14 Nisan 2011 Perşembe

New Caterham Seven Supersport Targets Hardcore Enthusiasts on a Bugdet




A little over two months after the introduction of its first truly new model in 15 years, the SP/300R, Caterham has now presented the first brand new addition in two years to its core model series, the Seven. As its name implies, the new Seven Supersport is derived directly from the race-prepped version that competes in the one-make Caterham Supersport championship.
Designed with the track in mind but completely street legal, the Seven Supersport is powered by a 1.6-litre Ford Sigma engine producing 140bhp and 120 lb-ft of peak torque. The four-cylinder unit is linked to a five-speed manual transmission with ‘sprint’ ratio gearing. Weighing in at just 520kg or 1,146 pounds, Caterham’s latest creation completes the 0-60mph (96km/h) sprint in 4.9 seconds en route to a top speed of 120mph (193 km/h).
The Supersport also features a race-prepared suspension with uprated springs and dampers borrowed directly from its race car cousin, stiffer anti-roll bars and a lightweight flywheel, while it rides on 13-inch wheels wrapped around CR500 Avon tires.
A track biased dash with integrated change up lights, an aero screen, composite race seats and a four-point race harness instead of standard seat belts complete the Supersport package.
Caterham Cars engineering director, Mark Edwards, said: “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.”
The new Caterham Seven Supersports is available as a full factory-built model at £22,995, while handy enthusiasts can also purchase it in component form for £19,995.