Caterham 420R

A more powerful Caterham than the Academy car: still tiny, rear-driven and intolerant of clumsy weight transfer, now with enough power to punish an impatient right foot.

Keep the hands quiet and the throttle progressive. The car is fastest when it stays settled.

Symptoms this car reads differently

Steps out on entry

Light rear under braking. Soften the release before adding lock.

Snaps on exit

More power than Academy. Straighten before you use it.

Loose at the apex

A mid-corner lift moves the rear immediately. Hold a maintenance throttle.

What this car's answers lean on

Compared with other Production cars

1. Free changes — driving, not setup used more than on most cars like it
2. Tyre pressures
3. In-car driver aids and gearing used more than on most cars like it
4. Braking system — bias, ABS, pressure
5. Anti-roll bars
6. Camber, toe, caster
7. Damper clicks
8. Differential and engine braking
9. Spring rates

What you cannot change on this car

• The differential is fixed on this car.
• Engine braking is not adjustable on this car.
• This car has no adjustable aerodynamics.
• Total brake pressure is not adjustable on this car.
• Gearing is fixed on this car.
• No third spring on this car.
• No adjustable bump stops on this car.
• This car has no dampers with that adjustment.