All new Caterham-Lola racer and latest generation Mercedes SLK ...
Yesterday, at the Autosport International Show in Birmingham's NEC, Caterham launched the company's first all new model in decades. Developed together with compatriots Lola, the new machine is dubbed the Caterham-Lola SP/300.R. The mid-engined sports prototype is intended for a one-make series or track-day enthusiasts. Power comes from a Caterham modified version of the Ford's Duratec four-cylinder engine. Fitted with a supercharger, it produces around 300 bhp and an additional 30 bhp can be summoned by a 'push-to-pass' button. Its aluminium-honeycomb monocoque chassis was developed by Lola and shares its suspension, wheels and tyres with Lola's Formula 3 car. The potent package is clothed in a polyurethane body that has benefitted from time in the Lola wind-tunnel. Obviously, the SP/300.R looks nothing like the familiar Caterhams, with the exception of the Seven's grille-shape found under the raised nose. At 545 kg the car is extremely light and fully in keeping with Caterham's philosophy. Thanks to the favourable power-to-weight ratio, the small sports racer can reach 60 mph in a staggering 2.5 seconds and can accelerate on to nearly 300 km/h depending on the length of the straight.
Only 25 examples of the SP/300.R will be built per year and they are very reasonably priced at just £60,000 excluding local taxes.
It's apparently summer already in Stuttgart as Mercedes-Benz have released the first pictures of the latest generation SLK. Among the many tricks on the new two-seater is the optional 'Magic Sky Control', which allows the passengers to adjust the transparency of the panoramic 'vario-roof'. Also available is the 'Airscarf' system, which is a heating system placed on the neck-level. So, actually, summer weather is not really needed to enjoy the SLK with the roof down. The most potent version available at the launch is the SLK 350, which features a 306 bhp V6 engine.
Enjoy the links:
2011 Caterham-Lola SP/300.R - Images, Specifications and Information
2011 Mercedes-Benz SLK 350 - Images, Specifications and Information
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