Automobiles Review

Tag: Caterham

  • 2016 Caterham Seven Superlight Limited Celebrates its 20th Anniversary

    2016 Caterham Seven Superlight Limited Caterham has revived one of its most recognizable vehicle: the incredible 1.6-liter Seven Superlight with a launch of a special edition model. There will be only 20 of the vehicles and will be launched during Goodwood Revival festival ahead of the 20th anniversary of the original Superlight in 1996.

    As you might know, the original Superlight’s production run ceased back in 2004, but it also heralded a new era of track-based Sevens created to offer even better performance stats and low weight. All this combined with an incredible price. Furthermore, the vehicle went to become one of Caterham’s most coveted models, selling about 200 examples while still in production.

    The vehicle now offers 135 hp (99 kW) of power, delivered from 1.6-liter Ford Sigma engine, paired to a 6-speed close ratio transmission. There is also a special Sport suspension pack which adds lightweight flywheel and limited slip differential. How cool is that?

    2016 Caterham Seven Superlight Limited

    The exterior style benefits from numerous carbon-fiber components, including the cycle wings, rear wings, nose and minimalist aero screen. And just like the original Superlight, the body finish is in bare aluminum. The vehicle also gets a special numbered dash plaque, unique gauges, titanium colored chassis, carbon interior panels and especially embroidered carbon sports seats. The same as for the Caterham’s flagship model.

    And surely this is one of the fastest, if not the fastest Seven produced to date. The vehicle goes from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 4.9 seconds and has a top speed of 219 km/h (122 mph).

    2016 Caterham Seven Superlight Limited

    So, what do you think about the vehicle?

    2016 Caterham Seven Superlight Limited
    2016 Caterham Seven Superlight Limited
    2016 Caterham Seven Superlight Limited
    2016 Caterham Seven Superlight Limited
    2016 Caterham Seven Superlight Limited
    2016 Caterham Seven Superlight Limited
    2016 Caterham Seven Superlight Limited
    2016 Caterham Seven Superlight Limited
    2016 Caterham Seven Superlight Limited
    2016 Caterham Seven Superlight Limited
    2016 Caterham Seven Superlight Limited
    2016 Caterham Seven Superlight Limited
    2016 Caterham Seven Superlight Limited
    2016 Caterham Seven Superlight Limited
    2016 Caterham Seven Superlight Limited
    2016 Caterham Seven Superlight Limited

    Source: Caterham Cars

  • Caterham Cars to Exhibit at Auto Retro 2014

    I honestly get really excited when I read something about retro cars. Seeing one of those beauties makes my heart beat faster. Seeing more than one, at a Retro Show for instance, makes me feel that having only one heart is really not enough sometimes. There is just too much of a retro glory that one beating organ cannot take.

    This year, the British sportscar maker, Caterham Cars, is going to attend the popular Auto Retro show in Barcelona for the first time. The manufacturer is showing its newest model for Europe – the Seven 165 alongside other classic car manufacturers and enthusiast clubs. The show will be happening from the 4th of December until the 8th of December.

    The ultra-lightweight Seven 165 exemplifies the spirit of the early Caterham Sevens. It is charming, cool, possibly mischievous and has ‘back to basics’ virtue. This retro baby is available from €19,995 (+local taxes). The entry level model takes its power from a 3-cylinder Suzuki engine which offers 80 HP and a top speed of 161KPH. The car is able to reach 0-100km in 6.9 seconds.

    David Ridley, Caterham Cars’ Chief Commercial Officer, commented: “Spain is one of our growth export markets; there’s lots of enthusiasm for the legendary Seven and we’ve been able to bolster the model range with introduction of the fantastic new entry model 165.”

    The new EU6-approved Caterham Seven 165 model is an exciting addition to the range across Europe. Since its launch in 2013, the car demonstrates some significant demands and sales growth.

    The Caterham Cars can be visited in sector 2.0A on stand A-29 A48.

    Source: Caterham

  • Caterham Cars offers two new models to US customers

    Caterham-Seven-480_thumbCaterham-Seven-480_651

    The British sports car maker Caterham Cars has unveiled two new versions of its iconic Seven, designed for the US market – the Seven 480 and Seven 360.

    The creation of the two new models comes as a response to increased interest towards the brand on the US market and this is the reason why both models will go on sale immediately. Both Seven 480 and Seven 360 models are powered by two-liter Ford Duratec engines with the Seven 480 offering a bit more power. It can reach 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in just 3.4 seconds thanks to an engine that produces 237 bhp (240 HP/176 kW) of power. Top speed is 140 mph (225 km/h). The Seven 360 reaches 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in impressive 4.9 seconds thanks to an engine with 180 bhp (182 HP/134 kW) of power. Top speed is 130 mph (209 km/h).

    The Caterham Seven was first created in England over 40 years ago and is now one of the most recognisable British sportscars. The Seven is famed for its distinctive, classic styling, lightweight structure and legendary performance and handling. Sevens are shipped to the USA in part-built form and sold as rolling chassis via Superformance’s nationwide dealer network for customers to then complete personally.

    The Seven 360 can be yours for USD 44,900, while the Seven 480 starts at USD 52,900.

    Source: Caterham Cars

  • Caterham Superlight R500 – End of Production

    Caterham Superlight R500 - Front Angle

    Caterham ceases production of the famous Superlight R500. The legendary sports car in its most extreme version reached the final production number – 174, which is destined for Caterham’s distributor in Peru, South America.

