One of the main reasons why the Toyota GT86 and its derivatives are such a joy to drive are they can be tossed around. Sometimes, these cars are intentionally fitted with non-grippy eco tires to lose traction easily, but do so in a gradual fashion so as not to startle the driver – this means it’s fun for drivers of varying skill levels, in the sense that it’s flattering for noobs and rewarding for those who have had experience with similar equipment before.
This point neatly brings us to the Caterham Seven 165, the car that bowed at the Frankfurt motor show. As you already know, the minuscule 660cc turbocharged motor, normally found in a Suzuki Kei car, has been bumped up to 80 hp – we were hoping for a round number, like 100. However, now that we’ve seen it in full, it’s clear how the UK-based firm decided to compensate for the low horsepower figure – by fitting it with the skinniest tires we’ve seen on anything resembling a sports car, not counting the Morgan Three Wheeler.
It will therefore be very good at losing grip easily, then gaining it back again with minimal fuss. The small engine, plus the low weight means that it will have no problem lighting up the rear tires, and it’s actually an interesting proposition for somebody looking to buy a new road-legal sports car on a budget.
Heck, since they’ve been making them in this shape for so long, you may encounter people who actually know what it is, and no, you will not look nerdy to any of the others.
Expect to see it on sale in January of next year, with a price somewhere in the vicinity of €25,000 / £17,000.
By Andrei Nedelea
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