A new variant of the Caterham Seven has arrived. The 340 is the latest purist roadster model to join the brand’s lineup. It replaces the Seven 275 and adopts a larger engine with increased power and torque.
The Seven 340 uses Ford’s Duratec 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that develops 170 horsepower (127 kilowatts) at 7,250 rpm and 128 pound-feet (174 Newton-meters) at 6,500 rpm. By comparison, the outgoing Seven 275 had 133 bhp (99 kW) from a 1.6-litre four-cylinder Ford Sigma engine.
ten Pictures
Caterham has yet to set performance specifications for the Seven 340. However, the 275 was able to hit 62 miles per hour (100 kilometers per hour) in 5.0 seconds.
The Seven 340 will be available in two forms. The S-Pack version is focused on grand touring. It has road-tuned suspension and 14-inch wheels. The R-Pack variant will get a limited-slip differential, sport suspension setup, 15-inch Orcus wheels, four-point seat harnesses, carbon fiber dash panel and composite windshield.
“Thanks to the fact that Seven 340 is available with an S and R package, it really is the all-purpose Caterham. It’s a car that lends itself perfectly to those long road trips and Sunday jaunts, while the R version is more than capable of blistering lap times on Europe’s high-end racing circuits,” said Bob Laishley, CEO of Caterham Cars.
Both versions will be available in standard and large frame sizes. There is also a lowered floor option so taller buyers can fit into the car. There are also several seat options.
The Seven 340 will be available in Europe and Japan. The 340S will cost €45,700 ($45,803 at the current exchange rate) and the 340R will be €47,200 ($47,302).
In September 2022, Caterham announced the Super Seven 600 and Super Seven 2000. These models are also coming to the United States. The Super Seven 600 uses a Suzuki-sourced 0.6-liter turbocharged engine developing 84 hp (63 kW). The 2000 Super Seven features a 2.0-liter Ford Duratec engine producing 180 hp (134 kW).
The company is reportedly working on a new two-seat model that will have an electric powertrain and a hardtop. The goal is for it to weigh just 1,543 pounds (700 kilograms).
