Caterham Seven range to be renamed, model range rejigged – report

According to a report in Autocar, Caterham will update its lightweight, track-ready Seven sports car next year.

When this update is launched, all regular variants in the Seven range will be named after their power-to-weight ratio, as calculated in horsepower-to-tonnes.

It's expected that the current entry-level and top-of-the-range models in the UK will retain their existing names, 160 and 620R, although the latter may lose its R suffix.

Weighing just 490kg, the current 160 (above) is able to blast from 0-60mph (96km/h) in 6.9 seconds and hit a top speed of 160km/h thanks to its 60kW/107Nm 660cc three-cylinder turbocharged engine from Suzuki.

At present the 620R (below), which is powered by a 231kW/297Nm supercharged version of Ford's 2.0-litre Duratec motor, is a good for a 0-60mph time of 2.8 seconds and a top speed of 249km/h.

Three variants will be slipped in between the 160 and 620, and will replace the Roadsport 125, Roadsport 140, Superlight R400, Supersport and Supersport R models available in the UK.

If the British magazine is correct, each model in the regular Seven range with be offered in both R and S performance versions, with the latter pack having the hardest edge.

The revised range will be unveiled in the second quarter of 2015 in Britain. It's not clear which models will make their way down under and how these changes will affect the local range.

The range-topping CSR model, with its F1-style inboard suspension, will remain unaffected by the nomenclature changes outlined above.