New Caterham coming in 2015 - report

 New Caterham coming in 2015 - report
Caterham Seven Supersport - 12.4.2011

Will be offered as a coupe & convertible

In a recent interview, Caterham's Ansar Ali revealed plans to launch a new model that will be available in three different configurations.

Speaking with Car, Ali said the model will be factory-built and launched in 2015. He didn't reveal too many specifics, but said the car would be built from scratch and offered as a coupe and convertible. Ali went on to say the model will be relatively sporty as "Caterhams are designed for the driver: they are light, very engaging, and they have what I would call affordable pricing, so [think] £30k-45k."

The car will reportedly have a new design language that will differ from the classic Seven, but still be recognizable as a Caterham. Regardless, it will be a two seater with a targeted weight of less than 1000kg (2205 lbs). Additionally, there have been proposals for a mid-engine layout, but Ali prefers a classic front-engine, rear-wheel drive design.

The company is currently talking to engine suppliers - including Ford - but there's no word on what will power the car. However, we can expect naturally-aspirated and forced induction units which should deliver the same power-to-weight ratios as the Seven. Furthermore, an automatic transmission might be offered as an option.

If everything pans out, Caterham will sell approximately 2500 units annually thanks to availability in new markets like India and China.

Note: Caterham Seven Supersport pictured

Source: CAR

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 Douglas6250 Douglas6250
Since Honda is retiring their K-series engines, I would love to see a Caterham with a K20A !! (or perhaps they would go for Renault engines with their F1 link ?)
February 13, 2012 1:28 pm
 sideskraper sideskraper
No.
February 13, 2012 7:29 pm
 swifthead swifthead
I think that logintudaly mounted 2,5l inline-5 turbo from Focus RS will do the job perfectly :D
February 13, 2012 2:26 pm
 AG4 AG4
The inline-5 is being phased out. Most Volvos and Fords that used to use the inline 5 Volvo engines have already switched to 4-cylinder EcoBoost engines. Perhaps we'll see a Caterham with an EcoBoost engine.
February 14, 2012 5:12 am
 inlinesix inlinesix
The Lotus 7 design served them well for 40 years. Maybe they should buy another one from Lotus.
February 14, 2012 4:18 am
 sideskraper sideskraper
Like?
February 14, 2012 10:04 am
 inlinesix inlinesix
The Seven was a 1950's design. So naturally Caterham should move on to the 60"s now: http://www.exoticcarsite.com/pictures/Cars/lotus/europa-1965/lotus-europa-1965-1.jpg
February 14, 2012 1:45 pm
 sideskraper sideskraper
Nah, the breadvan wouldn't work. It's for a clearly different market. Something like the 340R may work, but would likely be far too expensive. Whatever comes will likely leverage the SP300 monocoque technology developed with Lola.
February 14, 2012 5:24 pm