Caterham Seven – Automobiles Review

Caterham Seven 250 R Designed By Kamui Kobayashi

Caterham Seven 250 R by Kamui Kobayashi is a brand new special edition of the car which was designed under the expertise of Caterham’s F1 Team driver. Only ten examples of the model will ever go on sale and even more – they will be exclusively sold in Japan. The car is based on the Seven 250 R but is equipped with an array of performance-focused features hand-chosen by the Formula One driver.

The car is powered by a 1.6 Ford Sigma engine and delivers up to 125 hp (92 kW). It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph in just 5.9 seconds on its way to a top speed of 122 mph. The unit is coupled with a six-speed manual transmission with a limited slip differential.

In terms of exterior, the car is finished in high-gloss black paint accented by matt black sport stripes. Every Kamui Kobayashi edition wears a number 10 badge on its nose, which is Kamui’s Formula One number. Carbon fiber is used for the front wings and rear wing protectors, and it infused with a unique Caterham green lacquer.

This Caterham model is a single-seater and includes an aluminium tonneau cover over the passenger seat area. There is also a single-sided rollover hoop fixed to the rear bulkhead, with 13-inch diamond cut black wheels. Polished chrome rear exit exhaust system rounds out the dynamic styling.

The performance theme is continued inside. Carbon fibre has been utilized for the dashboard and again it is infused with the green lacquer. The dashboard is also personally signed by Kamui.

The same material was used for the construction of the sports seat. It also features green contrasting stitching, a Kamui logo in the head rest and a green Takata-branded 4-point harness. Other interior features included in the car are the special Kamui gauge inlays, an anodised green gear knob with Kamui wordmark and an anodised green key.

In March the driver raced with a Caterham Seven 620R for the first time at Silverstone circuit. He also said that it took him only one corner, to understand the character of the car. The racer was also impressed by the power of the 620R, because it resembled a race car but was street legal.

The ten examples of Caterham Seven 250 R Kamui Kobayashi special edition are going on sale today in Japan, priced at ¥6,000,000.

Source: Caterham

May 28, 2014

Kamui Kobayashi Drives Caterham Seven 620R At Silverstone [VIDEO]

Caterham just released an interesting video, showing its new F1 Team boy – Kamui Kobayashi. In the video you can see how the racer warmed up for the first Grand Prix of the season in Australia by making his first ever drive of the Caterham Seven 620R.

Just as a reminder, the 620R is the most powerful “Seven” built by the brand. It is capable of producing 310 hp (228 kW) and has a top speed of 155 mph. The acceleration time from 0 to 100 km/h is rated here less than 2.8 seconds.

The video below documents how Kobayashi is making his first Seven drive, but what is more important it also captures the thoughts on the iconic British sportscar. And from what we are hearing, the car certainly made an impression on the 27-year old, who dubbed the 620R as “pure car”.

He also disclosed that it took him only one corner, to understand the car straight away. The racer was also impressed by the power of the 620R, being the closest thing to a race car (but street legal) that he has ever driven. See for yourselves:

httpv://youtu.be/ho8otFpsGYA

Video Source: YouTube

Source: Caterham

March 14, 2014

Caterham Launches Seven 160

Caterham-Seven-160-THUMB Caterham Seven 160 is now being officially launched. The vehicle is an entry-level variant of the iconic sportscar, which is powered by a compact, turbocharged Suzuki engine. Other exclusive features of the car include live-axle rear suspension and light-weight elements that contribute for its low kerb weight.

The 660cc, three-cylinder engine of the car can produce 80 horsepower (59 kW). This enables the Seven 160 to accelerate from standstill to 100 km/h in less than 6.5 seconds on to a top speed of 100 mph.

In addition, the unit is created in such manner that it delivers also low levels of fuel efficiency and emissions. Basically, this Caterham will offer to its customers something truly different to the entry-level market, because it is more economical, more accessible and has unique personality.

The rear axle has a simple and pure design and in addition complements the engine and lowers the overall body weight. At the same time it also offers intuitive handling experience and a balanced chassis.

The production of Caterham Seven 160 is scheduled to start in the beginning of next year. Vehicle’s price will begin at £14,995.

Source: Caterham

October 22, 2013

Caterham Seven 165 Prototype With Frankfurt Unveil

Caterham Seven Prototype Concept is going to be unveiled at Frankfurt Motor Show. A month ago, the British manufacturer has revealed more details about the variant of the iconic Seven. The vehicle will be named Caterham Seven 165 and it will be capable of producing 80 hp (59 kW) thanks to its 660cc, three-cylinder, turbocharged Suzuki K6A engine.

The latter was enhanced by the Caterham -Technology & Innovation (CTI) group of engineering. Furthermore, the number five at the end of the car’s name shows that the vehicle also complies with the EU5 emissions standards.

Although the Suzuki powerplant is compact in nature, CTI has refined it and hence it now delivers enhanced performance including a torque output of 107 Nm (79 lb-ft). The engine was also well balanced against amplified fuel economy and reduced vehicle emissions.

