Caterham 7 CSR

Last updated

CSR 200/260
Caterham CSR -1.jpg
Caterham CSR
Overview
Manufacturer Caterham Cars Ltd
Body and chassis
Layout Longitudinal front-engine, rear-wheel drive
Powertrain
Engine 2.3 litre inline four Ford Duratec tuned by Cosworth; 200 or 260 bhp (190 kW)
Transmission Standard 5-speed (200 model), Custom Caterham close ratio 6-speed (260 model)
Dimensions
Wheelbase 2,315 mm (7 ft 7.1 in)
Length3,300 mm (10 ft 10 in)
Width1,685 mm (5 ft 6.3 in)
Height1,015 mm (3 ft 4.0 in) (hood down), 1,140 mm (45 in) (hood up)
Kerb weight 575 kg (1268 lb)
Chronology
Predecessor Caterham 7 SV

The Caterham Seven CSR is the latest model from sports car manufacturer Caterham Cars. The CSR is the most heavily modified Caterham, though it still retains the basic look of the Super Seven. The CSR has two engine options based on the same Duratec block, though modifications and power output differ. The entry level engine produces 200 bhp (149 kW), with a 0–60 mph (0–97 km/h) time of 3.7 seconds. The upgraded engine produces 260 bhp (194 kW), with a 0–60 mph (0–97 km/h) time of 3.1 seconds and a top speed of 155 mph (249 km/h). [1]

Contents

Performance

The CSR represents the most radical redesign of the car since the introduction of the Seven in its 48-year history. The CSR is the subject of numerous improvements over previous models (see below ), though it still retains the main aesthetics of Caterhams.

Handling and braking

While slightly heavier than other Caterhams the CSR still upholds Colin Chapman's philosophy of "add lightness." [2] Weighing only 575 kg (1,268 lb), the CSR has excellent handling, making it extremely agile. On the skidpad, the Caterham outperforms many supercars. Its 1.05 lateral g-force beats the 2007 Porsche 997 Turbo's 0.94 G, the Ferrari F50's 1.03 G, and the Ferrari Enzo's 1.01 G. [3] [4] [5]

In braking tests, the CSR performs well. From 70 mph (113 km/h) to a complete stop, the CSR took 140 feet (43 m). The 997 Turbo, stopping from 60 mph took 99 feet (30 m). [3] The Ferrari F50 performed well, stopping from 60 mph (97 km/h) in 119 feet (36 m). [4] For comparison, an average 2011 road car (2011 Chevrolet Cruze LS) takes 167 feet (51 m) to completely stop from 70 mph (110 km/h) and Formula One cars can stop in 56 feet (17 m) from 62 mph (100 km/h). [6] [7]

Low-end acceleration

The CSR has excellent low-end acceleration because of its high power-to-weight ratio of 410 bhp (310 kW) per ton (260 model). It can accelerate from a stop to 60 mph (97 km/h) in 3.1 seconds (estimated), [1] though during trials, Car and Driver magazine could only achieve 3.6 seconds. [8] This discrepancy is due to the close gear ratios of the transmission and the rev limiter. The CSR that they tested could not reach 60 mph (97 km/h) in first gear, and required the extra 0.5 seconds to shift. Car and Driver explains:

It’s also wickedly quick, blowing past 60 mph (97 km/h) in 3.6 seconds... The Caterham had an improperly set rev limiter that cut fuel at 7,700 rpm, 300 rpm short of the redline and 2 mph (3.2 km/h) short of 60 mph (97 km/h). At 7,700 rpm, the Caterham is going 58 mph (93 km/h), so we had to do a time-consuming shift before hitting 60 mph... With the correct fuel cutoff, at 8,000 rpm... it would likely hit 60 mph (97 km/h) in the low threes. [8]

For comparison the Porsche 997 Turbo, which has AWD and weighs over twice as much as the CSR, has a power-to-weight ratio of only 269 bhp (201 kW) per ton, but has a 0–60 mph (0–97 km/h) time of 3.4 seconds. [3]

High-speed lift

The CSR, as with all Caterhams, has worse performance at higher speeds with respect to both acceleration and handling because of the poor aerodynamics. Caterhams suffer not only from a high drag coefficient of  Cd =0.7, but also from lift. [9] Though there have been improvements in aerodynamics, the CSR still has 50 lb (23 kg) of lift at 100 mph (161 km/h). [1] [10] These factors hinder both high-end acceleration, top speed, and handling. With such strong wind resistance, it requires much more power to overcome that force and increase top speed. Lift reduces contact force on the tires, causing the car to feel "loose" and not handle as well.

