The dramatic 1,000bhp-per-tone T1, which defines an entirely new breed of supercar that is lighter than a Caterham but with twice the power-to-weight ratio of a Bugatti Veyron, was unveiled at the 2006 Top Marques show in Monaco by His Serene Highness Prince Albert II.
This exclusive preview of the first prototype T1 forms a significant centerpiece for the show, which was held at the Grimaldi Forum in Monte-Carlo in the heartland of one of the world's most glamorous locations and centers of motoring heritage. The presentation of the aerodynamically formed supercar was witnessed by Caparo Vehicle Technologies’ design director Ben Scott-Geddes and engineering director Graham Halstead, the two ex-McLaren engineers whose inspiration helped create the car.
Previously known as the Freestream T1, Caparo, a $1.3 billion multinational company involved in manufacturing vehicle structural components, acquired the project started by Ben Scott-Geddes and Graham Halstead, and renamed it to Caparo T1. In March 2006 the group announced its advanced automotive technology and engineering design company called Caparo Vehicle Technologies. The new company will provide advanced technology development, materials engineering and design services to mainstream automotive, motorsport and aerospace markets. Coupled with its global manufacturing resource and capability Caparo aims to accelerate the use of lightweight materials in vehicle structures.
Launched in the Summer
The Caparo T1 will be launched in the summer 2007 with a new and more powerful engine than previously mooted.
The bespoke lightweight, all aluminum V8 has a higher capacity of 3.5 liters and is now normally aspirated. The engine has a mass of less than 220 lbs and can produce power outputs of up to 550 bhp. The T1 will maintain an ultralight kerb weight of approximately 1100 lbs; around one-third the mass of the average family saloon.
The Caparo V8 has been designed from scratch and is comparable to Formula One and Indy race car specifications.
“This new engine allows us many exciting options for the future, both for the car and the company,” said Richard Butler chief executive Caparo Vehicle Products. “It will further help us to implement the vehicle lightweight design philosophies necessary to reduce greenhouse gasses being sought by high volume carmakers.”
Ben Scott-Geddes operations director at Caparo Vehicle Technologies and the car’s co-designer added: “The new engine now delivers both the performance and reliability we’re looking for in the T1, the two key factors vital to our customers when running this type of car.”
Sean Butcher commercial director at Caparo Vehicle Technologies said: “Given the high engine output, increased power-to-weight ratio, advanced hybrid chassis design and ultra-efficient aerodynamics the T1 offers exceptional value for such an exclusive world class vehicle … and quite extraordinary standards in performance, handling and safety.”
The T1’s high power-to-weight ratio delivers phenomenal performance on the track. Similarly, the same principles of lightweight design in a car one-third the weight of the average family saloon combined with a normal 15 gallon (70-liter) fuel tank means a range better than the average car of up to 500 miles on public highways. And that is sufficient to tackle seven hours of driving from London to Le Mans, a distance of 338 miles (544 km), without refueling, before putting in a blistering performance on the circuit.
Commenting on the mould-breaking Caparo T1, Angad Paul said: "This car is in a class of its own when it comes to overall performance; but it also addresses in the most dramatic way possible fundamental design issues facing the automotive industry today. The same approach to aerodynamics, choice of materials and efficient design, which have allowed us to achieve the world’s most reasonably priced supercar, can be applied in equal measure to create affordable, safe, yet lightweight, fuel-efficient family cars."
