Despite the recent decline in car sales and consumer spending, all of the ?115,000 plus Caterham-based Levante supercars scheduled for production have been sold.
Launched in Spring 2008, the Levante is the most powerful production Caterham ever, with only eight being hand-built by Hertfordshire-based RS Performance in association with Caterham Cars.
The Levante boasts RS Performance's unique, in-house designed supercharged 500+bhp 2.4 litre V8 engine, housed in a modified version of the lightweight Caterham SV chassis. With close to 1000bhp-per-tonne, the figure is nearly double that of the Bugatti Veyron.
With its modern and aggressive interpretation of the Seven's classic looks, the Levante possesses a sophisticated electronics package, including traction and launch control, to allow drivers to get the most from the incredible machine.
All new owners of Caterham RS models are required to attend a two-day advanced driving course on delivery of their machines.
Caterham sales & marketing director, Andy Noble, commented: 'The fact that all eight Levantes have been sold so quickly comes as no surprise. Over the last 51 years, the Seven has created and met the demand for those searching for the purest form of driving available. For drivers looking for the ultimate, the Levante facilitates that by taking Colin Chapman?s original design to a staggering new level.'
In parallel to the success of the Caterham RS Levante, Caterham Cars enjoyed one of its best ever sales periods this summer thanks to the arrival of the critically acclaimed Superlight R500 and the expansion of the Academy race series from two to three grids for the 2009 season.
RS Performance 'Levante' Technical Specification
Price
115,000 (dependent on specification)
Chassis
Caterham SV
Engine
2.4-litre, 40-valve RST-V8 supercharged
Max Power
500+bhp @ 10,000rpm
Max Torque
300 lbsft @ 8500rpm
Supercharge boost
0.8 psi
Gearbox
6-speed sequential, paddle shift option
TransmissionLSD
0-60mph (claimed)Less than 3 seconds
Top Speed
150mph (limited)
Wheelbase
2305mm
Overall length
3530mm
Overall width
1685mm
Height
1140mm
Weight
From 520kgs
Suspension
Front; FreeStyle, Rear; de Dion. Nitron 3-way adjustable shocks all corners
Wheels
Image Billet; front 8 x 15, rear 10 x 15
Tires
Avon CR500; front 195/45-15, rear 245/40-15
Brakes
Hi Spec; front 280mm vented, rear 260mm.
Exhaust system
BTB 2 x 4-2-1 rear exit
Dashboard
Farringdon and SPA design
Driver aids
Traction Control, Launch Control
Additional
Two day driver training course provided on delivery of vehicle