Cosworth engine

The 260 bhp (194 kW) Cosworth-tuned engine is heavily modified from the stock 2.3 litre Duratec. The cylinder head, block, crankshaft, connecting rods and pistons are upgraded by Cosworth. [1] Cosworth also integrates an advanced dry-sump with an extra internal scavenge pump to distribute the oil. While a dry-sump system requires more oil (more weight), a dry-sump will keep the engine lubricated under hard cornering unlike a wet-sump system. Cosworth also radicalizes the cam shafts and upgrades the exhaust system. This may cause the engine to run a little more "rough" at low RPMs, but it drastically increases performance. The inlet system is also replaced with an advanced, custom roller-barrel system. This increases airflow at full throttle compared to a butterfly inlet, boosting performance. The engine also has a custom chip designed by Cosworth for a further increase in performance. [1]

The 200 bhp (150 kW) model uses the same Duratec block, but is not as heavily modified. The connecting rods and pistons are not upgraded significantly, though it does have the dry-sump system. The cam shafts are slightly radicalized, and the exhaust system is upgraded. The inlet system is enlarged, but not replaced with the roller-barrel system. The computer chip is upgraded, but not to the extent of the 260 model. Generally speaking, the 200 model is upgraded, albeit not as heavily. [1]

Other features

The CSR, has a variety of other features which enhance its performance. There are no power brakes or power steering, making the CSR extremely responsive and extremely agile. The clutch also engages extremely high, allowing for quick shifts while racing. In addition, the flywheel is very light. This makes heel-and-toe shifting extremely quick and easy as the engine revs up very quickly with little momentum.

Improvements

The springs and dampers installed inboard (push-rods, calipers not installed). Caterham 7 CSR (suspension).jpg
The springs and dampers installed inboard (push-rods, calipers not installed).

The overall strength of the chassis is improved with the addition of new tubular steel to the frame. The weight of the car increases, but the torsional stiffness is improved by somewhere between 25% [1] and 100%. [11] The added reinforcement was necessary in order for the CSR to support the heavy 2.3 litre Duratec engine. The CSR is also wider than previous models, which increases handling ability.

The rear suspension is fully independent. Caterham 7 CSR (rear suspension).jpg
The rear suspension is fully independent.

Both rear and front suspension were completely redesigned for the CSR. The front suspension has double wishbone, fully adjustable, inboard springs and dampers, improving aerodynamics. The rear suspension is also upgraded to a double wishbone, fully independent system, replacing the De Dion tube design.

The radiator vent on the nosecone improves aerodynamics. Caterham 7 CSR (vent).jpg
The radiator vent on the nosecone improves aerodynamics.

Caterhams have very poor aerodynamics due to the blunt windscreen, open-wheel design, and open cockpit. At very high speeds, lift becomes a problem. To combat this, the CSR has several features that reduce lift by 50%. [1] The front cycle wings are fitted closer to the tires to reduce turbulence. In addition, they have a small lip that angles air upward and creates a small amount of down force. Also, the new front suspension scheme reduces turbulence and drag formerly caused by the spring and damper units. The biggest enhancement is the vent added on top of the nose cone. On previous Caterhams, the air from the radiator caused turbulence by knocking against the engine and other parts on the underside. A plastic panel behind the radiator now directs air straight out through the vent, creating down force and reducing turbulence.

