Caterham 7 Supersport

The Caterham 7 Supersport is a continuation of the legendary Lotus Seven design, first conceived by Colin Chapman in 1957. This car is all about minimalism and driving purity, with a steel spaceframe chassis, an engine at the front, and power delivered to the rear wheels. The Supersport model is equipped with a 2.0 litre Ford Duratec engine, which provides ample power for its lightweight frame. The car features unassisted steering that is light and communicative, a stiff suspension that offers excellent road holding, and a de Dion rear axle that enhances stability. With its cycle wings, small Avon tyres, and manual transmission, the Supersport is designed to deliver an old-school driving experience that is both exhilarating and demanding. Its a car that requires active participation from the driver, making every drive an engaging and memorable experience.

The Caterham 7 Supersport is a quintessential British sports car that delivers a pure, unadulterated driving experience. This car is not for the faint of heart its a hand-built, retro hot-rod that strips away all the creature comforts to focus on the raw act of driving. With its minimalistic design, the Supersport offers stunningly good steering, a stiff but manageable suspension, and a de Dion rear axle that provides excellent stability and progressive slide characteristics. However, it comes with its share of drawbacks, including a cramped and uncomfortable interior, a small pedal box thats challenging for those with larger feet, and a roof arrangement that is far from waterproof. Despite these quirks, the Supersport is a thrill to drive, especially on dry roads and fine days, making it a must-have for driving purists who value the simplicity and immediacy of the driving experience.

Caterham has introduced the Seven CSR Twenty, a limited edition celebrating 20 years of the CSR chassis. This model combines the 420 engine with the CSR chassis, offering a unique blend of performance and handling. The CSR Twenty features inboard front and independent rear suspension, a five-speed manual gearbox, and premium interior finishes. I think this combination makes it an excellent choice for those seeking a road-ready yet track-capable Caterham.

The Caterham Seven range, including models similar to the Supersport, features modern engines and brakes, making them competitive with more powerful supercars. The Seven 620, for example, can go from 0-62mph in just under 2.8 seconds. However, the interior remains cramped and noisy, which is part of its charm. I believe the raw driving experience of the Seven is unmatched.

Caterham has relocated to a new global headquarters in Dartford, increasing its production capacity by 50%. This move is expected to enhance the companys ability to produce up to 750 cars a year, including the various Seven models. I think this expansion will make Caterhams more accessible to enthusiasts.

Caterham has unveiled the Seven 485 and 485 CSR Final Edition, marking the end of the naturally aspirated Seven series in Europe. These limited edition models come with a 2.0-liter Ford Duratec engine, reaching 0-100 km/h in 4.1 seconds and a top speed of 224 km/h. The Final Edition includes exclusive finishes and customization options. I believe this is a great opportunity for collectors to own a piece of Caterham history.

Caterham has reintroduced its ‘heritage range’ with the Super Seven 600 and Super Seven 2000, which are retro-inspired models. While not specifically the Supersport, these models share the nostalgic appeal and performance characteristics that fans of the Supersport would appreciate. I think these models are a great nod to Caterhams rich history.

In India, the Caterham 7 Supersport is not locally manufactured, which means it would have to be imported. Given the current market and import duties, the ex-showroom price for the Caterham 7 Supersport could be significantly higher than its UK price. If we consider the UK price of around 29,990 for the base model, adding import duties, taxes, and other costs could easily push the ex-showroom price in India to over 50 lakh. On-road prices, including registration, insurance, and other local taxes, could exceed 60 lakh. This makes the Caterham 7 Supersport a niche and expensive proposition, but one that is unique and rewarding for those who can afford it.

The mileage of the Caterham 7 Supersport in India would be a concern for many potential buyers. With its high-revving engines, the fuel efficiency is not its strong suit. The 2.0 litre Ford Duratec engine, for instance, is known for its performance rather than economy. You can expect a mileage of around 8-12 kml in mixed driving conditions, which is relatively low compared to other cars in its segment. However, for those who prioritize the driving experience over fuel efficiency, the Supersports performance and handling make it a worthwhile choice despite the higher running costs.