Caterham Cars’ new entry-level Seven will be unveiled in prototype concept form at this year’s Frankfurt Motor Show (Sept 10-22).
Ahead of the show, the British manufacturer of lightweight sportscars has revealed more details about the variant of the iconic Seven that will provide an accessible new entry point to the current range, with a target price tag of €25,000 including local taxes.
The car will be called the Caterham Seven 165, a reference primarily to the confirmed 80hp produced by the 660cc, three-cylinder, turbocharged Suzuki K6A engine after enhancements made by the Caterham Group’s engineering consultancy, Caterham Technology & Innovation (CTI).
The number five at the end of the car’s moniker signifies that the vehicle also complies with the EU5 emissions standards, allowing it to be sold across mainland Europe. It also complies with the similar JC08 test mode for sales in Japan while, in the UK, a different variant of the car - the Caterham Seven 160 - will start from under £17,000.
Despite the compact nature of the Suzuki powerplant, CTI has fine-tuned the K6A engine to deliver increased performance including a torque output of 107Nm, balanced against amplified fuel economy and reduced vehicle emissions.
Caterham Cars CEO, Graham Macdonald, said: “The engineering process involved in the creation of the Caterham Seven 165 is nearing completion and, as we piece together the final elements, the car we believe will inspire a new generation of drivers to become Caterham enthusiasts is taking shape in exciting fashion.
“Earlier this year, we launched the fastest, most powerful production Seven we’ve ever launched in Europe – the Seven 485. The 165 will sit at the opposite end of the scale, both in engine size and price, but the beautiful thing is that the two cars will offer exactly the same level of pure driving fun. Whether you’re a seasoned, hardcore driver or whether you’re new to sportscars, there will be a Caterham that suits you.”
Production of the Caterham Seven 165 is expected to begin in January 2014, with first deliveries later that Spring.
BACK TO THE FUTURE: CATERHAM LAUNCHES SEVEN 160 AND 165
Caterham Cars has opened the order book for the Seven 160 and 165 – its new entry-level variants of the iconic sportscar, powered by a super-compact, turbocharged Suzuki engine.
The Seven 160 is priced from £14,995 in component form, the car’s live-axle rear suspension, compact engine and low weight embody the pioneering spirit of early Sevens and represent a new entry-point to the Seven range.
EU customers will get an altered version, called 165 – produces 80hp from its 660cc, three-cylinder, turbocharged engine, enabling it to accelerate to 6o mph in a brisk 6.5 seconds and on to a top speed of 100mph.
With fleet-of-foot charm and handling finesse, rather than outright performance dictating the driving experience, the new cars redefine the budget sportscar segment while introducing new levels of efficiency and value for money to the Caterham range.
Caterham Cars CEO, Graham Macdonald, said: “As the Caterham Group as a whole grows and expands into new sectors and industries, our commitment to keep evolving the Seven is very much alive.
“The 160 and 165 offer something truly different to the entry-level market. They're more economical, more accessible and every bit as fun on the road as other Sevens but have their own unique personality.”
The new rear axle, a throwback to early Sevens in terms of simplicity and purity of design, complements the Suzuki Motor Corporation engine and lower overall body weight, while delivering Caterham’s acclaimed, intuitive handling experience and a balanced yet playful chassis.
To meet the desired performance criteria, the Caterham Group’s engineering consultancy, Caterham Technology & Innovation (CTI), fine-tuned engine performance from its standard output of 64hp to 80hp, while boosting fuel economy and reducing vehicle emissions. Subsequently, the Seven 165 conforms to EU5, EU6 and JC08 emissions regulations.
Macdonald continued: “The engineering challenges we faced when developing the new vehicle were significant. The engine, suspension and the overall dynamics all needed to work in harmony and the various arms of the Group have been successful in pooling facilities and expertise to achieve that.”
The number five at the end of the EU spec car’s moniker signifies that the vehicle complies with the EU5 emissions standards, allowing it to be sold across mainland Europe and beyond.
Production of the Caterham Seven 160 and 165 is expected to begin in January 2014, with first deliveries later that Spring.
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