Review

Overall, the reviews of the CSR have been positive. Most magazines have only reviewed the 260 model. The main criticisms relate to the ease of driving and cost. [11]

The Caterham is the purest and most honest street car I've ever driven. Period. No power steering. No power brakes. No drive-by-wire. Just a direct connection between you and the contact patch. The responses to steering, throttle, brake, and gearshift inputs are so nearly instantaneous that they verge on the telepathic. And I can see exactly what's happening, at least at the front end of the car, as the wheels turn and judder. [11]

"The CSR is not built for long-distance highway travel. Although the ride quality falls short of punishing, I had strongly discourage using the car for emergency surgery. The otherwise comfy seats move fore and aft, but the rake is fixed, which can be-and was for me-a real pain. Speaking of driver discomforts, there's no dead pedal for your left foot, and your right thigh gets a good grilling from the aluminum transmission tunnel. The snap-shut side curtains cannot be raised or lowered like conventional windows, so you're either freezing or sweltering." [11]
"Which brings us on to the CSR 260’s biggest problem: the price. A basic CSR 260 costs £37,000 if Caterham builds it, £34,500 if you do it yourself. Then there’s paint at £795, or £1100 for metallic. And those carbon seats? Lovely, but they cost £1200. Aerofoil front suspension arms are very cool, but should be for £500. And that limited-slip differential is £750. Caterham is asking a lot of money for this car.
The CSR 260 is an intoxicating, extreme car, with racecar-like performance, fabulous grip levels and exceptional steering and handling. Few road cars will keep up with it in a straight line, fewer still down a twisting road or on a race track, and it has an excellent engine. But it isn’t perfect — the car’s packaging is showing its age and Caterham is demanding a serious amount of cash for a car that is so compromised — and so spartan." [12]
"The CSR has got to be the performance bargain of the car world, despite any flaws when it comes to civility. As previously mentioned, the roof and flimsy side doors are useless. Luggage space is nearly nonexistent, and you better be OK with the fact that anything short of a Razor scooter will tower over you on the road. But what is all this harping about creature comforts? This is a Caterham Seven after all, the fastest to ever leave the factory and maybe the quickest accelerating car on the planet. That counts more than cupholders any day." [10]

Purchasing and licensing

In the UK

The CSR is a legal production vehicle under the Individual Vehicle Approval scheme pending a vehicle inspection. The CSR may be purchased from Caterham directly as they are manufactured in the UK.

In the United States

The CSR was released in the United States in the summer of 2006 in very limited quantities. As a production vehicle, the CSR is illegal because of lack of safety features and failure to meet emissions standards. US law states that the engine and transmission must be purchased separately from the chassis. Chassis may be purchased from Superformance, Caterham's official distributor in the United States, and their network of dealerships nationwide. [13]

While many previous models of Caterhams are sold as kit cars to customers in the US, the complexity of the CSR makes this much more difficult, and is discouraged by dealers. It is currently not a part of the US lineup available through Superformance. [13] As such, the CSR is not a kit car. It is a production vehicle built in England. Licensing depends on individual state, county, and city regulations.

Facts and figures

Engine specifications

The Cosworth 260 attached to bellhousing and 6-speed transmission. The black tower is part of the dry-sump oil distribution system. Caterham 7 CSR (engine).jpg
The Cosworth 260 attached to bellhousing and 6-speed transmission. The black tower is part of the dry-sump oil distribution system.

2.3-litre Ford Duratec tuned by Cosworth inline four

Transmission specifications

GearRatio (260 Model) [12] Ratio (200 Model) [12]
12.69:13.36:1
22.01:11.81:1
31.59:11.26:1
41.32:11.00:1
51.13:10.82:1
61.00:1–
Final drive3.38:13.92:1

Performance specifications

Vehicle specifications

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lotus Elise</span> Motor vehicle

The Lotus Elise is a sports car conceived in early 1994 and released in September 1996 by the British manufacturer Lotus Cars. A two-seater roadster with a rear mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout, the Elise has a fibreglass body shell atop its bonded extruded aluminium chassis that provides a rigid platform for the suspension, while keeping weight and production costs to a minimum. The Elise was named after Elisa Artioli, the granddaughter of Romano Artioli who was chairman of Lotus and Bugatti at the time of the car's launch.

