Caterham C400 Hits the Track

04 December 2005

Caterham's newest track challenger, the Cosworth-powered C400, has broken cover. The new machine, which features a 2-litre Ford Duratec engine boasting 220 bhp, is currently undergoing a comprehensive test and development programme - and is delighting engineers and test drivers with its impressive blend of performance, reliability and driveability.

The new car, which is based on the successful R400 chassis, has already completed hundreds of laps at circuits across the UK under the watchful gaze of Caterham's development partner Minister Racing Engines. Eurocup and UK Caterham Challenge frontrunner Ben Dezille Butler has undertaken much of the development driving and is impressed.

"Although the test and development programme is not yet complete, the new car has demonstrated that it is significantly quicker," says Ben. "You really notice the extra torque out of the corners and on a long straight the C400's extra power means you can change gear earlier and achieve a higher top speed."
Minister boss Graham Fuller said: "We are very pleased with the way the test programme is going, although we have been occasionally frustrated by the weather. Our testing is on-going and we hope to complete it before Christmas."

Project management of the new car is being overseen by Caterham Cars director of motorsport Magnus Laird, who said: "The combination of the tried and tested R400 chassis and this potent and compact Cosworth engine is proving to be the most fantastic package - a really worthy successor to the R400."
The new engine develops 220bhp - 20bhp more than the K-Series unit of the existing R400 model. Caterham Cars engineering director Jez Coates said: "The larger capacity of the Cosworth engine means that it has a much greater tolerance of high temperatures and the sort of punishment it will face on the race track. The unit has just successfully undergone a 50-hour durability test at Cosworth."

The C400 will next season share UK Caterham Challenge and Eurocup grids with the outgoing R400 model. Several orders have already been received for new cars from Roadsport Challenge drivers wishing to progress up the Caterham racing ladder, and Caterham is also experiencing keen interest in kits to convert R400s to C400 specification.

Backers for Caterham Motorsport's UK and European race series include Arch Motors, Autosport, Bilstein, Brian James Trailers, Comma, Cosworth, Cooper-Avon Tyres, evo, HSBC Insurance Brokers, Mitchell Cotts, Motorsport News, PTP and Stack.

Caterham C400 technical specification

Engine
2.0-litre Cosworth aluminium alloy
Ported cylinder head
12.0:1 compression ratio
Mechanical tappets, double overhead cam, 16 valves
Cosworth roller barrel induction system
Cosworth internal twin scavenge dry sump system
MBE967 engine management system
4 into 1 side-exit exhaust system with 175mm dia silencer
Maximum power
220bhp@7800rpm
Maximum torque
160lb ft@6500rpm

Transmission
Caterham six-speed manual

Brakes
Front/rear, 228mm solid disc
254mm vented discs optional

Suspension
Front, independent, twin wishbones, anti-roll bar, race-spec Bilstein dampers
Rear, de Dion, lower A frame, upper Watts linkage or upper radius arms, adjustable anti-roll bar, race-spec Bilstein dampers

Tyres
Front, 175/55 R13, Avon CR500 treaded race tyres
Rear, 205/55 R13, Avon CR500 treaded race tyres

Safety equipment
Six-point race harness, plumbed-in fire extinguisher, honeycomb boot floor panel, side-impact protection system

Dimensions
Wheelbase, 2225mm
Front track, 1336mm
Rear track, 1336mm
Minimum weight :
Car without driver, 525kg
Car with driver, 615kg

See series calendars for all 2006 Caterham Championships

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