The terms ‘three-cylinder engine’ and ‘sports car’ aren’t normally bedfellows but in the case of British sports car manufacturer Caterham, we’re prepared to make and exception.
Caterham announced last night a new entry-level variant for its
Seven model which will employ a turbocharged 0.6-litre, three-cylinder engine and five-speed transmission both sourced from Suzuki.
Development of the driveline was tuned by Caterham Technology and Innovation (CTI) to provide a package appropriate for Caterham’s enthusiast buyers.
Caterham says, the combination of light weight and ample performance makes the turbocharged Suzuki engine ideal for the sports car application.
“Suzuki is a leader in producing compact vehicles with extremely efficient engines and that is clearly a shared passion,” explained Caterham Cars chief Graham Macdonald. “We needed a particularly light powertrain but it had to be a unit that suited the characteristics inherent to all Sevens. Unfussy and easy to run, it is designed to give a neutral, supple ride yet carrying the sporting edge and turn-of-speed expected from any Seven.”
No word yet on local –plans – Caterham currently offers a four-model range in Australia, powered by 1.6-litre and 2.0-litre engines and priced from $57,275. If you want a track car which runs rings around your mates with Porsches, look no further than a Caterham.