Caterham Cars Ltd. is a British manufacturer of specialist lightweight sports cars established in Caterham, England, with their headquarters in Dartford, England. Their current model, the Caterham 7, originally launched in 1973, is a direct evolution of the Series 3 Lotus Seven designed by Colin Chapman. In the 1990s the company made the Caterham 21, a two-seater soft top alternative to the MG F and Lotus Elise,. A track-only car, the SP/300.R, a joint project with Lola was released for customer testing in 2010 and was scheduled for release in 2013.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Porsche Carrera GT</span> Mid-engine limited production sports car manufactured by German car manufacturer Porsche

The Porsche Carrera GT is a mid-engine sports car that was manufactured by German automobile manufacturer Porsche from 2004 to 2006. Sports Car International named the Carrera GT number one on its list of Top Sports Cars of the 2000s, and number eight on its Top Sports Cars of All Time list. For its advanced technology and development of its chassis, Popular Science magazine awarded it the "Best of What's New" award in 2003.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ferrari 360</span> Italian two-seater sports car

The Ferrari 360 is a two-seater, mid-engine, rear wheel drive sports car manufactured by Italian automotive manufacturer Ferrari from 1999 until 2004. It succeeded the Ferrari F355 and was replaced by the Ferrari F430 in 2004.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Caterham 7</span> British super-lightweight sports car

The Caterham 7 is a super-lightweight sports car produced by Caterham Cars in the United Kingdom. It is based on the Lotus Seven, a lightweight sports car sold in kit and factory-built form by Lotus Cars, from 1957 to 1972.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ferrari F50</span> Italian sports car produced by Ferrari from 1995–1997

The Ferrari F50 is a limited production mid-engine sports car manufactured by Italian automobile manufacturer Ferrari from 1995 until 1997. Introduced in 1995, the car is a two-door, two seat targa top. The F50 is powered by a 4.7 L naturally aspirated Tipo F130B 60-valve V12 engine that was developed from the 3.5 L V12 used in the 1990 Ferrari 641 Formula One car. The car's design is an evolution of the 1989 Ferrari Mythos concept car.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Porsche 911 (997)</span> Sixth generation of the Porsche 911

The Porsche 997 is the sixth generation of the Porsche 911 sports car manufactured and sold by the German automobile manufacturer Porsche. It was sold between 2004 and 2013. Production of the Carrera and Carrera S coupé began in early 2004, and the all-wheel drive Carrera 4 and Carrera 4S began to be delivered to customers in November 2005. Deliveries of the Turbo and GT3 derivatives were carried out in late 2006, along with the GT2 in 2007. In addition to the coupé and cabriolet versions, Targa versions of the Carrera 4 and Carrera 4S were also available, which continued the trend of the "glass canopy" roof design used since its first application in the 993 until the 991 generation. This was later reverted to the classic targa top layout used in earlier models of the 911 Targa.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nissan 240SX</span> Motor vehicle

The Nissan 240SX is a sports compact car that was introduced to the North American market by Nissan in 1989 for the 1990 model year. It replaced the outgoing 200SX (S12) model. Most of the 240SXs were equipped with the 2.4-liter inline-four engine. The KA24E had a single overhead cam and the KA24DE had dual overhead cams. Two distinct generations of the 240SX, the S13 (1989–1994) the S14 (1994-1998) were produced, based on the Nissan S platform.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Panoz Esperante</span> Motor vehicle

The Esperante is a sports car made by Panoz, an American car manufacturer.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lotus Exige</span> Car model

The Lotus Exige is a sports car made by the British company Lotus Cars from 2000 until 2021. Originally a coupé version of the Lotus Elise roadster, since the Series 3 the Exige has been the larger-engined model of the family, featuring a V6 engine in place of the Elise's straight-four. Convertible versions of both models are available.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Aston Martin Vantage (2005)</span> Motor vehicle

The Aston Martin Vantage is a series of hand-built sports cars from the British automotive manufacturer Aston Martin. Aston Martin has previously used the "Vantage" name on high-performance variants of their existing GT models, notably on the Virage-based car of the 1990s. The modern car, in contrast, is the leanest and most agile car in Aston's lineup. As such, it is intended as a more focused model to reach out to potential buyers of cars such as the Porsche 911 as well as the exotic sports and GT cars with which Aston Martins traditionally compete.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Audi S6</span> Motor vehicle

The Audi S6 is a high-performance variant of the Audi A6, an executive car produced by German automaker Audi. It went on sale in 1994, shortly after the "A6" designation was introduced, replacing the "100" nameplate.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Noble M400</span> Motor vehicle

