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Catherham 2R astounds with 100 MPG

11th July 2005 (Source: Motorsport Development UK )

A road-going Caterham sportscar achieved an incredible fuel economy figure of 100 miles per gallon at the Shell Eco-marathon last week. The Caterham 2R produced the remarkably efficient performance during the annual fuel economy challenge at Rockingham Motor Speedway on the 6 and 7 July.

The car was entered into the competition by a team from Cranfield University and Caterham Cars with funding from Motorsport Development UK under its EEMS (Energy Efficient Motorsport) initiative, and was the first road car to compete in recent years.

The Caterham 2R (Record-breaker and Research), whose main modifications included lightweight seating, changes to the bodywork to improve aerodynamic efficiency and the use of low rolling resistance tyres, achieved 100 mpg on its final run at Rockingham Motor Speedway.

Dr Steve Cousins, Caterham 2R project leader, said: "We are delighted with the results. Despite some small modifications, the 2R is a road-going sportscar, and its impressive performance demonstrates that real-world cars can achieve greater fuel efficiency. With a benchmark to aim for, we hope to return next year to produce an even more impressive performance."

EEMS project leader Dr Steve Bunkhall said: "The Shell Eco-marathon is a wonderful event for the pursuit of fuel efficiency. To achieve 100 mpg with a road-legal car is a wonderful result for which the Cranfield team must be congratulated. It proves that, with careful driving and relatively few modifications, lightweight aerodynamic passenger cars can produce vastly improved fuel economy figures. I hope the team's achievement inspires it to further success in the pursuit of increased fuel efficiency."

The lightweight extreme sportscar on which the 2R is based, the Caterham Seven Roadsport SV, is more used to extreme performance figures related to high speeds and incredible acceleration. It is powered by a standard MG Rover 1598cc K-series engine, modified only to incorporate the fuel measurement flask required for the competition. The 115bhp engine is capable of propelling the road-going Caterham Seven to 60mph in 6.2 seconds and to a top speed of 122mph.

The Caterham 2R project has been running since April at Cranfield University as a joint effort between its International Ecotechnology Research Centre, its Centre for Lightweight Composites, and its Motorsport Unit.

- ends -

Notes to editors

Caterham 2R project team:

From Cranfield University: Dr Steve Cousins (project leader), James Dunster (design), from the International Ecotechnology Research Centre; Andrew Mills and Jim Hurley from the Centre for light weight composites; John Nixon from the Motorsport unit; Floriane Decq, an engineering masters student.

From Caterham Cars: Engineering Director, Jez Coates

Caterham Cars

Caterham Cars have been manufacturing the iconic Seven two-seater sports car since 1973. Although the origins of the Seven can be traced back almost 50 years, a continuous process of research and development means that it is still the world-beater it was at its launch in 1957. As well as winning numerous plaudits and awards for its handling and performance on the road and track, the Seven is the most raced production car in the world today.

Cranfield University

Cranfield University is one of the world's finest postgraduate centres for strategic and applied research, development and design. Cranfield students are at the forefront of progressive thinking in aerospace, defence, engineering, management, manufacturing, health and life sciences. The excellence that is developed and honed at Cranfield has become synonymous with the very best in international research.

EEMS

The aim of Motorsport Development UK's EEMS initiative is to establish UK global leadership in energy efficient motorsport through the development of the commercial, entertainment and environmental aspects of energy efficient racing formulae.

Motorsport Development UK is leading a £16m five-year programme to sustain and develop UK motorsport. It integrates the motorsport interests of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), and Advantage West Midlands (AWM), the East of England Development Agency (EEDA), East Midlands Development Agency (emda) and the South East England Development Agency (SEEDA). Board members also include senior representatives from the UK's motorsport and automotive industry.

The overall objective of Motorsport Development UK is business and economic development for the motor sport sector. The programme stimulates action in several key areas, by working with and part-funding programmes delivered by motorsport stakeholders. Examples include Energy Efficient Motorsport, support for the training of volunteer officials, programmes aimed at widening participation in the sport and a 'Learning Grid' of education initiatives.

For more information and images of the Caterham 2R, please contact:

Mike Stainton

or

Patrick Peal

Band & Brown Communications

+44 (0)1603 417722

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