Leather, chrome and wood highlight posh new Caterham Super Seven twins
Caterham has revealed two new variants of its retro-styled Super Seven. The two models, called 600 and 2000, feature a range of high-end touches, and combine a retro look with either the narrow or de-Dion chassis options. They are both available to order now, and cost from $33,200 and $44,280 respectively.
The base 600 model draws its cues from the previous Super Seven 160, and combines the Suzuki-sourced turbocharged 660cc three-cylinder engine with narrow-track suspension, a live rear axle and narrow body. Peak power is rated at 84bhp, but thanks to its tiny turbocharger and the extra torque it provides, it’ll still reach 100kph in 6.9sec.
The more serious Super Seven 2000 features Ford’s 2-litre Duratec motor and comes with 180bhp. It’s closely related, mechanically, to the existing 360S and should mirror that car’s overall performance. This cuts down the 0-100 time to 4.8sec. In order to make best use of the extra grunt, the 2000 features Caterham’s de-Dion chassis setup that includes an independent rear axle and wider tracks. It’s also available with the optional wide body.
For those wanting to take the 2000 model up another notch, Caterham is offering further high performance options including a limited-slip rear differential and a sports suspension package, the latter bundling a rear anti-roll bar, adjustable front dampers, and uprated brakes with ventilated discs and larger four-piston calipers.
Both Super Seven 600 and 2000 models send their power to the rear wheels via a five-speed manual transmission, and run on different designs of 14-inch wheels that can be specified in silver, gold, or colour coded to the exterior paint. Four specific heritage colour options will be available, alongside Caterham’s wider palette.
Yet it’s the details that set the Super Seven apart, including bespoke grilles and bright finishes to the windscreen, rear wheel arch extensions and light casings. The interior’s far more plush than in standard Sevens, with leather on the seats and centre console, along with carpeting throughout the tub, an optional walnut dash and more ornate retro-styled dials. Caterham also fits a leather-wrapped Molita steering wheel.
So if a classic British sports car has always tickled your fancy, but the expense of something like a Morgan Plus Four was a little hard to justify, Caterham might just have the next best thing – not forgetting the fact that all Caterham Sevens are about the most fun you can have on four wheels.
This article originally appeared at evo.co.uk
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