When a brand of the size of Caterham announces a limited production edition, it really means it; only 10 units of the new Seven Kamui Kobayashi Edition will be made, all of which will be offered sold in Japan at ¥6,000,000 or about $58,900 / £35,000 / €43,200 (including local taxes) a pop.
And yes, it was designed with the help of Caterham F1 Team’s Japanese driver, Kamui Kobayashi. The single seater model is based on the Seven 250 R that’s powered by a 1.6 Ford Sigma engine connected to a six-speed manual transmission with a limited slip differential that delivers 125bhp for a 0-62mph (100km/h) time in 5.9 seconds and a top speed of 122 mph (196 km/h).
On the exterior, the limited edition model has a high-gloss black paint with matt black sport stripes on the body, with the front and rear wing protectors finished in carbon fibre infused with a unique deep green lacquer – a first for a Seven.
All models wear a number 10 badge on the nose and feature an aluminum tonneau cover over the passenger seat area with a single-sided rollover hoop fixed to the rear bulkhead, together with new 13-inch diamond cut black wheels and a polished chrome rear exit exhaust system.
Furthermore, the carbon fiber dashboard is also detailed with green lacquer and is signed by Kamui, while the sport seat is constructed in the same lightweight material and features green contrasting stitching, a Kamui logo in the headrest and a green Takata-branded 4-point harness. Other cabin goodies include the Kamui gauge inlays, an anodized green gear knob with Kamui wordmark and an anodized green key.
“For me, the Caterham Seven is a pure car; when you drive a Seven it feels like you are driving, not like the car is driving you,” said Kamui about the special edition that bears his name. “In my Caterham F1 car, I have electronics that control everything but to drive the Seven is to truly understand the car and to truly understand the enjoyment of driving. I hope my styling of the Seven adds something special to a car that is already awesome to drive.”
By John Halas
PHOTO GALLERY
