Caterham Seven 170 Weighs Less Than A Bugatti Chiron Engine
by AutoExpert | 24 September, 2021
The Caterham Seven is one of the world's most lightweight and clean sports cars. A mid-spec 270 will accelerate to 60 mph (96 km/h) in 5.0 seconds and weighs only 1,190 lbs (540 kg), or about a third of a Porsche 911 Carrera 4S. The new Caterham Seven 170, on the other hand, makes the rest of the lineup seem like a three-row SUV.
It's the tiniest Seven the firm has ever produced, weighing in at an astounding 970 lbs (440 kg). The W16 engine of Bugatti's Chiron hypercar is alone 110 lbs (50 kg) more than the whole Caterham. You would expect this machine to be accomplished with pricey materials, yet the £22,990 ($31,900) Caterham Seven 170 is the most inexpensive vehicle in the current Caterham lineup.
It's also the smallest, with a width of 57.9 inches (1470 mm). Of course, the narrower body is partly to blame for the 110 lbs (50 kg) weight loss, but it also allows it to comply with Japanese Kei mini-car regulations.
The same 660cc turbocharged three-cylinder Suzuki motor powers the back wheels through a sturdy rear axle, producing 83-hp and 86 lb-ft of torque. There are two different types of models. The 170S builds on the 160 by adding a full screen and weather gear, as well as black leather seats, 14-inch wheels, and a Momo steering wheel. Caterham Seven 170 claims a 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) time of 6.9 seconds, with a maximum speed of 100 mph (160 km/h).
The track-focused 170R, which omits the screen in favor of composite racing seats, harnesses, stiffer suspension, and a limited-slip differential, is the yin to the S's yang. The 170R is the only model with a curb weight of 970 lbs/440 kg, which is a world record. By the way, the number 170 relates to the horsepower per tonne, albeit it was chosen by marketers rather than engineers.
The R has 190-hp per tonne, whereas the S has 180-hp per tonne despite weighing 110 lbs (50 kg). Caterham Seven 170 is the first Caterham designed after the firm was acquired by VT Holdings of Japan, and it is currently available in Europe as a kit or completely constructed car.
