Caparo T1

The Caparo T1 next generation supercar.

Commenting on Caparo's intention to commoditise advanced composite materials for high volume vehicle manufacture while maintaining a strong UK component manufacturing base Macgowan added: "Not only does this show real technical prowess and solid commitment but it's also a rational business decision given the UK hosts more volume car makers than any other country in Europe. In addition, the Caparo T1 provides further evidence of the UK working hard to deliver more sustainable motoring by using its advanced motorsport and aerospace technology to help car makers develop new models fit for the 21st century."

"The Caparo T1 is a showcase of our design, development and manufacturing capabilities and it is a demonstration of our technical ability to design a whole car," said Caparo Vehicle Products chief executive Richard Butler. "It may seem paradoxical given its astonishing performance, but the Caparo T1 also has the serious purpose of helping car makers apply racecar technology to everyday vehicles thereby making them lighter and more fuel efficient and hence less harmful to the environment."

The ultra lightweight Caparo T1 has been developed using aerospace and high formula racing technology. The car's efficient and compact 2.4-litre V8 engine develops almost 500bhp in a vehicle weighing less than 500kg. The result is a significant technical breakthrough; being the world's first ever road and track car to produce 1,000bhp-per-tonne which defines an entirely new breed of exotic - and far from ordinary - supercar that is lighter than a Caterham but with twice the power-to-weight ratio of a Bugatti Veyron. In turn, this endows the car with an extraordinary 0-100-0mph time of 8.5 seconds, which is directly comparable to an A1 GP race car.