    Caterham Superlight R500 is powered by a 2.0 liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine with 267HP (196 kW). 0-100 km/h in 2.88 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph). The engine is connected to a 6-speed manual gearbox. The extreme car manage to lap Top Gear’s test track in 1 minutes and 17.9 seconds – nearly half a second faster than the Bugatti Veyron.

    Despite the extreme nature of its performance and character, the R500 remains one of Caterham’s most popular models ever, attracting buyers from around the world. Its place in the garages of several celebrity customers confirmed its legendary status.

    “If Caterham wasn’t already firmly on the map as one of the world’s best-known British sportscar makers, the R500 certainly helped us to cement that position.”, commented Caterham Group CEO, Graham Macdonald.

    “It was a landmark model for us in many respects; its performance on the road and track was matched by the impact it had on our brand. It brought new technologies to the Seven range and was the first production Caterham to adopt a sequential gearbox. To some extent, it represented the start of a new era in which Caterham stepped into the 21st century, but it perfectly encapsulated Colin Chapman’s original ethos and harnessed our determination to provide accessible fun like no other.”, he added.

    Caterham Superlight R500
    Caterham Superlight R500

    Source: Caterham

  • Caterham Seven 250 R Designed By Kamui Kobayashi

    Caterham-Seven-250-R-by-Kamui-Kobayashi-THUMBCaterham 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.

    Caterham Seven 250 R by Kamui Kobayashi
    Caterham Seven 250 R by Kamui Kobayashi
    Caterham Seven 250 R by Kamui Kobayashi
    Caterham Seven 250 R by Kamui Kobayashi
    Caterham Seven 250 R by Kamui Kobayashi
    Caterham Seven 250 R by Kamui Kobayashi
    Caterham Seven 250 R by Kamui Kobayashi
    Caterham Seven 250 R by Kamui Kobayashi

    Source: Caterham

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

    Kobayashi-Caterham-Seven-620-R-THUMBCaterham 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

    Caterham Seven 620R
    Caterham Seven 620R
    Caterham Seven 620R
    Caterham Seven 620R
    Caterham Seven 620R
    caterham-seven-620r-06

    Video Source: YouTube

    Source: Caterham

  • Zenos E10 To Follow In The Footsteps Of Caterham

    Zenos-E10-shadowZenos-E10-medium-2The rather specific family of road legal, open-top, step-in, two-seater sports cars is set to grow further with one new member. On January the 9th, the Autosport International in Birmingham kicks off – “Europe’s largest dedicated motorsport trade show”. Visitors will have the chance to witness the revelation of the Zenos E10 – a super lightweight Ariel Atom kind of car

    The Zenos Cars company is the brainchild of former Caterham Cars CEO Ansar Ali and former COO Mark Edwards. They have also been noted on their work at Lotus. Main point: should be very, very good around the corners.

    As for the bits inbetween the bends, The Zenos E10 has a mid-mounted 2.0-liter engine that’s been borrowed from Ford. It develops 200 hp which should be plenty enough considering that the whole thing weighs just about 650 kg. That’s 300 hp per tonne. The acceleration from 0 to 60 is under 5 seconds.

    It’s cleverly made too. A single, aluminium extrusion ‘backbone’ spans the length of the E10, delivering impressive torsional rigidity, accompanied by an aluminium rear sub frame and a safety cell incorporating twin roll hoops and side-impact protection. The driver and passenger are nestled neatly in an integrated carbon composite monocoque made out of recycled carbon fiber materials.

    Production should start at the end of 2014 and the first deliveries are expected during the opening quarter of 2015. There are also plans for Roadster and GT Coupé versions of the E10 (promptly called E11 and E12 respectively).

    Hope they pull it through.

    Zenos-E10-medium

    Source: Zenos Cars

  • Caterham Launches Seven 160

    Caterham-Seven-160-THUMBCaterham 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.

    Caterham Seven 160
    Caterham Seven 160
    Caterham Seven 160
    Caterham Seven 160
    Caterham Seven 160
    Caterham Seven 160
    Caterham Seven 160
    Caterham Seven 160
    Caterham Seven 160
    Caterham Seven 160
    Caterham Seven 160
    Caterham Seven 160

    Source: Caterham

  • Caterham AeroSeven Concept [leak images]

    Caterham AeroSeven Concept has leaked to the web ahead of its official debut at the Singapore Grand Prix. Motor Authority has published several pictures of the futuristic vehicles showing some interesting details.The exterior boasts a distinctive front fascia with a massive grille and LED headlights. There are also side-exiting exhaust pipes, big rear wheel arches and a two seat cockpit.Nothing is mentioned about the power train, but this will be the first car, which is designed and developed with significant input from all of Caterham Group’s specialist business arms – Caterham Technology & Innovation, Caterham Composites and Caterham F1 Team.Hopefully all efforts of the engineers will be awarded by a great performance of AeroSeven.

  • Caterham Seven 165 Prototype With Frankfurt Unveil

    caterham-seven-THUMBCaterham 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

  • Caterham Seven 620R To Feature Engine Manufactured By Suzuki

    caterham-seven-THUMBCaterham 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.

    Caterham Seven 620R
    Caterham Seven 620R
    Caterham Seven 620R
    Caterham Seven 620R
    Caterham Seven 620R
    caterham-seven-620r-06

    Source: Caterham

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

    Caterham-Seven-620R-THUMBAfter 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
    Caterham Seven 620R
    Caterham Seven 620R
    Caterham Seven 620R
    Caterham Seven 620R
    Caterham Seven 620R
    caterham-seven-620r-06

    Source: Caterham