The Record-Braking Caparo T1 Unveiled in Monaco

The dramatic 1,000bhp-per-tone T1, which defines an entirely new breed of supercar that is lighter than a Caterham but with twice the power-to-weight ratio of a Bugatti Veyron, was unveiled at the 2006 Top Marques show in Monaco by His Serene Highness Prince Albert II.

This exclusive preview of the first prototype T1 forms a significant centerpiece for the show, which was held at the Grimaldi Forum in Monte-Carlo in the heartland of one of the world's most glamorous locations and centers of motoring heritage. The presentation of the aerodynamically formed supercar was witnessed by Caparo Vehicle Technologies’ design director Ben Scott-Geddes and engineering director Graham Halstead, the two ex-McLaren engineers whose inspiration helped create the car.

Previously known as the Freestream T1, Caparo, a $1.3 billion multinational company involved in manufacturing vehicle structural components, acquired the project started by Ben Scott-Geddes and Graham Halstead, and renamed it to Caparo T1. In March 2006 the group announced its advanced automotive technology and engineering design company called Caparo Vehicle Technologies. The new company will provide advanced technology development, materials engineering and design services to mainstream automotive, motorsport and aerospace markets. Coupled with its global manufacturing resource and capability Caparo aims to accelerate the use of lightweight materials in vehicle structures.

Launched in the Summer

The Caparo T1 will be launched in the summer 2007 with a new and more powerful engine than previously mooted.

The bespoke lightweight, all aluminum V8 has a higher capacity of 3.5 liters and is now normally aspirated. The engine has a mass of less than 220 lbs and can produce power outputs of up to 550 bhp. The T1 will maintain an ultralight kerb weight of approximately 1100 lbs; around one-third the mass of the average family saloon.

The Caparo V8 has been designed from scratch and is comparable to Formula One and Indy race car specifications.

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

Ben Scott-Geddes operations director at Caparo Vehicle Technologies and the car’s co-designer added: 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.