The Noble M400 is a sports car from the English car maker Noble. Manufacturing was outsourced to Hi-Tech Automotive, based in Port Elizabeth, South Africa. The M400 was noted by the automotive press for its excellent handling and power.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">VXR</span> Discontinued subsidiary of Vauxhall

VXR was the branding for the high performance trim specification, used since 2004 for models in many of Vauxhall's car range in the United Kingdom. Holden has also used the VXR badge for some of its high-performance cars such as the Astra VXR, Insignia VXR, and the Commodore VXR.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ford Duratec V6 engine</span> Reciprocating internal combustion engine

The Ford Duratec V6, is an aluminum DOHC V6 engine with a 60° bank angle introduced in 1993 with the Ford Mondeo. The primary engineering came from Porsche, who was developing this engine before selling the engineering to Ford, and Cosworth, who helped with cylinder head manufacturing. The Jaguar AJ-V6 engine is similar but adds variable valve timing.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Noble M15</span> Motor vehicle

The Noble M15 is a sports car designed and developed by Noble Automotive, a high-performance sports car manufacturer based in Leicestershire, England.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ruf RGT</span> Motor vehicle

The Ruf RGT is a sports car made by Ruf Automobile of Germany.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">TVR T350</span> Motor vehicle

The TVR T350 is a sports car manufactured by British company TVR from 2002 to 2006. It is based on the Tamora, and is powered by TVR's Speed Six engine displacing 3.6 litre form, rated at 350 hp (261 kW). The T350 was available in coupe and targa versions, the coupe version being known as the T350c, and the targa version the T350t. The T350 later formed the base of the Sagaris.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mazda L engine</span> Reciprocating internal combustion engine

The Mazda L-series is a mid-sized inline 4-cylinder gasoline piston engine designed by Mazda as part of their MZR family, ranging in displacement from 1.8 to 2.5 liters. Introduced in 2001, it is the evolution of the cast-iron block F-engine. It was co-developed with Ford, who owned a controlling stake in Mazda at the time. Ford uses it as their 1.8 L to 2.5 L Duratec world engine and holds a license to develop engines based on the L-series in perpetuity.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mazda MX-5 (NA)</span> Motor vehicle

The Mazda MX-5 (NA) is the first generation of the Mazda MX-5, manufactured from 1989 to 1997. Inspired by the post-war era British sports cars, the MX-5 rejuvenated interest in roadsters after the demise of cars such as the MG B, Triumph Spitfire, and Fiat 124 Spider.

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 "Caterham CSR - Showroom". Caterham Cars Ltd. Archived from the original on 2 June 2013. Retrieved 7 January 2007.
  2. ↑ "Caterham Superlight - Showroom". Caterham Cars Ltd. Archived from the original on 13 January 2007.
  3. 1 2 3 "2007 Porsche 911 Turbo". AutoWeek. 20 November 2006. Archived from the original on 26 September 2011. Retrieved 15 July 2020.
  4. 1 2 Husleag, Mike (6 January 2006). "1996–1997 Ferrari F50". Top Speed.
  5. ↑ Hong, Patrick (1 July 2003). "Ferrari Enzo". Road & Track. Archived from the original on 29 December 2006. Retrieved 25 December 2006.
  6. ↑ "2011 Chevrolet Cruze LS Test – Review – Car and Driver". 12 May 2011.
  7. ↑ "F1 Technology: Brakes". F1 Technical. 2 June 2008.
  8. 1 2 3 Webster, Larry (1 May 2006). "2006 Caterham CSR260 Review". Car and Driver.
  9. ↑ "Drag Coefficient". Answers.com.
  10. 1 2 Kurczewski, Nick (5 December 2005). "European First Drive: 2005 Caterham CSR". Inside Line.
  11. 1 2 3 4 "2007 Caterham CSR260". Automobile.
  12. 1 2 3 "Caterham CSR Roadster CSR 260 2dr". Autocar. 18 October 2005.
  13. 1 2 "Caterham signs new US distributor" (Press release). Superformance. 31 December 2013. Archived from the original on 28 March 2014. Retrieved 15 March 2014.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.