Launched in 2005, the CSR represents everything Caterham has learned about the Seven in over 3 decades of manufacturing the car. Three variants of the CSR are offered, the 200bhp CSR200, the 260bhp CSR260 and the flagship 260bhp CSR Superlight.
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 either 200bhp or 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 CSR200 and 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.
CSR Superlight
Introduced in mid-2006 and currently the flagship high performance model for Caterham, the CSR Superlight is the ultimate 7. Based on the CSR260, this model adds a ‘Superlight’ lightweight specification to the CSR, further extending the CSR260’s already epic performance envelope. Of particular note are ‘Dynamic Suspensions’ Damper units developed by specialist Multimatic for the car. The damper units lend the already capable CSR a further edge in terms of handling and cornering performance.
