Car: Caterham CSR 260
Prices: £37,000 – on the road
Insurance Group: 20
Performance: Max Speed 155mph / 0-60mph 3.1s
Fuel Consumption: (combined) 27.5mpg [est]
Dimensions: Length/Width/Height mm 3300/1685/1140mm
QUALITY AND LOOKS
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One look at the Caterham CSR 260 will fill you with envy and lust. The one of a kind design makes it one of the most easily recognizable cars to those who know what they are. If you are unfamiliar with the Caterham design you may look at it and wonder what is it, but once you find out that it is one of the most well designed and sought after cars you will never again forget it. The Caterham CSR 260 was not designed with safety in mind, or with windows for that matter, it was designed to be fun and fast while still reflecting the amount of quality and work that went into designing it.
With the release of the new CSR series, it is the first all new Seven model produced in 48 years. The CSR 260 features a 2261cc engine that provides the driver with 260bhp running at 7,200rpm with the use of a turbocharger. With all of that power beneath the hood, the CSR 260 is able to go from 0-60mph in only 3.1 seconds and tops out at a max speed of 155mph. Those numbers were produced with a driver and passenger in the car, it is suspected that the car may be able to go even faster with only a driver and reach the 60mph mark even sooner than 3.1 seconds.
The Caterham CSR 260 features improvements in the development of the handling and tactility fields. The tubular spaceframe chassis that was used in previous models has been upgraded with a more rigid chassis which allows the suspension to run even more efficiently. Using a double wishbone fully independent rear suspension that was designed in association with Multimatic Inc., allows the CSR 260's suspension to increase grip and handling during high speed driving.
Aerodynamics are of utmost importance in the success of the CSR. The CSR features cycle wings that are mounted closer to the tire in order to reduce drag and lift. Incorporating a larger nosecone and floor-mounted chin spoiler combines to reduce front end lift by 50 percent. Partnering with Avon tires, the CSR features 15 inch tires that incorporate Formula Three design also adding to the lightness of the CSR is the fact that the tires rest on lightweight aluminum wheels.
There have also been enhancements made to the interior of the CSR; the flat fascia that was used in previous models has been replaced with a curved fascia that wraps around an exposed tubular frame. The switches and controls are now more modern and feature alloy detailing. The gear shift and handbrake have also been improved. Along with a bespoke steering wheel and a redesigned center console the CSR is bigger and faster than previous versions. The Caterham CSR 260 is what many drivers consider to be their ultimate dream car and right so. The CSR 260 is a well-designed piece of vehicle art that few are lucky enough to have the privilege of driving.