EVO 123 chooses the Caterham R500

[Alaskossie]

The latest issue of EVO (No. 123, Nov. 2008) drove the KTM X-Box (est. 300 turbo hp), the Ariel Atom (300 supercharged hp), Lotus 2-Eleven (252 supercharged hp) and the Caterham R500 (263 naturally-aspirated hp) on a fast road course in North Wales. They pronounced the R500 as "most ably living up to the best-of-all-worlds ideal" of speed, handling, and practicality. Interestingly, it was the only "old-fashioned" chassis layout of the four, with its front engine/rear drive.

 

There is a degree of predictability there, not found in its competitors.

 

Alaskossie

[pi7ot]

If the R500 was wearing R comps and alignment geometry was set up for Rcomps, I think it would have had the best lap time also. I reckon that a set of Rcomps would have allowed it to overcome the 211's ABS (confidence factor) and bleed speed more quickly.

 

That particular Atom seemed to be set up poorly. I've seen them have a much better balance on the track. Must be the same Mule that the Drivers Republic used for their comparo.

 

Even if the seven was the slowest with Rcomps, it would be my choice.

 

I would not pick the Atom, and would pick a boggo Elise over the 211.

 

The drive to the track , kick butt and drive home concept has always appealed to me.

 

m