modified all-alloy 2.0 litre Ford Duratec engine. The normally aspirated, four-cylinder unit delivers an amazing (for a non turbo engine) 263 Hp and 177 lb-ft of torque. Power is transmitted to the rear wheels by either a standard 6-speed gearbox or the optional Caterham Motorsport engineered sequential transmission. The flagship Caterham is capable of sprinting itself from standstill to 60 mph (96 km/h) in 2.88 seconds.

Apart from the modified powertrain, the 2009 R500 now comes with keyless ignition start, a redesigned digital dash featuring flush fitted switchgear, ACES sequential gear change lights and a new Stack display with scrolling textshift lights along with an optional launch control. On sale immediately in the UK, the factory built R500 starts at £36,995 or $72,900. –Click through for pics and details

Caterham Superlight R500 Technical Specification

Engine 2.0-litre Caterham Powertrain (CPT) Ford DuratecMax Power 263bhp @ 8500rpmMax Torque 177 lbsft @ 7200rpm0-60mph (claimed) 2.88 secondsTop Speed 150mphWheelbase 2225mmOverall length 3100mmOverall width 1575mmHeight 800mmGround clearance 80mmKerb Weight 506kg (516kg sequential gearbox)

Standard Equipment

  • 2.0-litre Caterham Motorsport Ford Duratec
  • 6 Speed Caterham Gearbox
  • Limited Slip Differential
  • Superlight Suspension (wide track front and de Dion rear with Watts linkages)
  • Carbon dash, nose cone, rear and front cycle wings
  • ACES change-up lights
  • Ventilated front brake discs with 4 pot calipers
  • 13” Anthracite eight-spoke alloy wheels with Avon CR500 tyres
  • Carbon interchangeable wind deflector
  • 4 point Road Harnesses
  • Quick-release Momo Steering Wheel with integrated indicator switches
  • Carbon Kevlar seats

Optional Performance Upgrades

  • Sequential Gearbox – £2950
  • Launch Control – £350
  • Carbon Induction Airbox – £450
  • Suspension package consisting Eibach Springs and dampers derived from the C400 race series – £1250