British car manufacturer Caterham Cars unveiled the AeroSeven Concept, an F-1 technology packed in a sport body, the beast that goes from 0 to 100kph in under 4 seconds and - has no windshield.
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The AeroSeven Concept, which draws heavily on technologies used F1 car, will be the first ever Caterham model to be fitted with traction control. Based on an updated interpretation of the Seven CSR platform, the carbon-fibre bodied concept vehicle, which will reach 100kph (62.5mph) in under 4 seconds, will initially draw its power from the 240ps (237bhp) engine developed by Caterham Technology & Innovation for the recently launched Caterham Seven 485.
The AeroSeven Concept is stacked with race car-inspired features, including aerodynamic styling, an exclusive steering wheel with driver-focussed functionality, and an intuitive fully active Graphical Display Unit (GDU).
The design of the two-seater balances function and form to increase downforce while vastly improving the drag coefficient; the new body shape also imparts subtly different handling characteristics to complement the revised chassis. Using inputs from Caterham F1 Team, the fundamental shape of the car was created. Ongoing optimisation continues to take place using Computational Fluid Dynamics expertise from the F1 aerodynamic group, in conjunction with circuit and wind tunnel testing.
At each corner, the AeroSeven Concept will sit on Avon's acclaimed CR500 tyres, the motorsport-inspired performance rubber that is also the OE fit on a number of Caterham's high performance-orientated Sevens.
Achieving a delicate balance between inspiring performance and stringent EU6 emissions regulations, the 240ps (237bhp) Ford Duratec-based engine which will power the vehicle initially delivers its peak power at 8,500rpm, helping to propel the AeroSeven Concept to 100kph in under 4 seconds. The engine is one of the world's highest revving EU6-compliant engines. The two-litre unit is mated to Caterham's six-speed manual gearbox driving the rear wheels.
The Caterham Engine Management System is completely adjustable via steering wheel mounted controls. The system, which can be completely disengaged, has been developed by Cateham Technology and Innovation to enhance the AeroSeven Concept's performance while giving complete control to the driver.
Inside, more innovations give a firm nod towards Caterham's future ambitions. A brand new fully active graphical display unit (GDU) developed by Caterham Technology & Innovation integrates all display and instrumentation in a high-resolution, centrally mounted unit. It displays information such as engine speed, gear selection, vehicle speed, traction and brake settings, fuel and oil levels in a smart, intuitive next-generation, real-time 3D rendered display. ■
