Caterham Superlight Twenty Special Edition Debuts at Goodwood

-Like the Lotus 7 that inspired it, the Caterham 7 has always embraced lightness as its defining characteristic. For evidence of this trait, one needs to look no further than the Caterham 7 Superlight that debuted back in 1996. One of Caterham’s most sought-after models, the original Superlight ended production in 2004 after only about 200 units were produced, leaving, as they say in show business, the crowd wanting more. Now, in celebration of the twentieth anniversary of the original, the maker has announced the Superlight Twenty, a Series 3–based 7 that channels the spirit and purpose of the Superlight.

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Launched at the annual Goodwood Revival, the Superlight Twenty is powered by a 135-hp 1.6-liter Ford four-cylinder Sigma engine with a lightweight flywheel, a close-ratio six-speed, and a limited-slip rear differential. Thirteen-inch Apollo wheels shod with 175/55 Avon CR500 tires put the power to the pavement. Caterham says that although it’s far from the fastest 7 ever built, the Superlight Twenty will hit 60 mph in 4.9 seconds and reach a top speed of 122 mph while providing the ultimate all-around visceral driving performance.

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Weight-savings measures include carbon-fiber fenders and nose cone as well as a low-profile windshield. As with the original Superlight, the body is finished in bare aluminum, the omission of paint said to save approximately 13 pounds.

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• Comparison Test: 2004 Caterham 7 Superlight R vs. Factory Five Racing Mark II Roadster, Honda S2000, Lotus Elise, Mazdaspeed Miata

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• Specialty File: 2008 Caterham 7 Superlight R400

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• Caterham Catering: British Sports Car Maker Inks U.S. Distribution Deal

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Interior accouterments include a quick-release MOMO steering wheel, a numbered dash plaque, unique gauges, a key and gear knob bearing the “Superlight Twenty” motif, carbon-fiber interior panels, and embroidered-carbon sports seats normally reserved for the 620R. Staying true to its minimalist roots, the only available options are weather equipment, a heater, and, rather sadly, paint—are we the only ones who think it looks best in its polished aluminum birthday suit?

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If you’d like to get a crack at experiencing the Superlight phenomenon firsthand, we suggest you move quickly, as Caterham is limiting production of the Superlight Twenty to, you guessed it, just 20 examples. Caterham is currently taking orders, although you’ll have to live in the U.K. to place one.

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