Stripped-to-the-essentials high performance motoring has just become a little less expensive with UK "clubman" manufacturer Caterham adopting a new base engine that substantially drops purchase prices.
The previous hand-built Cosworth 2.3-litre four-cylinder that underpinned most of the Caterham Seven range has now been replaced by a 2.0-litre Ford engine that produces less power but winds back pricing. The company says the SV 175 Seven Roadsport model, for example, is $26,000 cheaper than the outgoing Cosworth-engined equivalent.
The DOHC 16-valve engine was developed in a collaborative effort between Ford and Caterham. It develops 129kW compared to the previous Cosworth 2.4 engine's 147kW.
More accessible pricing is therefore partly offset by slightly less impressive power-weight ratios across the Caterham range, although the minimalist nature of all models -- particularly the track-focussed variants -- still ensures a decent balance between kerb weight and engine output.
The new 2.0-litre Caterham-Ford engine comes in three variants: Roadsport SV 175, Superlight SV R300 and CSR 175. At the lower end of the range is the 1.6-litre Ford Sigma engined Roadsport SV 120.
The Roadsport SV 175 is the least spartan, most road-going Caterham Seven, coming complete with luxuries including cabin heating, padded side armrests and cloth trim.
Matched to a five-speed gearbox, the new engine drives the SV 175 through a de Dion rear suspension. Wheels are little 14-inch alloys with 185/60x14 Avon tyres.
For more of a track focus, there's the Superlight SV R300, which does away with "everything that is not absolutely necessary" -- including heater and windscreen.
It comes with a Caterham designed six-speed gearbox, adjustable suspension, 15-inch wheels and carbonfibre front mudguards and wind deflector.
The most expensive Caterham Seven is the CSR 175 with inboard front suspension, independent rear suspension, wider wheels and bigger brakes.
At the other end is the "budget" Caterham Seven, the Roadsport SV 120 -- a more road-friendly variant that is based on the Roadsport SV 175 and uses a 1.6-litre Ford Sigma engine connected to a five-speed manual transmission. It has the same de Dion rear suspension and 14-inch alloy wheels as the SV 175.
Although Caterhams can be ordered to customer specifications, fully built and ready for road or track, it is also possible to acquire a car in kit form.
Prices: 2010 Caterham Seven
Seven CSR 175 2.0 Caterham-Ford $95 530 (pictured in silver)
Seven Superlight SVR 300 2.0 Caterham-Ford $92 530 (pictured in red)
Seven Roadsport SV 175 2.0 Caterham-Ford $82 950
Seven Roadsport SV 120 1.6 Ford Sigma $64 900 (pictured in green)
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