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THE NEW CATERHAM R500……HARDER, BETTER, FASTER, STRONGER.

For those really serious about their driving, the famous supercar-slaying R500 moniker is back with the arrival of the all-new Caterham Seven Superlight R500.

The latest model from the British sportscar manufacturer takes the minimalist, lightweight Seven philosophy to a new level with more power, sharper handling and for those venturing on track the option of launch control and the Caterham Motorsport engineered sequential gearbox.

Weighing just 506kg and producing 263bhp, R500 is the most potent race-tuned production Seven yet.

The Series Three chassis flagship model blasts out 520bhp-per-tonne and is capable of propelling itself from 0-60mph in 2.88 seconds, delivering a pure adrenalin fix for those committed enough to strap themselves into the Kevlar® race seats.

The original R500 was legendary, with the old Rover K-series powered machine rewriting performance records for 0-60mph and 0-100-0mph times. This new variant has been equipped to supersede its predecessor by embracing the very latest in lightweight engineering techniques and technology.

Lurking under the lightened bonnet is the all-alloy 2.0 litre Ford Duratec engine. Fed by its roller barrel throttle bodies, the normally aspirated, four-cylinder mill is tuned by Caterham Powertrain (CPT) to unleash a monster; 263bhp with a heaving 177 lb-ft of torque transmitted to the rear wheels. The relentless acceleration is transmitted through each ratio by either the standard 6-speed gearbox or the optional Caterham Motorsport engineered sequential transmission.

To help reign in such extreme performance are race-developed Avon CR500 tyres and a suspension set-up that includes weight saving aero wishbones and fully adjustable dampers. Bringing things ferociously to a halt are four-piston calipers clamping on vented discs at the front and lightweight twin piston rear calipers.

Performance upgrades for the R500 aimed squarely at the track day market include a sequential transmission, launch control, a gulping Carbon Induction Airbox and Eibach Springs and dampers derived from the Caterham C400 race series.

The R500 isn’t just about big performance statistics though; refinements and Seven firsts feature throughout and help distinguish it from its stablemates.

In true Colin Chapman spirit, engineers sought to add lightness to the chassis in order to improve the overall performance.

To shed a massive 9kg from the already featherlight chassis utilised by the R400, Caterham left no bolt unscrewed - more carbon and Kevlar feature than previously, thinner body panels have been utilised right through to aluminium rear light housings.

Discreet exterior styling tweaks carried over from the flagship CSR models offer both form and function - the carbon winglets increasing downforce and the cat’s tongue grill aiding cooling and aerodynamics. A carbon leather boot cover and clear rear lights are also new.

Housed within the revised chassis is keyless ignition, a quick-release Momo steering wheel with integrated indicator switches and an innovative dashboard featuring flush fitted switchgear, ACES sequential gear change lights and a new Stack display with scrolling text. The carbon dash is also finished with a detailed engraved plaque to show each car’s number.

On sale immediately, the factory built Superlight R500 starts at £36,995,

For more information visit www.caterham.co.uk or call 01883 333 700 (South) or 01455 841 616 (Midlands) ENDS.

Caterham R500 - 0-60mph in 2.9 seconds! Not hairy, just lairy! I can't wait to drive this one...

Last weekend’s Detling show marked…..the kitcar show debut of Speedwell Replica Cars based in Maidstone, Kent, who are importing the superb RCR GT40 replica from America.

Run by enthusiast Terry Hennebery, Speedwell can also undertake builds of Cobra replicas and offer a service and maintenance package, too. More details weill be available soon.

More from www.speedwell-replicacars.com or 01622 725 776 ENDS.

RCR 40 from new UK importers, Speedwell Replica Cars, made its debut at Detling last weekend.

Tiger Racing were at Detling last weekend……..with the debut of their new ZR6, roadgoing version of their gorgeous aluminium series of cars.

Power comes from a 2-litre Duratec pepped-up with the addition of fiendish Rotrex supercharger, which Tiger-boss, Jim Dudley, expects to result in a 250bhp pay-day!

Fully built, the ZR6 costs from £25,000 with comprehensive kits expected to be around the £19,000 mark.

