Caterham Seven 275 arrives
BY DANIEL GARDNER | 2nd Jul 2015
The power upgrade of 15kW takes the output of the 1.6-litre Ford Sigma four-cylinder to 100kW, but despite the improvement in performance, its local price has dropped by $1000.
Its extra power allows the SV 275 to accelerate to 100km/h from standstill half a second faster than its predecessor's 6.0-second dash, but only uses 6.2-litres of fuel per 100 kilometres when driven more sedately.
The previous SV 175 has been dropped from the line-up, while the middle of the range CSR has increased in price by $2000 to $91,990. The price of the flagship and top-performing SV 485 has also increased to $116,990 (up $8000) but now has an LSD as standard.
For the new variant, a five-speed manual gearbox sends power to the De Dion rear axle, but can be optionally upgraded to a closer-ratio six-speed version.
14-inch wheels with Avon ZV3 tyres are standard fare but can also be swapped for six-spoke 15-inch hoops.
As one might expect from a car weighing fewer than 700kg, standard equipment is basic. Carpets, and cloth trim, removable top and doors and a heater are included in the price, whereas paint and leather upholstery are not.
Customers can have just the nose cone and mud guards painted in a choice of six colours for no extra cost.
For track enthusiasts, Caterham will supply a range of performance-focused options including a limited-slip differential, uprated adjustable suspension, adjustable rear anti-roll bar, four-point harnesses, roll-over hoop and a battery kill switch.
For an aesthetic tweak, owners can order a carbon-fibre dashboard and a Black Pack, which trims the headlight pods and windscreen frame in black and adds carbon-fibre sill protectors and rear-arch guards.
An optional tonneau cover and a half hood with zip add more foul weather protection and ease of cockpit access. Taller drivers can also request the floor to be lowered.
Both higher-spec CSR and 485 variants are powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder, with 127kW for the mid-range car and 177kW for the flagship thanks to a turbocharger.
While the Caterham cars range may be light on comfort options, the company says the sacrifices are required for a more involving and rewarding driving experience.
“Irrespective of the model chosen, all Caterhams offer a pure divining experience and the light weight chassis offers unique dynamics and steering feel for those who can appreciate it,” it said.
| Caterham Seven pricing* | |
| 275 | $68,990 |
| CSR | $91,990 |
| 485 | $116,990 |