Earlier this year Caterham has launched the fastest, most powerful production Seven. Now, with the Seven 165, the brand aims to deliver a car which sits at the opposite end of the scale, both in terms of engine size and price. However, both vehicles will have one thing in common which is the same level of pure driving fun.

The production of the Caterham Seven 165 will start in January nest year. The car will have a price tag of circa €25 000.

Source: Caterham

September 3, 2013

Caterham Seven 620R To Feature Engine Manufactured By Suzuki

Caterham Seven 620R was officially revealed in the beginning of July this year and later made its public debut at Goodwood Festival Of Speed. Now, it has been disclosed that the new entry-level Seven will be powered by a 660cc, three-cylinder turbocharged engine which will be manufactured by Suzuki Motor Corporation.

More importantly, it is said that the unit will be the smallest and most efficient one ever installed in a Seven. The new Caterham vehicle utilizes 21st-Century engineering to pay homage to early models of the iconic Seven. Seven 620R uses a super-compact and lightweight turbocharged engine.

The latter is ultra-efficient and downsized. It is mated to a compact Suzuki five-speed gearbox, additionally adapted by Caterham Technology & Innovation (CTI). In addition, the car also has a re-engineered chassis, which also pays tribute to the spirit of former Sevens with major revisions to the suspension layout.

The powertrain specialists at CTI have fine-tuned Suzuki’s engine to suit the highly dynamic Seven. The result is a car capable of strong performance, which at the same time delivers enhanced fuel economy and reduced vehicle emissions.

With the introduction of this engine to the new Seven model, the intention of Caterham was fulfilled – the car now offers the joy of the Seven in distilled form, and is lighter, cheaper, more economical and more accessible than ever.

Caterham Seven 620R is priced under £17 000 and will be launched in Autumn this year.

Source: Caterham

August 6, 2013

Caterham Seven 620R Revealed And To Make Debut At Goodwood Festival of Speed

After Caterham Cars teased its most extreme Seven in the end of May, now the car is ready to be fully revealed at the Goodwood Festival of Speed this weekend (July 12-14). The model will mark the 40 years of developing and building the Seven.

With it the brand is re-inventing the already enviable parameters of its emblematic model through this Seven 620R and will set a new benchmark in the outstanding performance. The car is equipped with a brand new two-litre supercharged Ford Duratec engine, which is able of generating 310 hp (228 kW).

Thanks to this amount of power, Caterham Seven 620R is capable of accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in even less than 2.8 seconds on its way to a top speed of 155 mph. In fact, this puts the 620R at the top of the current range, replacing the legendary Superlight R500.

The car will be driven by the Caterham F1 Team driver Charles Pic up the famous Goodwood hill at the Festival of Speed. In addition, a static version of the new model will also be included on brand’s stand at the event alongside other performance vehicles.

620R is the most hardcore production Seven ever built for the road. In addition, it emphasizes Catherhams philosophy of delivering ‘accessible fun’ and the traditional Caterham minimalistic, lightweight approach of engineering.

Furthermore, the models also benefits from several other new enhancements such as unique gunmetal chassis, an air-flow optimized nose cone, race-developed cooling package, De Dion rear suspension, wide track front suspension units and high-performance dampers. In addition 620R rides on lightweight 13” alloy wheels fitted with track-inspired Avon ZZR tyres.

In the cockpit one can see many enhancements featured including performance-focused instrumentation and ergonomic switchgear. There are also noticeable carbon fibre interior panels, dash plus carbon fibre race seats and a Q/R race steering wheel.

While the launch edition of Caterham Seven 620 features the sportier ‘R’ pack, a slightly less hardcore ‘S’ pack will deliver all the power of the original but will also include more accessibility. The ‘S’ pack will be launched later this year.

The deliveries of Caterham Seven 620R are expected later this year. The Cr is priced at £49 995 (US $74 325).

Caterham Seven 620R Specifications:

Engine	2.0-litre Ford Duratec (supercharged)
Max Power (bhp/rpm)	311bhp @ 7,700rpm
Max Torque (lbs ft/rpm)	219lbsft @ 7,350rpm
Weight	TBC
0-60mph	2.79 seconds
Power-to-weight	TBC
Top Speed	155mph

Standard equipment

2.0-litre Ford Duratec (supercharged)
6-speed sequential transmission with flat-shift
Limited slip differential
Unique gunmetal chassis
Carbon-fibre wings
Air flow optimized nose cone
Race developed cooling package
De-Dion rear suspension with high performance dampers
Wide track front suspension with high performance dampers
Ventilated front discs and quad piston calipers
Carbon-fibre interior panels and dash
Carbon-fibre race seats
Lightweight 13” alloy wheels with Avon ZZR tyres; 185/55R13 front and 215/55R13 rear
4 point race harness
Q/R Race steering wheel
High performance focused instrumentation and ergonomic switchgear
Toggle switch ignition
Immobiliser
Sequential shift lights
Carbon aero screen
Black pack

Suspension

Front: Adjustable double wishbone with roll bar
Rear: De Dion axle located by lower A-frame and Watts linkage

Brakes

Twin circuit split front/rear with low level warning system. Discs front and rear

Steering

Rack and pinion, 1.93 turns lock to lock

Wheels and Tyres

Front 6J x 13” AVON ZZR
Rear 8J x 13” AVON ZZR

Source: Caterham

July 9, 2013

Caterham Make Le Mans 24 Hours Debut

Caterham is going to participate for the first time in the Le Mans 24 Hours this year which will take place on 22nd and 23rd of June this year. In addition, the British company aims to investigate the viability of producing a customer Sports Prorotype package in the future.