The aluminium bodies are crafted in-house at Tiger’s Thorney Toll HQ and with the car weighing in at just 590kg, performance is going to be, shall we say, spirited!

More from www.tigerracing.co.uk or 01733 849 32801ENDS.   

Tiger's aluminium-bodied road-going ZR6 is ultra-cool.

As we mentioned last week……the hugely under-rated Racecorp/Eldon/Razer was due for launch at last weekend’s Detling show, now under the control of Crawley-based, Razor Sportscars…

Well, the nicely presented demonstrator duly made it to the show, being finally finished at 9pm on eve of the show!

According to Razor-boss, Andrew Bause, the shiny red demo car was well-received with lots of interest and even orders taken at the show. More on this one soon, as we have the EXCLUSIVE…

More from www.razor-sportscars.co.uk or 01293 537 664 ENDS.

No, it's not the Eldon. It's the new Razor.

Hawk Cars Ltd have announced………that they are the UK distributor’s for a special high quality tool, designed and made in Germany, to remove and replace the Tri Wing Knock on Spinners used with Halibrand wheels fitted to AC Cobras and similar vehicles.

The tool accepts a 1in drive ratchet, (1in to ¾in adaptors are available) which can be fitted with an extension handle to make it even easier to use.

Those of you who have used the mighty copper mallet in the past, will know how easy it can be to accidently knock the rim, or even the expensive bodywork.

The tool is priced at £240.88 inc VAT plus carriage, which is a lot less expensive than repairing your damaged bodywork.

Call Gerry Hawkridge on 01892 750 341 for more info or visit www.hawkcars.co.uk ENDS.

Hawk Cars are importing a 'spinner' puller ideal for Cobra replicas - and real ones - fitted with spinners.

Lovely new lightweight…………billet alloy fuel filler cap comes from Car Builder Solutions and is available in anodised black or anodised natural.

It’s a superb CNC’d one-piece flange-and-neck with a screw-in threaded cap and weighs in at just 207gm and is supplied with a cork gasket and stainless fasteners.

The cap retails for £81.09 inc VAT.

More from www.carbuildersolutions.co.uk or 01580 891 309 ENDS.

Lovely anodised fuel filler cap from Car Builder Solutions.

Another first from Road Angel…………get real time safety camera information, no wires, no PC, no hassle!

Users of safety camera and blackspot alert devices have been crying out for a device they don’t have to plug into a computer to download data updates – and finally, it’s here!

The Road Angel Professional Connected is the world’s first dedicated safety camera and blackspot alert device that uses mobile phone technology to wirelessly download updates on safety camera and blackspot locations as you drive – there is never any need to plug it into a PC!

Graham Mackie, Managing Director of Road Angel Group said, “We developed the Road Angel Professional Connected in direct response to our customers’ needs. The most common feedback our customers have about our products is that they don’t want the hassle of plugging their device into a PC every few days to download the latest safety camera and blackspot updates. The Road Angel Professional Connected eliminates the need for the user to ever plug it into a PC, and maximises their driving safety by ensuring they have 100% accurate information, 100% of the time. This includes average speed zones, such as major roadworks and live camera vans using our camera share technology”. 

It’s not only the Connected functionality that is new about Road Angel’s latest dedicated safety camera and blackspot locator. It has a bright and easy to read 2½in full colour TFT LCD screen, with colours that are customisable to the users taste to suit a range of premium interior dashboards. It also comes with two remote controls so there is no more need to stretch across the dashboard to change settings or mute alerts. 

The Road Angel Professional Connected is the latest addition to the Road Angel Connected family, joining the Navigator 9000 launched in June 2007. The Road Angel Connected family utilise built in SIM cards and the Orange™ mobile phone network to receive data updates. Data is sent every few seconds ensuring that the content is always up to date. 

The Road Angel Connected family have the unique ‘Camera Share’ feature, which allows drivers to send and receive ‘live’ locations of Mobile Safety Camera Vans. By pressing the ‘Set-Live’ or ‘Store’ button on a Road Angel Connected device, the GPS location of the Safety Camera Van is sent to a central database and relayed to the whole Road Angel Connected community. A ‘live’ alert will show when approaching a ‘live’ Safety Camera Van location, for a period of two hours after the button is pressed.

