October 2004, UK- Caterham Cars proudly unveiled the most important all-new version of its legendary Seven sportscar today.

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 models entire 48-year history.

Engine

Over the last 12 months, Cosworth Racing and Caterham Cars have worked closely to develop the Ford Duratec 2.3-litre all-alloy, four-cylinder twin cam engine for use in the all new Seven sportscar.

The collaboration renews the Ford / Cosworth / Caterham relationship that proved so fruitful when the marque used the Cosworth-developed BD range of Ford engines in the 1980s. The Cosworth name was first seen in a Seven in1961.

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 Caterhams already strong export market, as well as forming the cornerstone of its domestic high performance sales.

Suspension

After nearly twenty years using the De Dion rear suspension, a unit that was originally fitted to the Seven in 1985 but continually developed over time, Caterham sought the expertise and credibility of a world leader.

Having recently been engaged on the new Ford GT and Aston Martin DB9, Multimatic Technical Centre Europe, a division of Multimatic Inc., began work with Caterham on developing the CSRs suspension configuration eighteen months ago.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

Motorsport

As the worlds biggest manufacturer of race cars, it’s no surprise to hear that the Seven CSR, has been developed from an intensive 18 month test programme for a new International Race Car. With an unrivalled 260 bhp engine, the latest Caterham racer will continue the firm’s long-standing and hugely successful worldwide motorsport programme. A new series for 2005 will take in six of the finest driver’s circuits on the Continent including Spa Francorchamps, Estoril and Nurburgring.

Simon Nearn concludes: ”Caterham has to remain at the pinnacle of its chosen niche – lightweight, high performance sports cars. We feel we’ve taken the next giant stride forward with the Seven CSR.”

Designed for Racing Built for Living

The latest Caterham has been pounding the circuits of the UK and Europe for 18 months. As with all Caterham products, the car is designed and proven as a thoroughbred racing machine and only then, with performance and durability a given, is the road car created.

The Caterham Seven CSR goes on sale with prices starting 27,450 GBP for the 200bhp version and from 33,950 GBP for the 260bhp.

Story by Caterham Car Sales & Coachworks Limited, edited by Supercars.net