Caterham’s ‘bonkers’ new Seven

published 23 July 2013

This is Caterham's new version of its Seven model, the 620R and it's "bonkers", says TopGear.com. It is Caterham's most powerful road-going Seven yet and will go from rest to 60mph in less than 2.8 seconds and on to an electronically limited top speed of 155mph. "Holy mackerel."

As with the R400 and R500 Superlight models, it has a supercharged 2.0-litre Ford Duratec engine, only this one produces "a marginally terrifying" 311bhp and 219lb ft of torque. Otherwise, it's "the usual mixture" of racy seats, cheap-looking, minimalist interior, carbon-fibre trim and Caterham driving thrills. That makes the asking price look a bit steep, given it's £7,500 more than the "still plenty terrifying" R500.

For the price you do however get "the most extreme Caterham yet", if you're "brave enough to take it on", says Leo Wilkinson in The Daily Telegraph. Changes over lesser Seven models include an "airflow optimised" nose cone and a race-developed cooling package. It made its debut at last weekend's Goodwood Festival of Speed, and will be perfect for track use, although you can also drive it home on the road. It goes on sale later this year. An S' version that "harnesses all the power of the original but offers a little more accessibility" will also be available.