Seven up

The Caterham Seven is the Cliff Richard of sports cars. Decade after decade it soldiers on, somehow always staying popular despite doing the same trick it always has.

But even the most hardy crooner needs a nip 'n' tuck from time to time to keep him looking shipshape.

And so the Seven has got a fresh engine. The Rover K-series engine has finally been retired after 15 years, and replaced by a bespoke-tuned 1.6-litre Ford Sigma four-cylinder block.

There's the choice of two power outputs - 125- or 140bhp - with a more powerful version to follow in the spring of 2007.

The Seven's vintage chassis has had a blast of the Botox as well, thanks to a new precision laser-cut manufacturing process.

Caterham claims that this gives a 12 per cent increase in torsional rigidity over the old model, which was hardly wallowy itself.

The new Seven is available in either Roadsport or Superlight clothing. The latter is the track-focused, stripped-out racer - but don't assume that means the Roadsport is going to be friendly. It's still a no-frills sports car with all the cuddliness of an angry porcupine.

Prices start at £15,995 for the entry-level Roadsport in component form, but you can add £2,500 if you want Caterham to assemble your Seven for you. Ordering starts in November for delivery in the New Year.

© Source: original article on topgear