Engineering news
Caterham Cars has unveiled its latest road concept car at the Singapore Grand Prix. The AeroSeven is influenced by the Caterham Formula 1 team.
The two seater vehicle will reach 62mph in under four seconds powered by a two litre engine based on the Ford Duratec. The car incorporates a new rollover structure to improve safety and a racetrack inspired steering wheel that features 'road', 'flash to pass', and 'pit lane speed limiter' functions.
The chassis of the car is based on the Caterham Sever CSR and has independent rear suspension and F1 style inboard front suspension. The chassis features new dampners, springs and anti roll bars.
Work is ongoing with the Caterham F1 team to optimise the car's aerodynamics using circuit and wind tunnel testing.
Over the coming months engineers will assess several powerplant options for the final production version that will available in 2014. The group are also discussing the feasibility of using Bosch's race derived anti-lock breaking system.
Graham Macdonald, managing director of Caterham Cars, said: “Over the coming years we will be expanding our range of sportscars. The AeroSeven Concept is the first model in that journey.”
The company is also working with Renault to develop a new sportscar due for release in 2016.
The manufacture and tooling of components for the concept vehicle will be split between Caterham Technology and Innovation in Hingham in Norfolk and the Caterham F1 Team’s base in Leafield, Oxfordshire. Production models will be constructed at the Caterham Cars factory in Dartford, UK.