Car: Caterham Superlight R300
Prices: £24,995 in component form and £27,995 factory built
Insurance Group: 20
Performance: Max Speed 140mph / 0-60mph 4.5s
Fuel Consumption: (combined) 27.5mpg [est]
Dimensions: Length/Width/Height mm 3100/1575/800mm
Super Performance for a True Enthusiast
Our Rating: No Rating Available
Over the years car enthusiasts have battled each other over what owning and driving a Caterham machine is really about. Some argue that the Caterham cars are simply the only car to own if you like pure racing machines. Many consider them to be cars that were built to drive like a race car. Others will argue that the only people who buy and drive a Caterham are people looking to overly state their manhood.
Most of the people who fall on the side of arguing that these cars are only about overly stating your manhood have never driven any of the Caterham cars. Nor would they be able to drive one. Once a person sits down and drives a car like the Caterham Superlight R300 they understand that this car gives you ability both own a car that is pure racing gold and also boost about your manhood.
You won't be overly stating your manhood though because, to be rather frank, this car is only for people with the backbone to take a turn near or at full throttle. This car is for the person who has no qualms sitting in a windshield free car, strapping on a helmet and goggles and driving at speeds upwards of 140mph. A windshield is an option for those of you who feel you need one.
The R300 weighs in at less than 1,200 pounds and boosts a supreme Ford Zetec engine that delivers 175bhp under the hood. This combination allows the car to accelerate from the line 0-60 in less than 4.5 seconds. With the power of the engine and the lightweight of the overall vehicle the power to weight ratio tops out at around 339bhp. That ratio is better than the seemingly miniscule 292bhp that the Ferrari 360 Modena puts out. Don't adjust your screen that number is completely accurate and not overstated.
Once you bolt off the line and get your mind focused on steering you will be delighted at how responsive the wheel as you watch for yourself as the front wheels move with your hands and the car sticks the road. Even when driving 50mph you will feel like you are driving 100mph.
The R300 can be bought as a kit to build yourself or you can get it full assembled. The kit will run you around $39,000 while the factory assembled R300 will run you closer to $45000. I personally wouldn't be able to contain myself if I could buy the R300 I would get it fully assembled. You get to use it faster and you also make sure everything is done just right. The last thing you want is a bolt wiggling loose while you are leaving your friend's $100,000 show cars in the dust.
The only drawback to owning a R300 is that it really isn't practical for everyday living. Sure there might be some folks who have this as their only car, but those are folks who really are just trying to overstate their manhood. Let's be serious you don't buy this car to run the kids to the grocery store. The R300 is bought to be driven and driven fast.