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