Caterham CSR Superlight
 | |
| Manufacturer | Caterham Cars |
|---|---|
| Production | 1973-present |
| Predecessor | Lotus Seven |
| Class | Sports car |
| Body style | open 2 seat |
| Transmission | Close Ratio 6 Speed |
| Curb weight | 515 kg (1,135 lb) |
The Caterham 7 CSR is the latest evolution of the Seven design. It 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 also benefits from the introduction of a fully independent rear, and inboard F1-style, front suspension plus major aerodynamic and chassis enhancements.
More Information
Launched in 2005, the CSR represents everything Caterham has learned about the Seven in over 3 decades of manufacturing the car. 2006 saw the introduction of the Caterham Cosworth Masters series, a semi-endurance formula for the CSR, which has underlined the new model's sporting credentials. In September 2006 a road legal CSR260 lapped the Dunsfold test track, famously used by the BBC's Top Gear, in an astounding 1:17.4, unofficially taking the record from the £300,000 Koenigsegg CCX.
What the press say: "Nothing steers like a Caterham...it's so good that the CSR will open Caterham ownership up to a whole new section of buyers" Autocar 26/04/05
"Drive the CSR to a racetrack, slap on a helmet and remind yourself what its like to be alive" Sunday Times 01/05/05
"There are fast cars, and there are quick cars. This Caterham is both" Sunday Telegraph 07/05/2005
"This is one breathtakingly fast Seven... the CSR delivers thrilling performance when you've got your foot down and doesn't beat you up when you haven't" EVO 06/05
"This is the most radical change the company has seen in its full 48 year history... the result of all this is a stunning level of composure and high-speed stability" Top Gear 07/05
Engine The heartbeat of the Seven CSR is the new Cosworth developed 2.3-litre Ford Duratec engine. The all-alloy, four-cylinder twin cam unit will produce 260bhp and unrivalled levels of reliability and performance.
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 To improve driver ergonomics, the CSR260 offers an option of a driver focused curved fascia wrapped around an exposed steel tubular framework. Silver dials, fresh air vents, a bespoke steering wheel complete the stylish new interior and 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.
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.
Engine & Performance
Caterham 7 CSR260 Engine: 2.3 litre Cosworth Duratec Max Power (bhp/rpm) 260bhp @ 7500 Max Torque (lbs ft/rpm) 200 @ 6200 Weight 575kg 0-60mph 3.1 Seconds Power-to-weight 452bhp-per-tonne Top Speed 155mph
Standard Equipment
Standard Equipment CSR260 Aluminium body with pre coloured composite panels 2.3 Cosworth Duratec Engine 260bhp Increased "SV" dimension chassis Full Windscreen and weather equipment 15" 10 Spoke Caterham Anthracite wheels. Front 6.5", Rear 9.0" Bespoke Avon CR500 tyres, Front:195/45R15, Rear:255/40R15 6 Speed gearbox (CSR 260) Uprated Front Brakes Independent rear suspension Inboard front suspension Road 4-point strap and lap belt Side Screen armrest Fully carpeted interior Heater
Optional Equipment
260bhp Duratec engine Aero-section wishbones Fully Integrated Dash with leather Leather, composite or carbon seats Black Pack Paint
Download the full options list for more options and pricing
Technical Specification
Engine Displacement: 2261cc
Configuration: In-line four cylinder
Number of valves: 16
Bore x Stroke: 87.5mm x 94mm
Construction: Forged connecting rods, Forged Cosworth Pistons (CSR260)
Lubrication system: Caterham dry sump with internal scavenge pump
Camshafts: Cosworth-developed performance inlet and exhaust camshafts, uprated valve springs
Induction system: Cosworth-developed gas flowed cylinder head, roller barrel port throttles
Exhaust: Cosworth-developed exhaust manifold, Caterham developed exhaust system
Engine management: MBE ECU with Cosworth-developed calibration
Dimensions
Wheelbase 2315mm
Front Track 1505mm
Rear track 1465mm
Overall Length 3300mm
Overall Width 1685mm
Height (hood up) 1140mm
(hood down) 1015mm
Ground Clearance 100mm
Turning Circle 11m
