Caterham Superlight R300 test

Caterham R300 Superlight
At Maxi Test we’re always on the lookout for unique drives. Cars apart from the rest and we couldn’t turn down the chance to get behind the wheel of this Caterham R300 Super Light with it’s oh so distinctive look.



This low slung British sports car is as efficient as you like. Built for the track, the R300 Super Light has all it needs to be a proper racer. Tubular chassis, fibreglass bodywork, double wishbone suspension with a Bilstien shock.



The interior continues the competition theme with bucket seats, a small steering wheel and only the essential gauges. While this car was built for the circuit; it is street legal…with its head lights and silencer.

Under the bonnet is a 2-itre, 16-valve Duratec Ford engine developing 175 brake horsepower at 7000 rpm. At 515 kilograms, the Super Light has a power to weight ratio of 339bhp per metric ton…now the time has come to find out what it can do, but first you have to figure out the best way to slide into the rather small driver’s seat.


First thing you’ll notice is how small the gas peddle is and how close the rest of the peddles are to one another. Once you’ve figured it all out you can pick up the speed and start to enjoy the Super Light. Its feather like weight translates into an impressive naught to 100km/h in just 4.5 seconds.

The R300 has a very low centre of gravity. Sitting this close to the road surface is an instant rush, made even more impressive by its immaculate road handling, well aided by its grooved slick tyres.


As you can imagine, this Caterham blasts through the corners; but if you over do it, the R300 will step out without notice and can become quite a handful to control. And while sitting over the rear axle is as good a thrill ride as you’re going to get, there’s little room for error.

The Super Light comes with a short six-speed manual gearbox, which is smooth as silk going up the gears but requires a deft hand and near perfect timing when down shifting.



The brakes are a model of efficiency…the rear wheels come with auto-blocking, which allows you to stay on line if you happen to over use them.


To sum up, the R300 Super Light is a new radical and ultra-sporty element in the Caterham family. It even has its very own racing series for experienced and amateur drivers alike to battle for a reasonable outlay. Between €44 and 46,000 depending on options, the R300 Super Light can be raced then driven home.