The Caterham stand at the Frankfurt motor show will look like it has always done: there will be a bunch of Sevens, with different liveries and states of tune, as well as some Renault models, to remind everybody of the two manufacturers’ partnership. However, this year will mark the reveal of a very interesting entry-level Seven, which is to be called the 165.
The Seven 165 Prototype, to give its full name, was already announced, as was its minute Japanese kei car-sourced powerplant which displaces 660 cc. Now, while at first we were speculating that the power could be taken all the way up to 100 hp (it originally made 67hp), Caterham has now announced the official figure, and it’s just 80hp, with 107 Nm of torque to back everything up.
Don’t be fooled, though, as it’s an extremely lightweight overall package, particularly with this smaller and even lighter engine, and its goal is to be “the ultimate in accessible fun,” with a price tag of €25,000 that includes local taxes. That equates to $32,960 / £21,200 and it’s by no means a lot, wherever you live.
Moreover, the manufacturer will undoubtedly fit it with skinny tires, so as to properly maximize the fun, and drifting the back around corners should be no problem, even with the limited power. Moreover, it should be quite green and efficient too, without the need for an expensive and complicated hybrid drivetrain.
By Andrei Nedelea
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