The other unique feature of Road Angel’s Connected products is the ability to track the devices via a secure web-based portal. This can benefit both private motorists and business users as it reports on all journeys, and also allows friends, family and emergency services to pin point your location.

Combining Road Angel Safety alerts (the UK’s No. 1 safety camera and blackspot alert system), with automatic data updates as you drive via GPRS/GSM Connected technology, makes the Road Angel Professional Connected the UK’s most innovative dedicated safety camera and blackspot alert device. 

There is also a non-connected version simply called the Road Angel Professional, and does not benefit from tracking or automatic updates, meaning connection to a PC is required for data updates.

The Road Angel Professional Connected retails at £299.99 inc. VAT

More from www.roadangelgroup.com ENDS.

Road Angel Navigator Connected. Another level.

Great British Sportscars will be…………throwing open the doors to their extensive new premises this summer and are aiming to gather as many Robin Hoods in one place at one time…

The date is yet to be announced but you’ll read about it here.

An image of Great British Sportscars' imposing new factory. They'll be atempting to fill this space up with hundreds of Robin Hoods in the summer...

The company have also announced a new stainless steel body panel option for the Zero, which costs £350 extra in lieu of the standard aluminium.

In the meantime, contact Ian or Richard on 01623 860 990 or via www.greatbritishsportscars.co.uk ENDS.

Stainless Steel body panels now available from GBS, add £350 to the cost of the kit.

Having seen the excellent car lifts…………….supplied by Strongman Tools at last weekend’s Detling show I reckon they are absolutely ideal for kitcar enthusiasts. All appear well-made and superb in situations where space is tight.

Oh, and they’re affordable too. The SL2800 Mobile Scissor lift can hoist up to 2800kg and up to a 1.2m height and costs just £1280.

To see this and Strongman’s other lifts visit www.strongmantools.co.uk or 08456 124 412 ENDS.

Just over £1200 would see this in your garage or workshop.

Japanese tyre giant TOYO TIRES……….announce the introduction of the new PROXES R888 SG Soft compound racing tyre. This new tyre has been specifically designed for use at sprints, hillclimb or short tarmac speed events.

Built on the immensely successful R888 casing design, this new tyre features a super soft compound mix for extra grip, short heat build-up and super responsive steering. As testimony to the performance potential of this new tyre, racegoers might be interested to know that this new tyre has already scored its first competitive success in 2007. The new PROXES R888 SG was the tyre of choice for Gary Thomas who won the 2007 Midland Speed Championship in his Lotus Elise.

Speaking of his experience with the new tyre Gary commented: “I was extremely pleased with the performance of the new R888 from TOYO. It felt sure, responsive and confident in all conditions and played a major part in my success last year.”

Jokingly, Gary then added “these tyres are so good, under no circumstances would I recommend anyone else in my class use these tyres.”

Alan Meaker, TOYO’s UK Motorsport Manager added: “The new PROXES R888 SG is an important addition to the R888 family. With this, we now have a tyre specifically designed for any form of tarmac speed events, which as many will observe, continue to increase in popularity. I’m confident that within a few short years this will be the tyre of choice for all such competitors, and as you have heard, has already brought out the true competitor in Gary!”

The PROXES R888 SG is offered for immediate sale in four sizes initially: 185/60 R13, 205/60 R13, 195/50 R15 and 205/50 R15, with two further sizes being available later on in 2008 - 225/45 R16 and 225/45ZR17.

They can be obtained from your local TOYO approved stockist or TOYO appointed Motorsport Dealer. More information is available from www.toyo.co.uk or e-mail motorsport@toyotyre.co.uk ENDS.

Soft 'SG' compound version of Toyo's Proxes R888 available in four sizes, NOW.

The stunning…….new Team Dynamics, hyper-modern, CITY, wheel has arrived, and is available in both gloss black with a diamond cut face and Hi-Power silver finishes. The sleek split-end spokes run right to the rim perimeter making the wheel look much larger than its actual size.

