The Superlight range was introduced in 1996. Initially, it focused on reducing weight and subsequently on the bespoke tuning of the Rover K-series engine to ever-higher outputs. Weight was saved by removing the spare wheel (and carrier), carpets, heater, and often the windscreen (replaced with an aeroscreen), hood, and doors. Lightweight "Tillet" GRP seats were usually fitted along with carbon-fibre front wings and nosecone. The wide-track suspension was added to the Superlight, increasing the track at the front to match that at the back.
The later Superlight-R offered the dry-sumped VHPD (Very High-Performance Derivative) variant on the 1.8-litre K-series. Output was up to around 180 bhp (134 kW) in a car that weighed as little as 490 kg (1,080 lb). Three years later, Caterham created the iconic Superlight R500, still based on the Rover 1.8-litre K-series but tuned to around 230 bhp (172 kW) at 8,600 rpm in a car weighing just 460 kg (1,014 lb). The R500 was initially available in kit-form but quickly became a factory-build only item. The R500 EVO was bored out by Minister Racing Engines to 1,998 cc and delivered 250 bhp (186 kW).
The Superlight is available in both S3 and SV chassis sizes. The S3 chassis is the traditional narrow-bodied chassis, while the SV chassis offers an extra 110 mm (4.3 in) of width across the cockpit. Late 90s and early 2000s versions of the Superlight employed adjustable double-wishbone suspension with front anti-roll bar and a de-Dion rear axle, located by an A-frame and Watt's linkage. Wide-track front suspension is standard equipment on the Superlight, reflecting its bias to track work.
All Superlight cars use the 2-litre Ford Duratec engine in differing states of tune. The R400 has 210 bhp (157 kW) and the R500 has 263 bhp (196 kW). Caterham used to manufacture an R300 using the same engine at 175 bhp, but this car has effectively now become the Supersport R. In October 2012, a supercharged model 'R600' for a race-series above the R300-class was released, including slick tyres and a sequential gearbox. The weight of the R600 was 1,139 lb (517 kg).
Quoted performance for the R500 is 0–60 mph in 2.88 seconds and a top speed of 150 mph (241 km/h). In December 2008, Top Gear made the R500 its '2008 Car of the Year'. The R500 EVO set a 0–100 mph-0 record of 10.73 seconds. Until the end of 2006, it remained the fastest production car timed by EVO magazine around the Bedford Autodrome West Circuit.
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