CaterhamUK Posted April 1, 2011 Share Posted April 1, 2011 Press Release Introduction of the new Caterham Seven Sports XL British sportscar maker, Caterham Cars, will introduce an exciting new model to its line-up on June 6, 2011 at the 2011 London Motor Expo in Canary Wharf, London. The latest addition to the renowned Caterham stable marks the beginning of a new dawn for the Company, one that extends the lineage of the sporting heritage of the legendary Seven and will expand its continuing global success. The Caterham Seven Sports XL represents a broadening of Caterham's Seven range in a natural development for its United Kingdom, European and United States' markets. Taking the proven race-proven CSR chassis with its inboard front suspension, Caterham Cars has extended the cockpit length and width by four inches over the standard CSR chassis for enhanced cornering stability and passenger comfort. Like the CSR, the Seven Sports XL will leverage the craftsmanship of Arch Motors to assemble the new chassis. A radically new advanced air cushion rear suspension system has been developed and extensively tested for its smooth tracking under higher cornering and carrying loads. Under the skin, the engineering is pure Caterham. Anticipating the needs of our new larger customer base, Caterham have teamed with BMW to fit the turbo diesel from the award-winning BMW 520d. With its 2.0-litre 16-valve turbo 4-cyclinder producing 184hp and 380nm at just 1900rpm this engine will have the torque to shift Caterham's largest car yet with fuel economy expected to be in excess of 45mpg. The race proven 2.3-litre Cosworth Ford Duratec engine remains as an exciting option, producing 260hp and a top speed of 130mph. The classic 5-speed Ford T-9 gearbox makes a reappearance, with its characteristically low first gear and with new uprated BGH internals, to propel the sturdy 1000kg chassis from 0-60mph in under nine seconds. BMW will also supply a limited slip differential for improved cornering traction. For those customers requiring more comfort, a 4-speed automatic from BMW will be available for the first time by Caterham. A full weather kit means the Seven Sports XL is thoroughly enjoyable in any conditions. Available options include the lowered floor for extra comfort in the cockpit for those taller than average drivers, a CSR-like integrated dash, uprated instrumentation, power steering, air conditioning, cup holders, and a new stylish leather interior in a range of fashion colors. Caterham Cars Managing Director, Ansar Ali comments: "The Caterham Seven Sports XL will target a large segment of the market previously not accessible to Caterham. We are looking forward to gaining a sizable new customer segment. With Caterham's proven track ability, I am excited by the opportunity of the Seven Sports XL to showcase our race-winning technology and performance to a completely new market segment. The Seven Sports XL will be a winner in the huge US market. For the first time we will have a product suitable for the larger driver with all the comfort and luxury amenities demanded by the US market. In our dynamic new partnership with BMW, I am thrilled to be offering the highly advanced BMW turbo diesel and automatic transmission providing a level of smoothness, torque and environmental friendliness that Seven owners have only dreamed about to date. The ultra-low emissions BMW turbo diesel is integral to our goal of achieving significant sales growth in the California market." For just £28,995, the Seven Sports XL combines Caterham’s thrilling performance and driving experience with a unique spaciousness and comfort not experienced by any other Caterham driver before. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kitcat Posted April 1, 2011 Share Posted April 1, 2011 April 1:)? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
James A Posted April 1, 2011 Share Posted April 1, 2011 The automotive apocalypse is nigh!!! I do love the text of this press release; "The Seven Sports XL will be a winner in the huge US market", is this a reference to the size of the market or the size of the buyers? Oh wait here is the answer; "For the first time we will have a product suitable for the larger driver with all the comfort and luxury amenities demanded by the US market." I like your Series 3 chassis just fine, thank you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
James A Posted April 1, 2011 Share Posted April 1, 2011 Wait, what is the date??? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yellowss7 Posted April 1, 2011 Share Posted April 1, 2011 Gotcha!:jester: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scannon Posted April 1, 2011 Share Posted April 1, 2011 For the first time we will have a product suitable for the larger driver with all the comfort and luxury amenities demanded by the US market. I'm sure Ben at Caterham USA has been hearing a lot of demands for these amenities. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bsimon Posted April 1, 2011 Share Posted April 1, 2011 4-cyclinder producing 184hp and 380nm The classic 5-speed Ford T-9 gearbox makes a reappearance 380nm through a T-9 with warmed-over stock internals? :eek: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boxologist Posted April 1, 2011 Share Posted April 1, 2011 but i actually would like to see that BMW motor in a se7en... If not for the added length, everyone would have been hooked on this release until the joke was unveiled in June. and teh slush box, etc. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kitcat Posted April 1, 2011 Share Posted April 1, 2011 That diesel engine mite be packin a few extra pounds too, Jon. I admit it wld be an intriguing combo tho. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
solder_guy Posted April 2, 2011 Share Posted April 2, 2011 optional automatic trans .. folly! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boxologist Posted April 2, 2011 Share Posted April 2, 2011 its not hard to get 300ft-lbs of torque from a 1.8 diesel, so i don't think the motors would be a slouch in any regard. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CaterhamUK Posted April 2, 2011 Author Share Posted April 2, 2011 On behalf of Caterham Motors, I want to point out that this was not an April Fool's joke, but rather a bold new strategy to improve the number of Caterham's sold. In a difficult business world, small manufacturers like Caterham have to take bold strategies to increase market size and improve the bottom end result. The BMW turbo diesel was chose deliberately to improve bottom end torque given the nature of our newly targetted customer segment. Similarly, the low first gear of the Ford T-9 gearbox is ideal for shifting large sedans and therefore the new Seven Sports XL with its large customer segment. The optional automatic gearbox is essential for car markets like California where less than 1 in 1000 actually understand they have an engine under the bonnet let alone how to change gears. Of course it goes without saying that in the land of the free, it was appropriate to "supersize" our Seven in order to keep up with the portion size at Burger King. Naturally, our new dual cupholders anticipate this. We genuinely hope you will like the car as we believe it is a natural evolution for the Caterham brand, similar to how Lotus is spreading in its market. Faithfully up yours, Hugh Jarce Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DeanG Posted April 2, 2011 Share Posted April 2, 2011 They could put the new 9 speed automatic ZF box in it. Perfect for a diesel! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kitcat Posted April 2, 2011 Share Posted April 2, 2011 Hugh Jarce (aka, large butt): Someone shd introduce you to Bessie the Seven:). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jimrankin Posted April 2, 2011 Share Posted April 2, 2011 Theres an engine under my bonnet? Whats a bonnet? Well, I'm off to Denneys for a double Grand Slam so can't wait for any answers. Better take the new pickup, wide buckets and a slush box. LOL Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
solder_guy Posted April 5, 2011 Share Posted April 5, 2011 Hugh Jarce (aka, large butt) Say it out loud and it becomes apparent: huge arse. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
southwind25 Posted April 6, 2011 Share Posted April 6, 2011 (edited) Seriously? Caterham Xtra large?... spacious?? comfortable?? please say it's a joke...please.. we are doomed... Edited April 6, 2011 by southwind25 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
V-Robb Posted April 8, 2011 Share Posted April 8, 2011 Now THAT'S funny! Gotta love Brit humour...! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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