The pure existence of S3 and SV at the same time is bonkers

[Vovchandr]

Can we collectively talk about how nuts this is?

 

In today's modern day and age of optimization and cutting costs left and right, streamlining production, lean 6 sigma etc it's mind blowing that a manufacturer is has two nearly identical models running side by side with one being just a nudge bigger.

 

This doesn't really exist anywhere else other than maybe food items when you get to select your package size and even then its usually a pretty drastic difference. 

 

Any normal manufacturer would have nixed S3 a long time ago and has moved on to a more "global" SV only version that fits a bigger percentile of people. Us second hand owners would hold the "old size" in high regard (who can fit or want them) and seek them out. Big kudos to Caterham to keeping the original (more or less) Lotus 7 going as it was.

 

Keeping the S3 alive also made it easier to fit into the Kei size format for Japanese market, which is a nice bonus. 

 

 

[KnifeySpoony]

SV is a grotesque abomination and should be banished to the bowels of Hades. 

[Origin7]

It all comes down to profit. They likely saw enough demand for both models to justify carrying more SKUs, manufacturing processes/setups, etc. For a company whose mantra centers on simplification, this does feel like a step in the opposite direction, at least from a manufacturing standpoint. I would be curious to see the sales figures comparing the SV and the S3.

 

 

[IamScotticus]

My gripe is the name.  Should be "S5".  Yea, I know, V is Roman numeral 5, but the 7 wasn't named VII or a "mark".  The series designations likewise.  The series are 1, 2, 3, 4, etc.  Following tradition, the next major evolution of the 7 would be series 5.  However, I would agree the CSR would qualify as a major evolution of the prototype deserving the S5 title as the S3 was designated such for a wider track, crossflow or TC engine and instrument cluster.  Maybe a fuel gauge.

 

Is the SV worth it?  If it gets people in a 7 that otherwise couldn't, I believe so.  Its not as if its a stupid facelift between the cars.

My idea for a better 7 would be larger in all directions, height included, where 15 inch wheels behaved more like 13".  I think the S4 was a good attempt to make a better 7, but again, still too small, the width being dictated by axle widths at the time.  Continuing with the DeDion would have solved that.

Edited February 17 by IamScotticus

[Slonie]

To your point - I've watched videos with Caterham staff pronouncing the V as "five", so I believe it really is the Series Five. Unfortunately it's very hard to convince my brain to say it properly out loud, and especially knowing that people won't understand. So, SV it is.

[wdb]

2 hours ago, KnifeySpoony said:

SV is a grotesque abomination and should be banished to the bowels of Hades. 

 

Right? It's enormous.

[Reiver]

Like extended seat belts on aircraft.....

[CBuff]

5 hours ago, KnifeySpoony said:

SV is a grotesque abomination and should be banished to the bowels of Hades. 

I love my sv. With the carpets and the heater blowing away.  Ha!

[Taber10]

"Plus One" on what CBuff posted, EXCEPT for the "heater blowing away" part!

Love my SV (Series Five) because at 220 lbs, 6 ft 3 in and SIZE 12 shoes, the S3 was very tight.  I tested one in Caterham in 1978 when I was much younger and more agile, but the SV was the answer for me.  Although I am disappointed in last year's mileage, I still enjoy every single drive, as next year it will be 20 years of ownership.

[Scott_]

Had I not found an S3 with a lowered floor it would have had to been the SV for me.   As it is, the S3 is another reason I have not to gain any more weight.   

Edited February 17 by Scott_