End of an Era: Caterham Bids Farewell to the Iconic Seven's Pure Power
As the automotive world pivots towards electrification and turbocharged engines, a significant chapter in car history closes. The Caterham Seven 485, a name synonymous with raw, unadulterated power and driving purity, waves goodbye to its naturally aspirated legacy in 2024. This decision marks not just the end of an era for Caterham but signifies a poignant moment for enthusiasts of traditional sports car engineering.
In an announcement that stirred the souls of car aficionados everywhere, Caterham revealed the release of 85 special 485 Final Edition models destined for the European market. This limited run comprises 60 458 Final Editions and 25 exclusive 485 CSRs, all boasting the remarkable Ford Duratec 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. With 225 horsepower and 151 pound-feet of torque on tap, paired with a five-speed manual gearbox and a limited-slip differential, these machines promise to deliver an exhilarating 4.1 second sprint to 62 miles per hour, pushing on to a top speed of 139 mph.
The 485 Final Edition and CSR models differ in more than just numbers. The latter, only available in a larger chassis, features inboard front suspension, extending its dimensions to be seven inches longer, nine inches wider, and an inch taller than its counterpart. Wheel sizes also vary, with the Final Edition sporting 13-inch black alloys, while the CSR is equipped with 15-inch alternatives. Both, however, share the high-performance Toyo Proxes R888R tires and ventilated front disc brakes, ensuring that their stopping power matches their speed.
Caterham's commitment to exclusivity and personalization shines through in these Final Edition models. Prospective owners can choose from five premium colors, adorned with satin black stripes and black badges. Inside, a fully carpeted interior, a carbon dashboard, and unique number plates await, alongside Final Edition branding that runs the gamut from the leather and Alcantara seats to Sport Hex black seats. With prices starting at €67,495 for the European market, these final iterations of the Caterham Seven represent a unique opportunity to own a slice of automotive history.
Yet, this isn't a full stop for Caterham; it's merely a gear change. The future holds electrification for the brand, with the anticipated production of its Project V concept. This pivot isn't just about keeping pace with automotive trends but about embracing the new while honoring the old. Olivier Jouanne, Caterham's European Territory Manager, encapsulates this sentiment by inviting enthusiasts to 'own the last highest-revving, naturally aspirated Seven to ever be produced,' thus securing a piece of motoring legacy.
In essence, the Caterham Seven 485 Final Editions are not just cars; they are moving monuments to a bygone era of automotive purity. A time when drive and passion outpaced digitalization and electric motors. For those lucky enough to secure one, these final editions are a passport to an unmatched driving experience, a reminder of what cars used to be and what they can still offer in terms of raw exhilaration.
As we stand at the crossroads of automotive history, Caterham's farewell to the naturally aspirated Seven is a bittersweet reminder that progress sometimes demands leaving cherished traditions behind. But for now, let's rev the engines, hit the road, and give the Caterham Seven the send-off it truly deserves.