Caterham Seven Superlight R500
A featherweight, 520bhp-per-tonne track weapon that famously outpaced the Bugatti Veyron.
- Power
- 263 bhp
- 0–60 mph
- 2.9 s
- Top speed
- 150 mph
- Est. value
- $45k–$65k
About the Caterham Seven Superlight R500
Launched in 2008, the Superlight R500 replaced the Rover K-Series powered predecessor with a more robust 2.0-litre Ford Duratec engine. It remains one of the most iconic Sevens, celebrated for its extreme power-to-weight ratio and its victory as Top Gear's 2008 Car of the Year after beating the Bugatti Veyron's lap time. The car features extensive use of carbon fibre for the dash and wings, Kevlar race seats, and was the first production Caterham to offer a sequential gearbox option. Driving it is a raw, visceral experience defined by telepathic steering and relentless acceleration.
Caterham Seven Superlight R500 specs
The Caterham Seven Superlight R500 produces 263 bhp (196 kW) and 240 Nm (177 lb-ft) of torque. It reaches 60 mph in 2.9 seconds and has a top speed of 150 mph (241 km/h).
| Make | Caterham |
|---|---|
| Model | Seven Superlight R500 |
| Trim | 2.0 |
| Years | 2008–2014 |
| Type | Sports car |
| Body style | Roadster |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Production | About 174 built |
| Original price | About $73,000 when new |
| Engine | 2.0-litre Ford Duratec inline-four |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,999 cc (2.0 litres) |
| Induction | Naturally aspirated |
| Power | 263 bhp (196 kW) at 8,500 rpm |
| Torque | 240 Nm (177 lb-ft) |
| Redline | 8,600 rpm |
| 0–60 mph | 2.9 s |
| Top speed | 150 mph (241 km/h) |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual |
| Drivetrain | Rear-wheel drive |
| Weight | 506 kg (1,116 lb) |
| Power-to-weight | 520 bhp per tonne |
Typical figures for the standard car; options, markets and model years vary. Where our specs come from
How much is a Caterham Seven Superlight R500 worth?
A typical Caterham Seven Superlight R500 is estimated to be worth $45,000 – $65,000 (about £34,000 – £48,000).
Its original price when new was about $73,000.
Values are directional estimates for a typical example, not appraisals. Condition, mileage, history and specification all change what a real car is worth. Pound figures use the exchange rate of 3 November 2026. How values are estimated
Caterham Seven Superlight R500 rarity in CarSpot
The Caterham Seven Superlight R500 is a Unicorn card in CarSpot, with a rarity score of 100 out of 100. The rarest tier: hypercars, one-offs and cars built in tiny numbers, typically fewer than about 500. A Unicorn card is worth 320 XP.
Each model's tier starts from a 0–100 score based on its value plus its power or production numbers. Once enough players have spotted a model, how often it is spotted can move it up or down one tier. How CarSpot rarity works
Rarity is a collectible game mechanic, not an assessment of real-world scarcity or value.
Caterham Seven Superlight R500 fun facts
- The R500 famously lapped the Top Gear test track in 1:17.9, which was faster than the Bugatti Veyron 16.4.
- Only 174 units of this Duratec-powered R500 were produced before it was succeeded by the supercharged 620R.
- It features a unique 'Stack' instrument cluster and was the first Seven to introduce keyless ignition.