Distinct Identity in a Homogenised Industry: The 2012 Caterham Supersport
The world of automotive design is often criticised for its homogeneity, yet the British automaker Caterham dares to break convention. Introducing their brand-new addition to the famed Seven range after two years – the highly anticipated and distinctive 2012 Caterham Supersport.
A Glorious Marriage of Race Track and Road Capabilities
Inspired by the high-performing race car embattled in the successful Caterham Supersport championship, this canny road-going reincarnation has mastered the art of borrowing essential track performance components while adapting them adeptly for civilian roads.
Faithfulness To Chapman's Lightweight Legacy
Priced at £19,995 (incl tax) in self-assemble form, this 140bhp marvel adheres faithfully to Colin Chapman’s philosophy from the 1950s; advocating for lightweight structure combined with minimalism to deliver an unparalleled driving experience defined by agility and thrill. It reminds how less truly can be more.
Muscle Beneath the Minimalistic Mantle
Beneath its assertive exterior hides a powerfully-tuned 1.6-litre Ford Sigma engine paired with five-speed 'sprint' ratio gearing as well as a featherweight flywheel. In concert with race-ready suspension elements shod on CR500 Avon tyres over compact 13” wheels, what you're promised here isn't just another ride but rather an authentic opportunity to immerse yourself into a raw, unfiltered driving episode rooted firmly in precision and exhilaration—exclusively tailored for daring drivers who seek purity whether they tread on asphalt or gravel.
Lightness Redefining Speed
With merely 520kg to drag, the Ford Sigma engine thrusts the Caterham Supersport from static to a swift 60mph in a nippy 4.9 seconds, and is capable of reaching up to an impressive speed of 120mph without so much as breaking into a metaphorical sweat.
A Package Worth its Tag
Beyond raw performance specifications, this new entrant in the Seven lineage also comes equipped with specialized features such as high-performance limited-slip-differential and gearing system designed for spirited driving, stiffer anti-roll bars along with a track-obsessed dashboard that includes integrated change-up lights. The authentic race feel is further enhanced by composite race seats coupled with four-point race harness substituting conventional seat belt—making it bona fide joyride on wheels.
Fierce Performance within Reach
If you're worried all these greatness might burn a hole in your pocket: fear not! Despite being engineered primarily for racetrack conditions while performing commendably well even on regular roads, this latest member of the famed Seven family boasts unrivalled value for its price tag standing at £22,995 factory-built or available in DIY component form priced at £19,995.
The Reigning Spirit
Unveiled just two months after Caterham debuted their extreme sports racer model SP/300.R to global applause at the Autosport International Show; although different in respective characteristics, both models are bound together through embodying Caterham's core values – accessibility combined with affordability topped off by unadulterated fun which have immortalised Caterham as one of today’s iconic automobile brands that continuously charms motoring enthusiasts worldwide no matter how rigid their budget frame may be.
