Caterham and Russel Savory produce a V8 Seven
Wednesday March 19, 2008
Caterham's first production V8 has been released, produced in conjunction with engine developer Russel Savory.
The Caterham Seven RST-V8 features a lightweight 40 valve V8 engine. In standard form, the RST-V8 produces 380 bhp at 10 000 rpm, and when fitted with a supercharger, this bumps the power up to 500 bhp at the same 10 000 rpm. In a body as light as the Seven, the Caterham Seven RST-V8 Levante endows the Caterham with a monumental 961.54 bhp/ton (Carfolio.com calculated figure). By way of comparison, a Bugatti Veyron has a power to weight ratio of 522.78 bhp/ton (also a Carfolio.com calculated figure).
Extensive use of carbon fibre and Kevlar helps keep the weight of the RST-V8 down to an anorexic 520 kg. The RS Performance V8 engine only weighs 90 kg.
Caterham do not make a specific claim for the acceleration of the Levante, but says it will hit 60 mph from rest in under 3 seconds. Top speed is limited to 150 mph (241 km/h). A 6 speed manual gearbox handles the power through the rear wheels. Electronic traction and launch control will help the driver tame all this power.
The supercharged Levante will cost about £115 000 and will have a 12 week waiting time.
The Caterham Seven RST-V8 features a lightweight 40 valve V8 engine. In standard form, the RST-V8 produces 380 bhp at 10 000 rpm, and when fitted with a supercharger, this bumps the power up to 500 bhp at the same 10 000 rpm. In a body as light as the Seven, the Caterham Seven RST-V8 Levante endows the Caterham with a monumental 961.54 bhp/ton (Carfolio.com calculated figure). By way of comparison, a Bugatti Veyron has a power to weight ratio of 522.78 bhp/ton (also a Carfolio.com calculated figure).
Extensive use of carbon fibre and Kevlar helps keep the weight of the RST-V8 down to an anorexic 520 kg. The RS Performance V8 engine only weighs 90 kg.
Caterham do not make a specific claim for the acceleration of the Levante, but says it will hit 60 mph from rest in under 3 seconds. Top speed is limited to 150 mph (241 km/h). A 6 speed manual gearbox handles the power through the rear wheels. Electronic traction and launch control will help the driver tame all this power.
The supercharged Levante will cost about £115 000 and will have a 12 week waiting time.
