Dartford, Tuesday, 12 November 2024 – Caterham has introduced the Seven CSR Twenty, a commemorative model marking 20 years since the inception of its legendary CSR chassis. This exclusive model brings together Caterham’s most refined chassis and its popular, high-performance engine in a limited production run of just 20 vehicles for UK customers, each priced from £79,995.
The Seven CSR Twenty is a landmark for Caterham for another reason: it is the first car produced in the company’s state-of-the-art, multi-million-pound facility in Dartford. Caterham’s choice to produce this milestone vehicle in its new headquarters underscores its commitment to continued innovation while celebrating its storied past.
Design and Engineering: A First for the CSR and Seven 420 Combination
Caterham’s Seven CSR Twenty pairs the CSR chassis with the brand’s favored 2.0-litre Ford Duratec engine from the Seven 420, producing 210 brake horsepower. This blend is unprecedented, with the naturally aspirated, four-cylinder engine revving up to an exhilarating 7,600 rpm, achieving 0-60 mph in just 3.9 seconds and reaching a top speed of 136 mph. The model is equipped with a five-speed manual transmission and features high-performance ventilated front discs with quad-piston calipers, ensuring powerful braking that matches its thrilling acceleration.
The CSR Twenty’s chassis is Caterham’s most compliant yet, with sophisticated inboard front and independent rear suspension. The inboard front suspension enhances steering precision and stability, allowing drivers to navigate both winding roads and high-speed straights with confidence. The independent rear suspension offers additional grip, improved comfort, and composure, ensuring an optimal balance for long-distance driving—a feature that makes the CSR Twenty a superb choice for road-focused enthusiasts.
Premium Interior and Exclusive Design Touches
To honor the CSR chassis’s 20th anniversary, the Seven CSR Twenty is finished with the highest level of interior quality ever seen in a Caterham. The satin carbon dashboard, CSR Twenty-branded dials, and Alcantara accents throughout elevate the driving experience. Premium leather seats with Alcantara inserts, contrasted by red stitching and the CSR Twenty logo, create a unique cabin that feels bespoke and luxurious. A Momo steering wheel, black carpeting, and an elegant leather tunnel top add further refinement, while a numbered plaque between the seats reminds owners of the model’s exclusivity.
Exterior-wise, the CSR Twenty draws inspiration from the Seven 620, featuring a similarly styled nose cone and front wings. With LED front and rear lights, striking red brake calipers, and the two-tone Union Flag grille, the car’s aesthetics celebrate both British design and Caterham’s racing heritage. The model is also fitted with exclusive-to-CSR 15” Vulcan alloy wheels, a feature unique to this limited edition in the UK market. Customers can select from two striking colours, Kinetic Grey and Dynamic Silver, each complementing the car’s premium aesthetic.
A Vision for the Open Road
Bob Laishley, CEO of Caterham Cars, describes the CSR Twenty as the “most premium Seven we’ve ever built,” emphasizing its suitability for longer road trips. “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,” Laishley remarked. “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. It’s a vehicle that truly celebrates 20 years of our CSR chassis, and I’m proud to see it being hand-built here in our new Dartford factory.”
The CSR Twenty Legacy and Global Reach
Adding to the UK’s exclusive 20 units, Caterham will make an additional 20 units available to the U.S. market, marking a rare opportunity for American enthusiasts to experience this special edition.
In the Seven CSR Twenty, Caterham has crafted not only a performance car but also a tribute to two decades of engineering achievement. For collectors and driving purists alike, the CSR Twenty stands as a testament to Caterham’s dedication to continuous innovation and high-quality craftsmanship.
For more information on the Seven CSR Twenty, visit the official Caterham website.
