For This is the fastest Caterham you can buy, and although it's similar to other Superlight models the R500 is one step closer to being a fully blown racecar. With 500bhp per tonne it will go from 0-60mph in 2.88secs, as long as you've got the guts to wring all 263bhp out of the engine. Every component has been honed to add performance, and there are only a few options to add if you've got any spare cash.
Against This is a no-compromise car, with a price tag to match. Forget quiet Sunday drives - this is a frenetic track car, that's not for the faint-hearted. There's no traction control or ABS to stop you from making a mistake, and with all that power on tap in a rear-wheel drive car you'll need to be careful in less that perfect conditions. Forget any creature comforts, or protection from the elements. It's also not available with the wider SV chassis.
What Car? says
Although there are more expensive models available the R500 is officially the fastest Caterham you can buy. The price reflects the time and effort taken to strip the car back to the bare essentials, and extract so much power from the 2.0-litre engine. Running costs will be high, and it probably won't hold onto its value as well as less-potent models. You may also find that lesser models offer better value.
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View the whole Caterham Seven Superlight/R Open range
Cheaper
-
Open 1.6 Sigma 150 2dr
£26,800 -
Open 1.6 Sigma 150 SV 2dr
£28,800 -
Open 2.0 Duratec R300 2dr
£30,000 -
Open 2.0 Duratec R300 SV 2dr
£32,000 -
Open 2.0 Duratec R400 2dr
£34,300 -
Open 2.0 Duratec R400 SV 2dr
£36,300 -
Open 2.0 Duratec R500 2dr
£41,000 -
Open 2.0 Duratec R500 SV 2dr
£43,000
More expensive
-
Open 1.6 Sigma 150 2dr
£26,800 -
Open 1.6 Sigma 150 SV 2dr
£28,800 -
Open 2.0 Duratec R300 2dr
£30,000 -
Open 2.0 Duratec R300 SV 2dr
£32,000 -
Open 2.0 Duratec R400 2dr
£34,300 -
Open 2.0 Duratec R400 SV 2dr
£36,300 -
Open 2.0 Duratec R500 2dr
£41,000 -
Open 2.0 Duratec R500 SV 2dr
£43,000
Buyer's notes
Target Price team says:
The entry-level cars are a little too basic, so it's better to look at the mid-range models. You can select from a wide range of options to personalise your car, but don't go mad, or you'll end up spending a fortune.
The fire-breathing high performance models are road legal, but are ideally suited to smooth race tracks - so aren't at their best on some of the UK's poor-quality roads.
A garage for storage is essential, as a Caterham exposed to the elements will look tatty quickly. You can elect to build the car yourself, however this will take time and you'll need the facilities, tools and skill to do the job properly.
Seven Superlight/R rivals
Seven Superlight/R used rivals
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