The 420R is widely regarded as Caterham’s best overall model from their current range. Its naturally-aspirated 2.0L Duratec engine provides awesome power, sharp throttle response and excellent drivability to go with Caterham’s superb Seven chassis.
The CDX stood for Caterham Drive Experience. These were cars built by Caterham, for Caterham, to demonstrate just how unbelievebly good these little rocketships these cars really are.
The 360 represents Caterham’s entry point to the 2.0L Ford Duratec engine, producing 180bhp. The power delivered by this engine is very smooth and linear, with considerably more lower and mid-range torque than the 1.6 Sigma engines below it in Caterham’s range. Unlike its bigger brothers, however, the 360 is not a very cammy engine, with max performance all dealt with below 7000rpm. This means that where its bigger brothers, like the 420 for example, have a surge in power high up in the rev range, the 360 engine does not, and offers a calmer, more progressive driving experience.
This pretty, 1998, Firecracker Yellow Roadsport is a great reminder of how little the Seven has changed in the last 25 years. Jumping into the cockpit, everything from the seats to the dash layout and even the steering wheel, are very much the same. More to the point, the driving excitement is still very much there, when fizzing through the winding B roads which scatter the countryside.
The 1700 Supersprint is a car which has an enormous following amoungst Seven enthusiasts.
Powered by Ford’s 1.6l Sigma engine, used across their range of Fiesta’s and Focus’ for years, this entry level Caterham is extremely dependable and provides ample performance for the majority of circumstances.
The Sigma Superlight is a rarely seen model which uses a version of the 1.6 Ford Sigma engine on throttle bodies. The engine produce 150 bhp with a noise and throttle response which put all other variations of the Caterham Sigma engine to shame.
The 360S is effectively Caterhams “go to” model when it comes to touring. Lots of torque, a quiet(ish) engine with a nice smooth delivery of power, and Caterham’s “S” package, making the car softer and more comfortable for the occupant.
The 420R is widely regarded as Caterham’s best overall model from their current range. Its naturally-aspirated 2.0L Duratec engine provides awesome power, sharp throttle response and excellent drivability to go with Caterham’s superb Seven chassis. And being an “R” edition model, it is complete with upgraded mechanical components, like the lightened flywheel and limited slip diff, to create the rawest and most engaging driving experience possible. Oh, and lets not forget the carbon fibre!
The Sigma 150 engine was an upgrade to the original Sigma 125. This included higher lift cams, bigger injectors and most importantly, throttle bodies. Not only did this engine produce an additional 25bhp to its stock variant, it transformed the driving experience. Throttle bodies add character in spades, transforming average engines in racing machines, with razor sharp responsiveness and a soundtrack that will send pulses soaring.
The 1.6 VCT-i Sigma engine superseded the original Sigma in 2014. Offering variable cam timing these later engines produced a little extra torque and power, as well as a small additional improvement on fuel consumption. This meant that the entry level engine increased from 125bhp to 135bhp, and the uprated version of this engine increased from 140bhp to 152bhp. This soon led to the model names being changed from Roadsport and Supersport, to 270 and 310. Unfortunately, this incredibly reliable and diverse engine has now gone out of production and as such is no longer a part of the Caterham range.
The 160 model was a fantastic modern-day hark back to the Sevens of old, with small 80 horsepower engines, reduced grip from skinny steel wheel and a classic live axle feel.