Caterham has taken the wraps off their new collaboration with Lola, the company’s first brand new model in 15 years.

Unveiled today at the Autosport International Show in Birmingham, UK, the Caterham-Lola SP/300.R will race in a new one-make series in 2012, a trackday special will follow and Caterham are said to be seriously considering a road legal version.

Powered by a supercharged version of Ford’s 2.0 Duratec engine and weighing under 600kg, Caterham claim a power-to-weight ration of 500bhp-per-tonne making a 0-60mph time of 2.5 seconds and a top speed of 170mph possible.

The 300.R uses a bespoke aluminium Lola chassis as well as fully adjustable race suspension which is a development of that used on Lola’s Formula 3 and World Junior race cars.

Lola’s involvement doesn’t end there, as the company used CFD data from Caterham to design the bodywork and aerodynamics which includes a large rear wing, F1 style raised nose section and a front spiltter. All of these have been designed to produce maximum downforce and efficiency.

The 300.R will sit at the top of the range with Caterham describing it as “a top end natural progression” for their customers.

Only 25 cars will be produced every year, each costing £60,000 minus local taxes.

Source: Autocar