► Super-simple Super Seven duo unveiled
► Choose from a Suzuki 600cc or Ford 2000cc
► Retro feel riffs on original ’70s Super Seven
If you know your Caterham Sevens you’ll recognise that the recent spate of Super Sevens are the sports cars for purists. So it makes sense that, sitting at the opposite end of the spectrum from the lairy 310bhp Seven 620, come this duo – the Caterham Super Seven 600 and Caterham Super Seven 2000, ready for Caterham’s golden anniversary in 2023.
They follow in the footsteps of the earlier Super Seven 1600 and continue that car’s delicious retro feel, riffing on the 1970s Caterham Super Seven model (itself inspired by the ’60s Lotus Super Seven). Hence the flared front wings and classic 14-inch wheels, chrome filler cap and black leather Moto-Lita steering wheel, plus a raft of personalisation options.
The message here is very much less is more fun. Less power, less weight, fewer creature comforts – for a very pared-back, ascetic vibe in tune with the brand’s lightweight DNA.
Farewell Ford Sigma engine, hello Suzuki triples and Ford four-pots
The Blue Oval’s ageing 1.6-litre Sigma engine is no longer available, so Caterham has sought two new motors to power its back-to-basic lightweight twins:
- Super Seven 600 84bhp 660cc three-cylinder Suzuki engine, 6.9sec 0-60mph, 105mph top speed
- Super Seven 2000 2000cc four-cylinder Ford Duratec engine, 4.8sec 0-60mph, 130mph top speed
As the figures suggest, the 600 is a simpler, slower, Sunday morning drive affair and comes equipped with the basic live rear axle design; the brawnier 2000 comes with the more sophisticated de-Dion rear suspension layout to cope better with the additional power and torque. Owners can spec a limited-slip differential on either model for improved traction.
The 600 is narrow-body only, while the 2000 comes with the choice of the narrow or wider chassis, both offering the regular paint palette or four new – and deliciously old-fashioned-sounding – colours including Bourbon, Ashdown Green, Windsor Blue and Fawn.
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Sounds perfect! How much does the 2023 Caterham Super Seven cost?
We’re pleased to report that the junior Super Seven 600 costs a very tempting £29,990 while the more muscular Super Seven 2000 is priced at £39,990. That’s for DIY, build-it-yourself kit form, though the factory will assemble both cars for a modest premium. Only the more powerful model will be sold in the US.
Bob Laishley, CEO of Caterham Cars, said: ‘With Caterham Cars celebrating its 50th anniversary next year, now feels right to be adding cars to our range that take inspiration from our past. We’ve taken what was great about Sevens of yesteryear, the design, look and feel, and reimagined them for today.
‘Super Seven 600 and Super Seven 2000 will offer two very distinct driving experiences, appealing to a wide range of driving enthusiasts who want a taste of a modern Seven but with the charm and retro-styling of our vehicles from the 70s and 80s.’
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