Caparo T1 Headed for 2007 Goodwood Festival of Speed

The 2007 Goodwood Festival of Speed and Revival, United Kingdom's most popular international motor sport event will be the stage of the much awaited public debut of the Caparo T1 sports car. Now on its 15th consecutive year, the 2007 Goodwood Festival of Speed and Revival is packed with action and excitement as the world's most stunning racing machines and famous drivers gather at the park land grounds of Goodwood House starting in June 22 to 24.

The Caparo T1 is poised to become the center of attraction at the 2007 Goodwood Festival of Speed as the sports car participate in the 1.16-mile hill climb, which is the most popular segment of the annual Goodwood Festival of Speed. Moreover, the Caparo T1's lightweight body structure and capabilities will be presented in the new motor sport event at Festival of Speed called the Goodwood technology pavilion.

Ben Scott-Geddes, Operations Director of Caparo Vehicle Technologies said:
“The Caparo T1 not only looks and performs like a Formula One car but it also helps us to demonstrate new and advanced technology to carmakers and automotive component suppliers. The same approach to aerodynamics, choice of materials and efficient design, which has allowed us to develop the T1, can be applied to create safe, affordable, fuel-efficient and lightweight family cars.”

“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.” he added.

Originally designed by the former members of McLaren F1 team, the Caparo T1 features an ultra lightweight body architecture and design cues similar to Formula 1 race cars. The aerodynamic parts like adjustable front twin element wing, adjustable rear single element wing, fowler flaps, and low drag body design fits perfectly for the sports car's racing characteristics. The T1 also comes with a brand new and powerful all-aluminum V8 engine located on the mid-rear with radiator grilles similar to the vertical 7-slot Jeep grille, but with more slots compared to the latter. The engine has a 3.5 liters capacity and produces about 200 hp per liter, but Caparo said the T1 could produce about 1000 bhp with the engine.

According to Richard Butler, Chief Executive of Caparo Vehicle Products:
“This new engine allows us many exciting options for the future, both for the car and the company. It will further help us to implement the vehicle lightweight design philosophies necessary to reduce greenhouse gasses being sought by high volume carmakers.”

“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.” says Sean Butcher, Commercial Director at Caparo Vehicle Technologies.

With the V8 engine, the Caparo T1 offers a stunning performance. It can accelerate the T1 from zero to 60 mph in a mere 2.5 seconds with a top speed of over 200 mph.

The hand-built Caparo T1 2-seater sports car is priced at approximately 180,000 British pounds (about $351,324 USD) and will arrive in dealers starting this May 2007.