Caterham 360R
Caterham
Want a car that’s lower to the road than a snake’s stomach, as fast as a Whippet, and snaps necks? Look no further than the Caterham 360R.
Think of the Caterham 360R as a rollercoaster that you can assemble yourself, then drive to work in—and yet still embarrass most supercars around a track. It weighs about the same as a pencil sharpener, corners like a housefly that’s just downed three cans of energy drink, and its throttle is best described as a hyperspeed switch.
In other words, it could be described as the one of the best cars for those who wish to feel everything underneath them. Its raw, loud, and hardcore.
Pft. If you’re worried about either of these points then look at a Miata instead. Even in today’s climate, where fuel stops now require a mortgage, the 360R cost me just $40 to fill (£30), and lasted four days of semi-enthusiastic driving.
Caterham 360R
Matthew MacConnell
As for trunk space? With the roof in place, and the removable doors left at home, I managed to fit two full shopping bags—that’s not bad for a track monster.
I was nervous when collecting the car from Revolutions, Perth, Scotland, as it has around 321 bhp per tonne—and not much in the way of creature comforts. In perspective, that power-to-weight figure is the same as a Ferrari F430 Spider, an Audi R8 Spyder GT, and a Nasa Space Shuttle.
Power comes from a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter Ford engine, which produces 180 bhp. Caterham claims the 360R will smash 0-62 mph in 4.8 seconds and is limited, by gearing, to 130 mph.
Being the R spec, my press car featured a limited-slip differential, stiffer sport suspension, a lightweight flywheel, race seats and a four-point racing harness. This spec is perfect if you do more track days than road driving. However, the R bounces around on anything but flat tarmac. Therefore, I’d recommend opting for the softer S spec.
That said, I’ve never driven a car that handles as well as the 360R—and I’ve driven lots of fast cars. It corners like it’s reading your mind—turn-in is instant, the balance is razor sharp, and you can fine-tune your line with the throttle as easily as the steering, with every bit of grip and slip communicated clearly.
Caterham 360R
Matthew MacConnell
Flooring the throttle, or hyperspace button, in second gear results in instant acceleration. Everything becomes a blurry as the speedometer climbs, your hair dances in the wind, and any hats you or your passenger had on are now gone. A red ‘shift’ light reminds you to change up. Let off the throttle, and your awarded with pops and bangs from the exhaust.
This is car that rewards the driver, even at lower speeds. Passers by gawk, kids scream, and people take photographs. The Caterham 360R is like turning up to a formal dinner…on a skateboard wearing a tuxedo jacket and nothing else.
It technically fits the occasion—it’s fast, impressive, and people will definitely stare—but you’re wildly exposed, slightly unhinged, and having way more fun than anyone sitting comfortably at the table.
My press car—a striking long-wheelbase Caterham 360R finished in Midnight Purple with just 6,200 miles—is currently for sale at Revolutions in Perth, Scotland, a Morgan and Caterham specialist, for $57,348 (£42,500). It’s fitted with 13-inch wheels, sticky Toyo R888R tyres, a roll cage, a track-day exhaust, a dry sump system, and ventilated brake discs.
For context, new cars start at $51,995 in the U.S., while UK pricing begins at £38,490.
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