Caterham has unveiled the AeroSeven Concept road car at the SingTel Singapore Grand Prix.
As the first model designed with significant input from all of the Caterham Group’s specialist business arms, the AeroSeven Concept signals the brand’s intentions in terms of product engineering processes, speed to market, as well as a hint to its styling direction for future models, including the all-new sportscar being developed in conjunction with Renault and due for release in early 2016.
The AeroSeven Concept, which borrows methods used by the F1 team, will be the first ever Caterham model to be fitted with traction control. Owing to a newly developed Caterham Engine Management System, drivers will be able to employ fully-adjustable traction and launch control functionality.
Based on an updated interpretation of the Seven CSR platform, the carbon-fibre bodied concept vehicle, which will reach 62.5mph (100kph) in under 4 seconds, will initially draw its power from the normally-aspirated, EU6-approved, 237bhp (240ps) engine developed by Caterham Technology & Innovation for the recently launched Caterham Seven 485. Other engines are also being assessed for suitability.
Graham Macdonald, Managing Director of Caterham Cars, said: “Over the coming years, we will be expanding our range of sportscars as we look to meet the differing needs and desires of potential customers – from the lifestyle customer to the ultimate thrill-seeker. The AeroSeven Concept is the first model in that journey.”
Delivery of the production version of the concept model will begin in autumn 2014.
Exterior:
Using inputs from Caterham F1 Team performance director, John Iley, and the CTI design team, the fundamental shape of the car was created. Ongoing optimisation continues to take place using Computational Fluid Dynamics expertise from the F1 aerodynamic group, in conjunction with circuit and wind tunnel testing.
The AeroSeven Concept incorporates a completely new rollover structure, to both aid safety and improve aerodynamics.
At each corner, the AeroSeven Concept will sit on Avon’s CR500 tyres, the same performance rubber that is also the OE fit on a number of Caterham’s Sevens.
Powertrain:
Aiming to strike a balance between increased performance and stringent EU6 emissions regulations, the 237bhp Ford Duratec-based engine which will power the vehicle initially delivers its peak power at 8,500rpm.
The engine – which also powers the European-homologated Caterham Seven 485 – is one of the world’s highest revving EU6-compliant engines. The two-litre unit is mated to Caterham’s six-speed manual gearbox driving the rear wheels.
Over the coming months, project engineers will be assessing a number of powerplant options for the final production version, says Caterham.
Dynamics:
The new car features a number of exclusive technologies and attributes not seen on any previous Caterham.
Based on the Caterham Seven CSR chassis, the AeroSeven Concept features fully independent rear and F1-style inboard (pushrod) front suspension, new dampers, springs and anti-roll bars.
Driver focused chassis control systems debuting on the car include Caterham’s fully variable traction and launch control functions. Caterham is also analysing the feasibility of using Bosch’s race-derived anti-lock braking system.
Developed by Cateham Technology and Innovation, the Caterham Engine Management System is completely adjustable via steering wheel mounted controls. The system can also be completely disengaged.
Interior:
Inside, the new design gives a clear nod towards Caterham’s future styling ambitions.
A brand new fully active graphical display unit (GDU) developed by Caterham Technology & Innovation integrates all display and instrumentation in a high-resolution, centrally mounted unit. It displays information such as engine speed, gear selection, vehicle speed, traction and brake settings, fuel and oil levels in a real-time 3D rendered display.
Additionally, the race-inspired steering wheel incorporates ‘Road’ mode, ‘Flash-to-Pass’ and ‘Pit Lane Speed Limiter’ functions.
The car’s default setting is ‘Race’ mode, the reverse of most track orientated vehicles. When the steering wheel-mounted button is depressed, ‘Road’ mode is engaged, altering the engine’s character by reducing peak power through a reduced rev limit.
The manufacture and tooling of components for the AeroSeven Concept will be split between Caterham Technology & Innovation in Hingham, Norfolk and Leafield, Oxon, Caterham F1 Team’s base. Production models will be constructed at the Caterham Cars factory in Dartford, UK.
Source: Caterham
