Caterham has added a new special model called Supersport R to its range of Sevens. The Supersport R gains a bigger 2.0-litre Ford Duratec engine with 180bhp and a five-speed gearbox.

The Supersport R is priced at £24,995 in self-build form or £27,995 fully-built, featuring a 25% power increase compared to the standard Supersport, as well as 5bhp more than the R300 road car.

Caterham Cars’ Chief Executive, Graham Macdonald, said: “The Supersport’s formula has struck a chord with driving enthusiasts and we are confident that, by extending the range to include an R model, we will be able to build on the original’s success.

“The performance of the car is very impressive but, teamed with the accessibility of the suspension specification that works so effortlessly on the road and track on the base model, it is well-balanced, satisfying and fun in terms of the driving experience it offers.”

Weighing just 535kg, the new vehicle extends the Supersport line, which already includes road and track versions of the 1.6-litre model.

The interior of the Supersport R features a bespoke steering wheel, integrated change-up light, composite race seats and four-point race harnesses.