The team will compete in the event with the Caterham SP 300R model which is a supercharged, mini Le Mans-style sports prototype. It has achieved glowing reviews from customers and media so far. In addition, there will be also the crew Caterham engineers, technicians and data analysts who will add the future success of the brand.

As a matter of fact, Caterham has an abundant heritage in motorsport. For instance, the most famous car of the company is the iconic Seven which was initially designed to be a race car for the road and its ‘ladder’ of highly-competitive one-make race championships is widely acknowledged as one of the finest in existence.

In addition, Le Mans 24 Hours will also be the first foray into international sportscar racing for Alexander Rossi. The Caterham Motorsport #41 LM P2 car will make its on-track premiere at the official ACO test at Le Mans on 8th and 9th of June. The official race will happen as mentioned above on the 22nd and 23rd of June.

Source: Caterham

June 4, 2013

TEASER: Caterham Introduces Entry-Level Version Of The Iconic Seven

Caterham has just released a dark teaser photograph of their upcoming new entry-level version of the iconic Seven model. The new vehicle is designed to pay homage to the brand’s engineering DNA of “adding lightness”. Therefore it is going to be equipped with a super-compact, flexible and EU6-compliant engine.

In addition, the Caterham promises that the new model is going to e offered at an affordable price under £17 000. This year, the British brand celebrates 40 years of developing and manufacturing the Seven. Consequently, the designers decided to bring as close as possible the new “Seven” to its simple design roots but remain true to Caterham’s mantra of delivering “accessible fun”.

Back in the days, Colin Chapman designed the original Seven with the aim to have totally “fit-for-purpose” design and to deliver exciting driving experience. With that in mind, the new entry-level Seven is planned to be simple, easy to run and an intuitive drive.

Furthermore, Caterham’s minimalist DNA philosophy is applied to every aspect in the new upcoming vehicle. This also includes the unit it is equipped with and therefore it is expected that this would be the most fuel-efficient Seven ever built.

The car hasn’t been named yet, however it is planned for it to be launched in autumn this year. The first deliveries are expected to happen before the end of 2013.

Source: Caterham

May 31, 2013

Caterham Seven Limited Edition Commemorates The Iconic Seven Model

Caterham Seven Limited Edition comes to celebrate 40 years of producing and developing the iconic Seven model. This LE variant includes a special and stylish limited edition pack, which will be available only to the first 40 individuals who will purchase it.

In fact, the pack is designed in order to bring back the memories of the early Sevens and includes expensive optional equipment. To be more precise, the limited edition “40 Years of Caterham” pack includes the following:

Grey painted chassis that replicates the original Lotus Seven colour
Ruby red ‘40YOC’ paint
Bespoke bonnet stripes
Hand-tailored leather seats with grey piping
Grey leather dashboard
Bespoke tunnel top with grey handbrake and gearstick gaiters
Numbered dash plaque
15” silver alloy wheels with Caterham embossing
Avon ZV3 tyres
‘40YOC’ wheel centres and ignition key

Caterham Cars is present on the market with its emblematic Seven model since 1973. Back then the original owner, Graham Nearn, acquired the rights to the model from Colin Chapman. In addition, Nearn continued Chapman’s original philosophy of “adding lightness” and placing the driving experience at the heart of the engineering process.

Source: Caterham

May 9, 2013

Caterham Seven Team Lotus Special Edition

Caterham has announced a new Team Lotus Special Edition Seven model. The vehicle is created specially to celebrated the company’s new ownership. The upgrade package will be limited to just 25 units and can be applied to any variant up to the top-of-the-range Superlight R500 with 263BHP.

For £3 000 more, your car can be painted in the famous green and yellow colours of Lotus and will come with a raft of bespoke Team Lotus additions. The upgrade package will also include an invitation to a customised tour of the Team Lotus F1 factory in Hingham, Norfolk.

“Caterham Cars is starting an exciting and hugely important chapter, so it’s entirely fitting that we celebrate our opportunity to take Colin Chapman’s ‘less is more’ philosophy global, with this special car.” Commented Caterham managing director, Ansar Ali.

“Owners of the Special Edition Sevens will have not only a fabulous British sportscar, but a genuine piece of automotive history in their garage.”, he added

Caterham Seven is priced at £13 650, excluding the upgrade package.
Caterham Seven Team Lotus Special Edition

Source: Caterham

April 27, 2011

Tag: Caterham Seven