Caparo T1 gets engine upgrade

Everyone’s favourite F1-style road car, the Caparo T1, is getting an engine upgrade before it’s even released. The bespoke lightweight, all aluminium V8 has a higher capacity of 3.5 litres and is now normally aspirated. The Caparo designed engine uses the latest in F1 derived technology to save weight, weighing less than 100kg all up, yet it can still produce in excess of 550bhp.

Combined with the paltry 500kg vehicle weight, Caparo claims the T1 will have a power-to-weight ratio much higher than 1,000hp/ton, which was the aim when it first began developing the racer. The company plans to launch the T1 within the next six months with prices beginning at an eye-watering £180,000. Performance with the old engine was claimed at 0-60mph in 2.5 seconds, while the demanding 0-100-0mph test was completed in just 8.5 seconds - much quicker than any production car before it.

The car will be making its first public appearance during June’s Goodwood Festival of Speed where it will participate in the Goodwood hill climb, a 1.16 mile course running through the parkland grounds of Goodwood House.

The development of the Caparo T1 has reminded us of the McLaren F1 supercar, which had the same no-holds barred performance directive when it was made in the early 90’s. It’s no surprise to hear that Gordon Murray, the man behind the Macca, is working on the T1, too.