When it rains it pours and Caterham have followed up on the introduction of its first new model in over 15 years, the SP/300R, with a new variant of its core model, the timeless Seven.
Dubbed the Seven Supersport, it's named after the race-prepped version that plies its trade in the one-make Caterham Supersport Championship. As is the norm with all Caterhams, it has been designed with the track and twisties in mind but is still road-legal. Power is courtesy of a 1.6-liter Ford Sigma mill that pushes out 140hp and 163Nm of torque to the rear wheels via a five-speed manual gearbox with ratios that lean towards acceleration.
The bare-bones racer weighs in at a scant 520kg, allowing it to reach the century mark in 4.9-seconds and onto a top speed of 193km/h. Handling has been tightened with a race-prepped suspension that consists of stiffened springs and dampers taken directly from the one-make race version. Completing the handling package are stiffer anti-roll bars. The 13-inch wheels are wrapped in high-performance CR500 Avon tyres for maximum grip.
Keeping with the hard core racer theme, a dash with integrated shift lights is standard as is an aero screen, composite full bucket seats that cocoon the driver who will be strapped in with a four-point race harness.
"We’ve built faster and more powerful accelerating cars before, but the Supersport’s character, value and low running costs have generated a machine that will excite sportscar fans, including those on a budget," said Caterham Cars engineering director, Mark Edwards.
As usual, the Seven Supersport can be bought either fully-built up or or as a kit to be assembled by those that yearn for grease and tools to carress their hands.
Source: Caterham Cars
