02 Apr 07
Fast forward another couple of months to last week. I'm at Cadwell Park in Lincolnshire for the official launch of the new Caterham Sigma Roadsport and the R400 Superlight. The conditions are perfect - there's a gentle breeze, spring sunshine and not a rain cloud in sight. The track - nicely dried out after the night's dampness - awaits.
I shoehorn myself into the cabin of the R400 - something which I didn't have trouble with in the CSR 260 as it's based around the SV body, which gives some precious extra inches of girth and length to accommodate those of a less dainty physique. This R400, however, is the standard narrow-and-short Caterham.
The tiny MOMO steering wheel sits on top of my knees and my feet can just about distinguish between clutch, brake and accelerator. With helmet duly donned, I head out onto the track.
The R400 has been around since 2002, but this version uses a new 2.0-litre Ford supplied engine that replaced the K-Series engine unavailable since the demise of MG Rover. There's 210bhp available and a decent 152lb-ft of torque which, coupled with the 525kg kerbweight, makes for a 0-60mph time of 3.8 seconds and a 140mph top speed - not as manically quick as the CSR260, but still miles faster than most things on the road.
