Caterham X330 (from Blatchat)

[Sean-og]

A thread appeared on BC today about the Caterham X330 concept car unveiled at the 50th celebrations going on this weekend over there.

Here is the link to the Autocar article, shamelessly lifted from the above-mentioned thread:

http://www.autocar.co.uk/News/NewsArticle/AllCars/225910/

[Doug Liedblad]

I believe our own moosetestperson is over there for the event.

Perhaps he will post a report upon his return.

Doug

[JohnCh]

I once drove a Caterham with 262hp. The acceleration was beyond description. I can't imagine what a 25% increase in power would feel like. Yikes!!

-John

[Elv15]

Hmm. I wonder what supercharger setup they are using? The pics did not show the engine at all. :(

I also wonder how much lighter it is than the stock version? Surely there is not a whole lot of weight to be shed?

[Sean-og]

Hola Tom

Some photos of the engine here: http://good-times.webshots.com/album/559284820BRsWZh
No doubt more will appear in links on Blatchat in the next few days...

[Elv15]

Sean, Good spotting! Whatever supercharger they are using it must be pretty small. It also does not look like they are using an intercooler. The choice of a dry sump is interesting too. I suspect there is not a lot of clearance under this motor.

...lots of carbon bits though. They must have one heck of a contract with Banner Batteries - they are spending thousands on carbon bits and still have that huge lead acid battery!!

[moosetestbestanden]

Yeah, I saw it. It made a hell of a noise.

I'll post some pics of it and other cool stuff when I have time later today or this evening. I'll start a new thread I think.

[Elv15]

Hi Chris,

Hope you are having a great time! Yes, please post pics! :D

[moosetestbestanden]

OK, as promised:

http://home.roadrunner.com/~chris.carter4/images/X330-1.jpg

http://home.roadrunner.com/~chris.carter4/images/X330-2.jpg

The blower is sitting just under the vertical air filter thing-e-o similar to Magnus' (former) air cleaner. (sorry about the focus - beer n jet lag shaky cam you see).

I have to admit that the FB chassis is looking pretty mean. And the car just flew, as judged by the sound of it howling around the track.

There was another car there that is the property of a Dartford employee that he's building custom. He reckoned he'd have the weight down to about 520 kilos +/-, w/ a 260 horse Duratec. Unfortunately, I only shot a single photo of it, and that only of the front wing (and aero winglet) for Jon.