Caterham has launched the Seven CSR Twenty, a limited-edition model celebrating 20 years of one of the most extreme models in the range. Launched in 2005, the original CSR was marginally heavier than a standard Seven, but featured extensive chassis stiffening and completely redesigned inboard suspension. It made the most of these changes with a 2.3-litre, Cosworth-tuned 260bhp engine.
While the original was known to be a seriously hardcore machine, today’s anniversary model is said to feature Caterham’s most refined chassis to date. It’s still got the inboard front suspension and fully independent rear suspension, which is said to provide even more precise, responsive steering and now added comfort.
Powered by the 210bhp 2.0-litre Ford Duratec engine, as used in the 420, the CSR Twenty can go from 0-60mph in just 3.9 seconds, and will go on to a top speed of 136 mph. It’s equipped with a five-speed manual transmission.
The interior is about as premium as you can get in a Caterham, featuring a satin carbon dashboard, CSR Twenty-specific dials, and Alcantara details on the gearstick and handbrake gaiters. Each car will include a numbered plaque to mark its limited status, along with plush carpets, a leather Momo steering wheel, and CSR-branded seats with Alcantara inserts and red stitching.
Bob Laishley, Caterham Cars CEO, commented: ‘This is without doubt the most premium Seven we’ve ever built. The interior of the car is a level up from what we’ve produced before thanks to an array of high-quality materials used throughout… When you combine this with the exhilarating and engaging handling of our CSR chassis, this really is a Caterham built for longer distance road trips.’
On the outside, the CSR Twenty is equipped with a 620-style nose cone, LED lights, a black Mohair boot, red brake calipers, a two-tone Union Flag grille, and exclusive Vulcan 15-inch alloy wheels. Customers can choose between two paint options: Kinetic Grey or Dynamic Silver. More bespoke options are also available.
Just 20 will be built for the UK at the company’s all-new Dartford factory, with prices starting at £79,995. A further 20 will be made available for the US market.
