2007 Caterham Seven X330 Concept
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Price |
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Production |
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Engine |
2.3 liter inline-4 |
Weight |
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Aspiration |
supercharger |
Torque |
over 221 lb-ft @ 5500-7500 rpm | ||
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HP |
330 hp |
HP/Weight |
-- | ||
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HP/Liter |
143.5 hp per liter |
1/4 mile |
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0-62 mph |
-- |
Top Speed |
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(from Caterham Press
Release) Supercharged Seven is the most powerful Caterham ever
To celebrate its 50th anniversary, Caterham has unveiled the most
powerful Seven ever; the X330 – a one-off supercharged model
boasting a mind-boggling power-to-weight ratio of 600bhp per tonne.
The stealthy, matt black concept is based around the range-topping
CSR Superlight, but the addition of a supercharger to the
four-cylinder 2.3 litre Ford Duratec engine increases power
massively from 260 to 330bhp – as the name suggests.
That means the X330’s equivalent power-to-weight ratio puts it ahead
of the Bugatti Veyron (521bhp per tonne) and the McLaren F1
(559bhp).
The near 35% power hike is achieved by a Rotrex C30-94 supercharger,
which provides a boost characteristic that rises linearly with
engine speed. In other words, although the X330’s punch is greater
at higher revs and speed, low-speed driveability isn't compromised
thanks to an exceptional torque curve with over 221 lb-ft from 5500
to 7500rpm – 20 lb-ft more than the CSR260.
As the X330 is an engineering test bed it is envisaged that some of
the concepts will eventually find their way into production. To
begin with the X330 will spearhead the British firm’s R&D into
bioethanol power in the coming months as it seeks to assess the
viability of alternative fuel sources in road and race applications
and cement a further 50 years of history for the legendary Seven.
In keeping with the Seven ethos of ‘adding lightness’, the extremity
of the X330 doesn’t stop at moving parts. Lighter gauge steel is
used in the trellis-style chassis and the use of new lightweight
wheels together with an abundant use of carbon fibre for the
bodywork all adds to the stealth appearance of this perfect 50th
birthday present.
For further information, visit Caterham’s new website
www.caterham.co.uk