TurboWood

Are you guys even speaking the same language? What intentions are you judging? Daniel

It may just be that way because nobody is sitting in it. Put 200lbs of human in there and it may look better. They may also just have the ride height set high. Daniel

This is strange for me to see on this forum. I'm not the most diversified guy when it comes to forum experience, but I have not seen a better group than the guys on this site. I hope Terry can find what he's looking for in a car community. Daniel

Klasic, I don't want to pick a fight here, but this statement is really very incorrect. Diesel is used in Europe because of fuel economy. Fuel prices are crazy (~$7+/gallon). The EU is also very energy dependent on other countries and is leading the world in Emission regulations. As an example the VW Polo in the UK is advertised to achieve upwards of 80mpg with a 1.2L diesel. Keep in mind the EU uses a different drive cycle than the US so it's not a perfect comparison. However, it's advertised at 67mpg with an urban drive cycle. It's also interesting to point out that gasoline engines do have particulate emissions. Historically these have been largely ignored because they were so small (although in much higher numbers than diesel), but direct injection has increased particle size. There is more and more attention being placed on gasoline particulate emissions, to the point that we will likely soon see exhaust filters (already present on diesel). Back to your regularly scheduled program.... Daniel

Surely they must stop in Europe too?

Having probably the least experience with 7's here, I'm not sure what my opinion is worth, but I'll offer it anyway. I agree with the emotional aspects mentioned by others. I've never owned any car with a V8 and only drove a few over the years. Until recently I have always been an I6 guy (Supra, M3, M5, jag...). Despite the hp/ft^3 of engine space I still have no desire to own a V8. I can't explain it clearly, but I actively avoid V8's. If I could put a turbo I6 in a 7 at reasonable cost I would do it. Unfortunately there isn't such an easy path so I'm stuck with turbo I4's. Coming from an automotive engine development influenced career I can also tell you with reasonable confidence that V8's are a thing of the past. Most of the engines I work on are I by no means intend to condemn V8's, they just aren't for me and energy savings is driving development away from them. Daniel

Congrats!

This answers the age old question of what a 7 on steroids would look like.

I'm still not totally convinced. You could apply the same sentence to kits now (the chassis comes painted with brake lines and wiring complete). This could be interpreted as "part-built". Daniel

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe Superformance will be assembling the kit (not Caterham UK)? If I'm right then it's really no different than Caterham USA building it. It would seam to me that this would really be the only economical way to get the cars in the country. It's much easier to package parts in boxes than on an assembled car. Bruce, Can you clarify? Daniel

You guys make good points. I realize not everyone wants a kit. That's why I revised my statement of 1/2 which may have been largely an emotional based exaggeration. I'm supportive of selling rollers and can easily understand the justification for doing so. I'm just hoping they leave the door open to kit builders. In Europe Caterham offers an inspection service that would help retain the value of professional builders. I don't know, but imagine US Caterham would do something similar if asked. Maybe I've over reacted a bit here. The expansion of the name should help bring vendors and parts state side which would be great. I do share the concern for 14" tires; that's an odd size. Daniel

John, I agree that's the direction of our society. A decade ago I worked at a hobby store and R/C kits were plentiful. Now it's all pre-built except for the very high cost kits (for racing). Appealing to that market doesn't justify a company eliminating the kit; it just means they must also sell a roller. I would venture to say that's walking a very thin line of not being a kit car anymore. I understand it is by the letter of the law, but not by an intuitive definition of kit. What a shame for Caterham since that's the roots of the company. Daniel

It's nice to see the 160 make an appearance. I think it will do better than anticipated despite the US drive for power/big. I am really sad to see a roller only strategy. I think that will kill about half of the interested buyers (it certainly would me). I'm glad I bought last year. *edit* Maybe 1/2 is harsh and maybe the added visibility of the brand will more than offset those lost sales. But, it does reflect a change in direction that is less pleasing to me. I would be interested to hear some counter arguments, but my guess is most people start thinking about a kit car before they focus on a 7. I suspect it is only after looking at the options that some people opt for a roller. If only rollers are available it marks an attempt to attract a different type of person. Maybe this person is the average adult, but I like being part of a community made up of people who wrench for fun. Stepping off the soap box now.... Daniel

Michael, There is one other member on here that just registered his car in Torrance. I am also based in the south bay, but spend very little time there right now as I'm on a work assignment. There must be others! A CTS-V powered 7 would be crazy! Daniel

That's not a CSR. The front shocks are outboard.

Thanks for sharing. That leaves only one more 40th Anniversary edition unaccounted for. Hopefully the buyer is or becomes a member. Daniel

John, I don't claim to be an expert, but I think the caterham is a good example of over-tired. If you put the same relative amount of tire on 4000lb Buick they would be absolutely huge. Then the roads would need to be doubled in size to get a similar amount of relative space. I've read a few times where racing caterham's got faster with less tire (probably explains why racing versions have stuck with 13"). Short version: lots of grip, small car, modest power = handles well Daniel

What a great choice to have to make...should I drive my LeMans car on the street today? Did anyone notice how clean the street was when they had all three cars together? Are there such clean roads anywhere outside Japan? Daniel

ihckb2, we are definitely fat in the US, but I don't think that is the driving force for big power in the US. Even doubling a persons weight doesn't require doubling the power to get similar performance. The drive for power has been there long before the US was hugely obese. I'm not sure where the geneses of this was, but I really believe the anchor to this psychology has been cheap fuel. I bet if Europe's gas prices dropped in half over night there would be a growth in engine size/power pretty quickly. Daniel

The existing Caterham dealers in the US will build you a roller or complete car if you so choose. Daniel

Dean, That is very kind. The other issue is the Aisin transmission has terrible gear ratios for such a light car. I think I've found a bell housing for a Vauxhall engine that is intended for the T9 transmission and ZZPerformance claims to have a clutch/flywheel that will work. The bell housing isn't perfect and will require some modification, but that sounds easier than modifying a frame. I'll keep your offer in mind if I hit a wall. Daniel

I had some communication with Jon and he's not terribly disturbed. The fact is superformance wants as much press as possible and these articles that suggest Caterham USA did not exist (or existed in some unofficial capacity) will not have an impact on his future. So, I think he's just going to swallow his pride and continue to try to help the 7 community. Daniel

Yes, superformance. *edit* I think you can still buy from Caterham USA in Denver, but he will likely be buying the kits from Superformance. Hopefully he can still hold enough of a profit to keep going. Daniel

Not to mentions it's a CSR which did not exist in '97 . http://uk.caterhamcars.com/news/telegram-caterham-hq-40-years-caterham-special-edition-announced Daniel

Hi Dean, Thanks! I'm looking for the 2L turbo and what's worse is the GM transmission won't fit in the car. I need to adapt to the Ford Type 9 (or equivalent). Daniel