Caterham CSR260
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Caterham Cars proudly unveiled the most important all-new version of its legendary Seven sportscar. 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 will
boast the most dramatic overhaul of its dashboard and trim in the model's entire 48-year history.
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.
Significantly, the EU4 approved 200bhp engine, will provide a major boost to Caterham's already strong export market,
as well as forming the cornerstone of its domestic high performance sales.
With constant evolution, Colin Chapman's timeless design has consistently proven to be the benchmark for handling and
driver enjoyment. From this already enviable reputation, the Seven CSR will push the envelope further still with an
entirely redesigned new suspension system. Developed in association with world leading specialists, Multimatic Inc, the new
model will benefit from a racetrack honed double wishbone fully independent rear suspension to increase grip and
adjustability. At the front, an F1-style push-rod operated inboard unit will improve the aerodynamic performance with an
50mm increase in the front wheel track aiding high-speed cornering for those venturing on circuit.
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. 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. With one eye on the
heat and humidity of some overseas markets, the new broader nose cone houses a larger radiator, and an underside intake
and top positioned outlet duct to improve airflow management.
Internally, the new Seven CSR is barely recognisable from previous models. 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.
| engine |
Cosworth Developed Ford Duratec Inline-4 w/Dry Sump Lubrication |
| valvetrain |
4-Valves / Cyl |
| displacement |
2261 cc / 138.0 cu in |
| bore |
87.5 mm / 3.44 in |
| stroke |
94 mm / 3.7 in |
| power |
193.9 kw / 260 bhp @ 7500 rpm |
| hp per litre |
114.99 bhp per litre |
| bhp/weight |
460.18 bhp per weight |
| torque |
271.16 nm / 200 ft lbs @ 6200 rpm |
| drive wheels |
RWD w/Limited Slip Differential |
| body / frame |
Aluminum Body w/Composite Panels |
| front wheels |
F 38.1 x 16.5 cm / 15 x 6.5 in |
| rear wheels |
R 38.1 x 22.9 cm / 15 x 9 in |
| front tire size |
195/45R15 |
| rear tire size |
255/40R15 |
| weight |
565 kg / 1246 lbs |
| wheelbase |
2315 mm / 91.1 in |
| front track |
1505 mm / 59.3 in |
| rear track |
1465 mm / 57.7 in |
| length |
3300 mm / 129.9 in |
| width |
1685 mm / 66.3 in |
| height |
1140 mm / 44.9 in |
| transmission |
6-Speed |
| top speed |
249.4 kph / 155 mph |
| 0 - 60 mph |
3.1 seconds |