Available in 15in-18in sizes and primarily dual-drilled  behind the cap, which helps to reduce weight and broadens its stock profile. Black version is supplied with a fully machined aluminium cap.

More from www.rimstock.co.uk or 0121 555 6500 ENDS.

Sexy new wheel from Team Dynamics.

New from Car Builder Solutions…………….are these superb miniature indicators, which are about the size of a 50p piece, but are mega-bright courtesy of six amber LEDs.

The lens size is only 26mm x 29mm x 17mm with a depth of 17mm and fix through a single 6mm hole. They also come ‘E11-marked’ and until you turn them on you won’t know they are there and cost just £32.90 per pair inc VAT.

More from www.carbuildersolutions.co.uk or 01580 891 309 ENDS.

These new indicators from Car Builder Solutions may be small but boy, the LEDs give them BRIGHTNESS!

New audio unit is the affordable quick fix for sub-standard sound….Clarion's latest entry-level car audio offering has created the easiest excuse to upgrade your original fit equipment, fusing features and affordability in a clear case of less is more.

At just £79, the new Clarion DB188RMP radio/CD unit is aimed at audio fans wanting improved sound quality via a simple like-for-like replacement of their standard factory installed equipment.

The DB188RMP sports CD-R, CD-RW, MP3 and WMA file playback compatibility, with a front positioned 3.5mm mini jack AUX input that supports stand-alone media players.

To ensure the entry-level audio unit punches above its weight in the sound stakes, Clarion has added 4-by 50 watts of amplification, as well as Z-Enhancer and Magna BASS EX programmes to allow for greater sound customisation to suit individual taste.

The DB188RMP features a rotary volume control, whilst white LCD display, white button illumination, and blue face panel lighting ensure the unit looks as sharp as it sounds.

Part of the new line-up for 2008, the DB188RMP is priced at £79 and is available from specialist Clarion appointed dealers across the UK.  For more details call Clarion (GB) Ltd., on 01793 870400, or visit www.clarion.co.uk ENDS.

Clarion will help you upgrade your in-car entertainment...

DREMEL Big on Detail Set…………quality asks for Precision! Creative DIY and hobby enthusiasts will clamour to get their hands on the multipurpose DREMEL Big on Detail Set, currently available FREE with any purchase of a DREMEL Stylus Multitool.

Perfect for detailed projects such as changing mini screws in computers,

electronics and cameras - as well as holding and cutting wire - the DREMEL

Big on Detail Set will be the first thing you reach for when working with

materials where maximum precision is needed.

There is no job too small for the Big on Detail Set with five handy Cr-V pliers  to choose from including a combination plier for gripping and cutting, a diagonal cutting plier, a flat nose plier, a bent nose plier and a long nose plier. The kit also contains a stainless tweezer for gripping and placing tiny pieces, a quick change screwdriver holder and six double end precision screw drivers for most commonly used mini screws.

Each tool is made of high quality Cr-V so it remains rust free for better performance and ensuring that undertaking intricate work has never been easier.

Available all year, be sure to take advantage of this not-to-miss promotion while stocks last. The Big on Detail Set will become such a lifesaver that every household should have one.

Visit http://www.dremeleurope.com/gb/en/start/index.html to check your nearest store for availability of the promotion or to find out more information.  The DREMEL Stylus is priced at £59.99 ENDS.

Cracking bit of kit from Dremel.

MORE IMAGES FROM DETLING....

It's nearly complete - the Pilgrim Minotaur, taking shape, with first customer test drives scheduled doon.

Love the new AK Sportscars demo car, but then I love everything the guys do. Is that a lovely hardtop or what? This one packs a Supercharged Chevy 305ci, by the way!

I know I always say this, but each Beauford demo car is better than the last one!

Aeon's new GT3 Coupe features trick new doors with electric window operation.

Parallel Designs are better known for the Lamborghini replicas, but they've also produced a pleasing BMW E34-based Cobra replica.

As a bit of a hot-rodder on the quiet, I love to see rod kits, of which there ain't many. HRB brought their 34 Sedan and new Coupe body to Detling. Nice.