The Caterham Seven 170, Latest Incarnation To Track In The Skid Marks Of Its Precursor

Representing the peak of driving prowess, Caterham, the British manufacturer of specialist lightweight sports cars, presents their new Caterham Seven 170.

Following in the footsteps of its predecessor while pushing the performance envelope further, the new Seven 170 sports an increase in engine output and more kit for track days with the R pack.

First off, the ultra-lightweight Caterham Seven uses body panels that merge with a tubular steel frame chassis, applying the power-to-weight ratio per tonne to 170 hp/tonne, hence the name ‘170’.

Plus, built with specific optional equipment and components from Caterham, the Seven 170 weighs in at 440 kg, equating to a power-to-weight ratio of over 190 hp/tonne.

Not only is it light, it’s also small. Now featuring new front and rear wings, it measures just 1,470 mm in width, which is 105 mm narrower from other Caterham Sevens.

Next, holding true to the mantra that spawned the original Seven, to ‘simplify and add lightness’, Caterham ensured that the driving experience was well looked into. 

Its turbocharged 660 cc 3-cylinder powertrain from Suzuki has now been modified to deliver 86 hp of power and 116 Nm of torque, up from the 80 hp and 107 Nm of its forerunner, the Seven 160.

Even though the benchmark sprint time from 0 to 100 km/h continues to be 6.9 seconds, it now churns with better in-gear acceleration thanks to the higher torque.

Paired with dual live rear axle suspension, power is transmitted to the tarmac through a set of multi-spoke 14-inch skinny wheels with specific Avon ZT7 tyres.

As for the variant, it comes in the customary S trim, and for the first time in this heady concoction, the aforesaid R spec trim.

Standard equipment in the S trim include comfort-oriented suspension, an open rear differential, LED tail lamps and indicators, bright chrome finishing, leather seats and a Momo steering wheel.

Meanwhile, opting for the track-engineered R Pack trim will come at a cost of GBP 1,000 (RM 5,737) extra.

Replacing the glass windscreen comes with two carbon fibre wind deflectors, black highlights, and composite race seats with 4-point harnesses.

Additionally, being a track-oriented specification, it also gets a sports suspension pack treatment that features a limited-slip rear differential and a lightweight flywheel. 

Pricing wise, the Caterham Seven 170 starts from GBP 22,990 (RM 131,894) as a kit car, with the vehicle unassembled.

Conversely, a fully built-up Seven 170 adds GBP 2,395 (RM 13,742) to the price and includes all the necessary documentation.

In short, akin to a small undernourished golden phoenix rising from the depths below, the Seven 170 pushes that which was great about the entry-level Seven 160 and then some.