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2011 Caterham SP/300.R

2011 Caterham SP/300.R

2011 Caterham SP/300.R

As with all Caterhams, the SP/300.R has first and foremost been developed as a true driver’s car. It doesn’t matter how fast a car is, if it isn’t rewarding to drive it will never be truly thrilling. The SP/300.R fuses all of Caterham’s core brand values such as durability, ease of use, practicality for racing and low maintenance costs with Lola’s technologically advanced approach to research & development.

Working alongside Lola Cars, we have the perfect alchemy of British engineering superiority and rich motorsport heritage to deliver a lightweight, minimalist product that amplifies Colin Chapman’s Seven philosophy, yet conveys everything Caterham and Lola stand for today.

Chasis and Body

Designed by combining state of the art technology, Lola’s vast experience manufacturing some of the world’s fastest racing cars and Caterham’s understanding of the unique combination of requirements that need to be fulfilled to create one of the most successful, competitive and appealing motor racing championships in the World.

Three position Lola developed carbon wing with aluminium endplates and aluminium lightweight stanchions, balanced with the underbody aerodynamics to form part of a stepped downforce package.

Seven piece body system in durable, flexible, polyurethane. Enables ease of access to all underbody systems, whilst the material resists minor damage and ensures low cost replacement panels.

Aerodynamically advantageous individual rollover protection, incorporated into the construction of the monocoque, providing the maximum level of safety without compromise on aesthetics or air flow over the rear wing.

Braking, Wheels and Tyres Overview

When specifying the SP/300.R, a vast amount of time was dedicated to seeking out and testing products manufactured by subject matter experts and market leaders. By utilising the best and most suitable products available we have been able to combine them to form a synergy which provides the car with unprecedented levels of performance and reliability.

A fully matched system from adjustable pedals through to lightweight multi-piston aluminium calipers, all developed and supplied by one of the world’s leading manufacturers in race brakes.

Full Formula 3 specification ATS one-piece 13″ lightweight aluminium wheels with single nut centre lock fixing, weighing just 3.8kg for the 9″ front and 4.0kg for the 10.5″ rear.

Cooper developed and manufactured bespoke radial slick tyres for the SP/300R, based on Formula 3 technology and mirroring Formula three sizes of 180/550 front and 250/570 rear.

Powertrain & Electronics
With nearly 40 years of developing bespoke powertrain solutions, Caterham has produced some of the world’s fastest, most accelerative and successful road and race cars on the planet. No stone was left unturned in the quest to bestow the SP/300.R with a powertrain capable of delivering epic levels of performance to fully exploit the chassis’ abilities.

The distinctive rear lights of the SP/300.R makes it unique amongst its peers, echoing Lola’s LMP cars. Bright LED illumination is permanently lit to aid visibility of the low body.

Centrally located in the optimum position aerodynamically, the NACA ducted intake aperture provides consistent pressure ambient air draw in all conditions, ensuring maximum performance from the supercharger.

The FIA approved LED high intensity rain light has been designed into the bodywork of the SP/300R at the outset, providing a harmonised location without compromise aesthetics or performance.

Positioned by Lola’s aerodynamicists, the high level exhaust port exits the exhaust gases into the fast moving air flow over the body at the perfect angle to maximise flow.

Story by Caterham

In Detail

type Racing Car
released at 2011 Autosport International
built at Kent, England
engine Ford Duratec Inline-4 w/Dry Sump Lubrication
position Mid
aspiration Rotrex Supercharger
power 227.4 kw / 305 bhp @ 7500 rpm
bhp/weight 559.63 bhp per tonne
torque 290 nm / 213.9 ft lbs @ 7500 rpm
body / frame Plastic Body over Lola Aluminum Honeycomb Monocoque
driven wheels RWD w/LSD
wheel type ATS Center-Lock F3
front brakes AP Racing Discs
rear brakes AP Racing Discs
front wheels F 33.0 x 22.9 cm / 13 x 9 in
rear wheels R 33.0 x 26.7 cm / 13 x 10.5 in
f suspension Inboard Coil-Over-Springs
r suspension Inboard Coil-Over-Springs
curb weight 545 kg / 1202 lbs
wheelbase 2600 mm / 102.4 in
length 4200 mm / 165.4 in
width 1700 mm / 66.9 in
height 1015 mm / 40.0 in
transmission Hewland FTR 6-Speed Sequential
tran clutch Dual-Plate
top speed ~290 kph / 180.09 mph
0 – 60 mph ~2.8 seconds