2009 Caparo T1 Makes Official Debut at Salon Prive

The Caparo T1 seemed like it had been floating around in one form or another for years before making it's official debut in 2008. Originally slated for production in 2007, the T1 has had a rocky road. Caparo Vehicle Technologies is run by ex-McLaren engineers Ben Scott-Geddes and Graham Halstead. Their original concept was to create an F1 inspired race car that was street legal.

At first glance it appears the focus has been too much on racing and too little on reliability and practicality.  A series of journalist related crashes and injuries plagued the vehicle throughout 2007. However, when we take a closer look at the expectations these two have set, we have to give them the benefit of the doubt. In order to pull off a vehicle this radical there are inherently more risks and unexpected hapenstance.

We are very happy to see that the Caparo T1 is ready for primetime. The Salon Prive in London was chosen as the launch venue. As this is pegged as the "UK's ultimate Super Car and Lifestyle Event" this was a fitting show to get exposure in super elite chi chi circles.

Per Caparo's latest announcement, there will be 5 different setups offered, from a stripped-down track version up to a Race Extreme version with ultra-expensive high-end components. Per the press release, it will have "the T1's most powerful engine, a upgraded electronics package, fully carbon brakes and the latest light weight magnesium wheels."

More specification details along with pricing and dealership availability should be announced soon. It doesn't appear that the 2009 Caparo T1 is too different than last years model, which had a curb weight of 1200 pounds and a 0 to 60 mph spring in 2.5 seconds. We shall see, we shall see...

Source: Caparo