Caterham goes Superlight with CSR260

Caterham CSR260

A perfect example of automotive alchemy

June 8, 2006 7:48 PM
Filed Under: Caterham, European

Press Release

In a perfect example of automotive alchemy, Caterham Cars is set to deliver all the driving excitement associated with its stripped-out Superlight versions to the range-topping Caterham CSR260 model, to create the brand new Caterham CSR260 Superlight.

Aimed at the enthusiast, the 2.3 litre Cosworth-powered road legal Caterham CSR260 Superlight brings all the performance credentials associated with its stablemate, like a supercar-humbling 0-60mph time of 3.1 seconds and a licence-losing top speed of 155mph, yet swaps the windscreen, carpet, heater and weather gear for a limited slip differential and a quicker steering rack. Decisively, it also premiers ‘Dynamic Suspensions’ dampers manufactured by MTCe as original equipment for an undiluted performance driving experience.

The result is a breath-taking Caterham experience that blends no frills road legal agility with devastating track capability.

Twenty five kilos lighter than the standard CSR260, this model variant also adds distinctive Superlight styling to the exterior, including a wind deflector, a carbon fibre dashboard and wings, a black powder coated cockpit, quick release MOMO steering wheel and ‘black pack’ that disguises otherwise aluminium detailing.

A natural extension of the CSR range, this Superlight model delivers all the thrills of frantic acceleration, pin-sharp steering, high revving eager performance mated to a close ratio six speed box, in a sportscar that is perfectly balanced to focus the driver solely on driving and smiling.

With a power-to-weight ratio of 460 BHP per tonne, the Caterham CSR260 Superlight finds itself in similar company to the £323,000 Porsche Carrera GT or the £118,000 Ferrari F430.

In a now customary move, Caterham has developed an options list that highlights the cost alongside the weight of items such as windscreen, heater, weather gear, dry sump, track day roll-over bar and fire extinguisher.

PECIFICATION CSR260 SUPERLIGHT

Performance:

Maximum speed: 155 mph / 250 kph
Acceleration 0-60 mph: 3.1 seconds

Construction:

Tubular steel space frame.
Stressed Aluminium Body Panels.
Aluminium honeycomb impact protection.
Glass fibre reinforced plastic nosecone and wings.

Drivetrain:

Front engine rear wheel drive

Weight:

Gross	565 kg
bhp per tonne	460bhp per tonne

Engine:

Number of cylinders	4 in line
Bore	87.5 mm
Stroke	94.0 mm
Swept Volume	2261 cc
Compression ratio	12.0:1
Maximum power (DIN)	260PS / 192kW @ 7500rpm
Maximum torque	200lb/ft / 272Nm @ 6200rpm
Fuel requirement	Unleaded Gasoline - 97RON / (95RON minimum)
Induction System	Caterham Roller-Barrel port throttles
Cylinder Head	Ported, Matched, Machined Combustion Chambers
	Light Weight Cam Cover.
Camshafts	Cosworth Profile, High Lift Uprated Valve Springs
Spark plugs	NGK BR7EFS
Pistons	Cosworth Forged
Connecting Rods	Bespoke High Strength Steel
Lubrication	Internal, Twin Scavenge Pumps
	Combined Bellhousing, Oil Tank and Oil-air Separator tower
Exhaust	Equal Length 4-1 Stainless Steel Manifold Performance Catalyst 5” Diameter Silencer, Side Exit.
Engine Management	MBE ECU with Caterham-Cosworth Developed Calibration and Data Logging.

Transmission:

Forward speeds:		6 – Manual Selection
Ratios -	1 st	2.69:1
	2 nd	2.01:1
	3 rd	1.59:1
	4 th	1.32:1
	5 th	1.13:1
	6 th	1.00:1
	Reverse	2.96:1
	Clutch actuation	Hydraulic
	Final drive ratio	3.38:1

Suspension:

Front -	Independent Double Aerofoil section Wishbones
	Pushrod actuated, inboard mounted, coil over spring-damper units
	Anti-roll bar
	Adjustability: Ride Height, Camber, Caster, Toe, Bump Steer, Roll Bar

Rear -	Independent Double Wishbone
	Coil Over spring-damper units
	Adjustability: Ride Height, Camber, Toe, Bump Steer

Brakes:

Two circuits, split front / rear, un-assisted, no ABS

Front -	Calliper	4-piston Cast Aluminium Alloy
	Disc	254 mm, Vented
Rear -	Calliper	Single Piston Aluminium Alloy,
		Integral Parking Brake.
	Disc	254mm, Solid

Steering:

Unassisted bespoke rack & pinion, 2 turns lock-to-lock.

Wheels and Tyres:

Front -	Wheels -	15” x 6.5J 10-Spoke Aluminium alloy – Anthracite Finish
	Tyres -	195/45 R15 Avon CR500

Rear -	Wheels -	15” X 9.0J 10-Spoke Aluminium alloy – Anthracite Finish
	Tyres -	245/40 R15 Avon CR500

Dimensions:

Wheelbase	2300 mm
Front track	1490 mm
Rear track	1465 mm
Overall length	3300 mm
Overall width	1740 mm
Overall height (hood up)	1140 mm
Overall height (hood down)	1115 mm
Ground clearance	85 mm
Turning circle (between kerbs)	11 m

Fluid Capacities:

Fuel tank	41 Litres
Engine oil (inc filter)	5 Litres

CSR260 SUPERLIGHT OPTIONS

Track Options	Option Price	Weight Penalty/Reduction
Battery Master Switch	£100	N/A
Hand Held Fire Extinguisher	£53.46	+1KG
Dry Sump Lubrication System	£1000	+11KG
Track Day Roll Over Bar	£175	+3.94KG

Road Options	Option Price	Weight Penalty/Reduction
Full Windscreen & Weather Equipment	£855	+14.4KG
Heater	£250	+3.9KG
Leather Seats	£250	+10.8KG
Spare Wheel (Including Carrier)	£325	+11.5KG

Individual Options	Option Price	Weight Penalty/Reduction
Race Filler Cap	£80	N/A
Tonneau Cover	£125	+1.6KG
Carbon Fibre Seats	£940	-3.2KG
15” Wheel and CR500 Tyres	£100	N/A
Standard Non-Metallic Paint	From £795	+2.5KG