Caterham unveils its new Concept AeroSeven foreshadowing future models of the brand.

	The Zytek Caterham driven by Rossi, Tom Kimber-Smith and Eric Lux finished 23th overall (10th in LM P2) at the 24 Hours of Le Mans this year.

Lotus was founded in 1957, the Lotus  Seven model has been produced daily from the Caterham factory since 1966. The British-based firm has distribution rights as well as the original equipment and designs, it sells several versions and engines, up to about 600 units a year!

In other words, for more than half a century, the company's strategy boils down to the adage "do not change a winning team." However, the presence of Caterham on the track (in F1 and at the  Le Mans 24 Hours) has begun of a new era on the road. The AeroSeven Concept  prefigures the style of the future model, whose base is shared with the Renault Alpine GT.

First observation: the carbon fibre body breaks with the past and forges a link with the world of racing, including the adoption of a traction control system. However, if the round headlights have given way to oval diodes, the body continues to evoke the original Seven. As for the spartan cockpit, it integrates a modern console with an HD screen and a "racing" steering wheel.

Powered by a 4-cylinder 2.0-litre Ford engine which gives 240 horsepower, the engine weighing 600 kg, can accelerate from 0 to 100 km / h in under 4 seconds. As for braking (ABS), it has 4-piston calipers in front and a single-piston at the rear.

The question is whether the  AeroSeven concept will find its place on the circuits? In June, Mike Gascoyne  said that " Maybe the GT class could be a good platform for future Caterham road cars?" 

For more information please visit: http://www.uk.caterhamcars.com

Julien HERGAULT / ACO