New Car Review Areas


General Car Topics

Caterham Seven CSR Review

April 2005
Filed under: CATERHAM Car News | CATERHAM Headlines
The British built Caterham Seven CSR sees the long-awaited return of Cosworth to the road car market after a ten-year absence with two bespoke, high performance engines. The new model will also benefit from the introduction of a fully independent rear, and inboard F1-style, front suspension plus major aerodynamic and chassis enhancements.
Internally, the famous two-seater boasts the most dramatic overhaul of its dashboard and trim in the model’s entire 48-year history.

Engine


The heartbeat of the Seven CSR will be the new Cosworth developed 2.3-litre Ford Duratec engine. The all-alloy, four-cylinder twin cam unit will produce either 200bhp or 260bhp and unrivalled levels of reliability and performance.

Chassis


The new suspension system, which required adjustments to the chassis, paved the way for Caterham to revise the Sevens tubular spaceframe. The resulting overhaul sees a 25 percent increase in torsional stiffness.

Interior


To improve driver ergonomics, the traditional flat mounted toggle switchgear has been completely dispensed with, replaced by a driver focused curved fascia wrapped around an exposed steel tubular framework. Alloy style dials, gear-knob, handbrake and a bespoke steering wheel complete the stylish new interior, with room created for storage space in the central console and in the armrest.

Aerodynamics


Aerodynamic improvements have majored on the face of the famous Seven.

The introduction of re-profiled cycle wings, which are mounted even closer to the tyre to cut drag, and a new larger nose cone complete with a floor mounted chin, have combined to reduce the front end lift by 50 percent. The net effect for the driver is a major decrease in high-speed understeer.

Wheels & Tyres


Working in conjunction with long-standing partner, Avon, the Caterham Seven CSR will squat firmly on Formula Three engineered 15-inch tyres, which measure a muscular 10 inches wide at the rear to assist traction and handling. Bespoke 15 spoke lightweight aluminium wheels will be fitted as standard.

Latest Car News

All images courtesy of and copyright their respective manufacturers, unless otherwise indicated. They may not be reproduced or retransmitted in any way without the express written permission of their respective owners. All trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Model news and specifications are presented as provided by manufacturer, and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of DIGIADS. No warranty is made by DIGIADS with respect to the accuracy or timeliness of the information contained herein.