Caterham Cars has opened the order book for the Seven 160. A new entry-point to the Seven range, the car’s live-axle rear suspension, compact engine and low weight all aim to embody the spirit of early Sevens.
The Seven 160 – EU customers will get an altered version, called 165 – produces 80hp from its 660cc, three-cylinder, turbocharged engine, enabling it to accelerate to 60mph in 6.5 seconds and on to a top speed of 100mph.
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 offers something truly different to the entry-level market. It’s more economical, more accessible and every bit as fun on the road as other Sevens but has its own unique personality.”
The new rear axle, a throwback to early Sevens in terms of simplicity of design, complements the turbocharged Suzuki engine and lower overall body weight, without compromising the handling or 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 64bhp to 80bhp, while boosting fuel economy and reducing vehicle emissions. The vehicle 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.
Source: Caterham
