For Blistering performance and sublime handling make this one of the most accomplished Caterhams available. The 210bhp 2.0-litre engine provides rapid acceleration no matter what gear you're in, while the chassis has been stripped of all superfluous weight giving you a real racecar feel. High-performance extras like a six-speed gearbox and limited-slip differential come as standard. The wider SV chassis gives passengers a little more room inside.
Against Despite the hefty price tag, you don't get some of the sexier options, like a carbonfibre dashboard and front wings, as standard. Because it's a Superlight you can forget about a windscreen and weather equipment so a full face crash helmet is advisable. Even a heater is a cost option.
What Car? says
The R400 is one of the fastest Caterhams you can buy, and it’s a bit of a beast as a result. On a smooth racetrack it's remarkably quick, but on poor road surfaces it's tiring and sometimes hard to control. You're paying for the powerful engine and stripped out chassis, but unless you intend to drive like Schumacher all the time, you might find that less-potent models offer better value.
What Car? readers say
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Calculate equipment options
| Comfort | |
|---|---|
| Electric Sunroof | Not Available |
| Manual sunroof | Not Available |
| Air conditioning | Not Available |
| Cruise control | Not Available |
| Electric mirrors | Not Available |
| Heated mirrors | Not Available |
| Electric windows front | Not Available |
| Electric windows rear | Not Available |
| Seat height adjustment | Not Available |
| Climate Control | Not Available |
| Power Steering | Not Available |
| Steering adjustment reach | Not Available |
| Steering adjustment rake | Not Available |
| Power Seats | Not Available |
| Engine & Transmission | |
| Auto | Not Available |
| Entertainment | |
| Radio/Cassette | Not Available |
| RDS Radio/Cassette | Not Available |
| CD | Not Available |
| Multi CD | Not Available |
| Exterior | |
| Metallic paint | £1,480 |
| Alloy wheels | Standard |
| Interior | |
|---|---|
| Hands Free Phone Kit | Not Available |
| Satellite navigation | Not Available |
| Leather Seats | £300 |
| Split/fold seats | Not Available |
| Safety | |
| Passenger airbag | Not Available |
| Side airbags | Not Available |
| ABS | Not Available |
| 3 Point centre belt | Not Available |
| Driver's airbag | Not Available |
| Belt pretensioners | Not Available |
| Side Impact Bars | Not Available |
| Traction control | Not Available |
| Electronic stability programme | Not Available |
| Security | |
| Alarm | Not Available |
| Immobiliser | Standard |
| Deadlocks | Not Available |
| Central locking | Not Available |
| Remote locking | Not Available |
| Unique fit stereo | Not Available |
| Marked Parts | Not Available |
| Etched Windows | Not Available |
| Locking Wheel nuts | Not Available |
| Visible VIN | Not Available |
| Secure spare wheel | Not Available |
| Running costs | |
|---|---|
| Town mpg | |
| Out of town mpg | |
| Average mpg | |
| Tank capacity (litres) | |
| CO2 Rating (g/km) | 0 |
| Carbon offset cost | TBA |
| Green rating | |
| Insurance group | |
| Typical insurance | |
| % Value retained (3yrs/36000 miles) | |
| Typical contract hire | £0.00 |
| Pence per mile | 0 |
| Servicing costs - 3 years | £0.00 |
| Service intervals | 6000 |
| Warranty period | 1yr/12k + Paint + Perforation + Breakdown |
| Company car tax | |
|---|---|
| Percentage charge | TBA |
| Benefit in kind | TBA |
| Tax payable 20% | TBA |
| Tax payable 40% | TBA |
Performance and measurements
No schematics available
| Body type | Open |
| Number of doors | 2 |
| Number of seats | 2 |
| Fuel type | Unleaded |
| Max power (bhp/rpm) | 210/7800 |
| Pulling power (lb/ft) | 152 |
| Engine position | F |
| Driven wheels | Rear |
| Length (mm) | 3100 |
| Width (mm) | 1575 |
| Height (mm) | 990 |
| Kerb weight (kg) | 525 |
| Manufacturers figures | |
|---|---|
| 0-60 mph (secs) | 3.8 |
| Max speed (mph) | 140 |
| Euro NCAP Test Scores | |
|---|---|
| Adult protection | Unavailable |
| Child protection | Unavailable |
| Pedestrian protection | Unavailable |
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