Model Line-up Caterham
[edit] Classic
The 'original' Caterham had a live rear axle, which was generally held to have poorer handling on rough roads than the later-option de Dion rear axle, the sole currently-offered option. Engine: 1.4-litre (105 bhp).
[edit] Roadsport
The Roadsport offered an updated rear suspension with a de Dion tube and optional Watt's linkage, paired with an adjustable anti-roll bar allowing for more detailed control of the rear wheels during heavy cornering. Engines: 1.6 and 1.8-litre (115 to 160 bhp).
[edit] SV
The SV is similar to the Roadsport, but lengthened by 80 mm and widened by 110 mm, resulting in a slightly-less-cramped interior at the cost of 25 kg (55 lb) extra weight. The handling penalty of the additional weight is offset by the wider stance of the front wheels. Engines: 1.6 and 1.8-litre (115 to 160 bhp).
[edit] Superlight
The Superlight is a pure track version of the Roadsport with nose cone, cycle wings and other parts replaced by carbon fibre. The wind deflector in place of the windscreen makes a helmet more or less mandatory. Engines: 1.8-litre (160 to 230 bhp). The Superlight lineup includes the R300, R400, and R500 (named after their power-to-weight ratios of 300, 400, and 500 bhp/Tonne, respectively).
[edit] CSR
Introduced in late 2004 [1], the CSR is similar in size to the SV but with a completely new (and heavier) chassis including independent rear suspension and F1-style inboard, pushrod-style front suspension. The aerodynamics of the vehicle have been greatly improved, with roughly 50% less front-end drag at 100 mph. In place of a MG Rover powerplant is a 2.3-litre Cosworth-tuned Ford Duratec engine (200 to 260 bhp). The 260 bhp variant is capable of a 0-60 mph time of 3.1 seconds.
[edit] Engines
Historically, engines have been supplied by Ford, specifically Ford Kent engines or Cosworth-derived race-prepared BDA/R units, enlarged to 1.7 litres and generating 150 - 170 bhp. In the early 90s, Caterham started using powerplants from other sources, with the least expensive models using 1.4-litre K series engines from MG Rover for the base model, and Vauxhall engines including full race versions of the 16 valve 2.0XE "red top" as fitted to 1990 Vauxhall Works Touring Cars. Rover engines span a power outout of 110 to 250 bhp in the R500 Evolution, Vauxhall engines 165 bhp to 320 bhp in some factory built versions of the car. A 250 bhp Caterham JPE (Jonathan Palmer Evolution) briefly held the world record for production car 0-60 times (at 3.4 seconds) until it was bettered by the $1m McLaren F1.
The many aftermarket tuning companies for these cars have also offered the Ford Zetec, Honda Fireblade, Suzuki Hayabusa and even the Mazda Rotary engine. It is rumoured one owner even fitted a rotary diesel engine from a military drone.
In 2001, Caterham designated MG Rover the sole engine supplier for factory-built Sevens, with Ford Zetec, Honda Fireblade, Yamaha Firebird and Suzuki Hayabusa engines still available for kit assembly. The Rover engines were based on the K series and carried the 'Xpower' branding. However, the partnership evidently came to an end with the introduction of the 2005 model, powered by a Ford Duratec engine.
Typical powerplant output ranges from 140 to over 300 bhp, depending on specs and modifications.
The gearbox is either the classic Ford T9 five-speed or Caterham's own six-speed box. The T9 is cheap and durable, but has gear ratios meant for a much heavier car. The six-speed gearbox is expensive and had early 'toothing' problems, but its ratios are considered the perfect match for the Seven. Independent companies such as Quaife do offer replacement gearkits for the T9 as well as sequential boxes for those with a racing fever and the need for a more robust transmission.
The most extreme engine/chassis combination available from the factory as of 2004 was the R500 with the 230 bhp (169 kW) MG Rover engine, bringing the car's 430 kg from zero to 60 mph in 3.4 seconds. This model also has the current production car world record (as of 27 April 2004) for 0-100-0 mph at 10.73 seconds.
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