Caterham 7 CSR
| CSR 200/260 | |
|---|---|
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| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Caterham Cars Ltd |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 2.3 litre inline four Ford Duratec tuned by Cosworth; 200 or 260 bhp (190 kW) |
| Transmission | Standard 5-speed (200 model), Custom Caterham close ratio 6-speed (260 model) |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 2,315 mm (91.1 in) |
| Length | 3,300 mm (130 in) |
| Width | 1,685 mm (66.3 in) |
| Height | 1,015 mm (40.0 in) (hood down), 1,140 mm (45 in) (hood up) |
| Kerb weight | 575 kg (1268 lb) |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | Caterham SV |
The Caterham Seven CSR is the latest model from sports car manufacturer Caterham Cars. The CSR is the most heavily modified Caterham, though it still retains the basic look of the Super Seven. The CSR has two engine options based on the same Duratec block, though modifications and power output differ. The entry level engine produces 200 bhp (150 kW), with a 0-60 mph time of 3.7 seconds. The upgraded engine produces 260 bhp (190 kW), with a 0-60 mph time of 3.1 seconds and a top speed of 155 mph (249 km/h).
The CSR represents the most radical redesign of the car since the introduction of the Seven in its 48-year history. The CSR is the subject of numerous improvements over previous models (see below), though it still retains the main aesthetics of Caterhams.
While slightly heavier than other Caterhams the CSR still upholds Colin Chapman's philosophy of "add lightness." Weighing only 575 kg (1,268 lb), the CSR has excellent handling, making it extremely agile. On the skidpad, the Caterham outperforms many supercars. Its 1.05 lateral g-force beats the 2007 Porsche 997 Turbo's 0.94 G, the Ferrari F50's 1.03 G, and the Ferrari Enzo's 1.01 G.
In braking tests, the CSR performs well. From 70 mph (110 km/h) to a complete stop, the CSR took 140 feet (43 m). The 997 Turbo, stopping from 60 mph took 99 feet (30 m). The Ferrari F50 performed well, stopping from 60 mph (97 km/h) in 119 feet (36 m). For comparison, an average 2011 road car (2011 Chevrolet Cruze LS) takes 167 feet (51 m) to completely stop from 70 mph (110 km/h) and Formula One cars can stop in 56 feet (17 m) from 62 mph (100 km/h).
The CSR has excellent low-end acceleration because of its high power-to-weight ratio of 410 bhp (310 kW) per ton (260 model). It can accelerate from a stop to 60 mph (97 km/h) in 3.1 seconds (estimated), though during trials, Car and Driver magazine could only achieve 3.6 seconds. This discrepancy is due to the close gear ratios of the transmission and the rev limiter. The CSR that they tested could not reach 60 mph (97 km/h) in first gear, and required the extra 0.5 seconds to shift. Car and Driver explains:
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