(Wed 17 May 06)

Lower-priced versions of the Caterham Seven sports car will be fitted with Ford engines as from the end of this year. Since the early 1990s, Caterham has used the Rover K-Series unit (in levels of tune ranging from standard to ohmygod) in most of its cars, but the collapse of MG Rover last year cast a shadow over that deal.

After an exhaustive research period - Caterham Technical Director Jez Coates says that more than 80 engines from 19 manufacturers were considered - the company has plumped for the 1595cc Sigma four-cylinder unit manufactured by Ford at its plant at Bridgen in south Wales.

As far as UK customers are concerned, it will be available in three power outputs; starting from the top, 160bhp, 140bhp and a lower figure which has not yet been confirmed for entry-level cars. Caterham has also invested in the development of a 115bhp version for overseas markets.

Ford-powered Caterhams are nothing new. The original Seven - introduced by Lotus in 1957, 16 years before Caterham took over the manufacturing rights - used a Ford sidevalve unit, and the Ford Kent crossflow was very popular in later years.

The different versions of the Sigma will be used in more relaxed Sevens. Customers wanting greater thrills have a choice of Cosworth-tuned engines, including a 260bhp 2.3-litre unit.

Previous: Advice On Catalytic Convertors                                                   Next: New Diesels For Audi A3 And A4

Back to News index