Even by Caterham standards, the
Seven 620R
is fairly bonkers. There's the 310hp supercharged Duratec for a start, but also the six-speed sequential gearbox for the full racer effect. And stop-start histrionics. It's about as track-focused as Caterhams get, therefore occupying an even tighter niche.
Limited-slip diff stays, you'll be pleased to know
This new 620S aims to broaden the appeal of the Caterham flagship, similarly to the revised
270, 360 and 485 'S'
models introduced last year. To that end there's a five-speed manual instead of the sequential 'box, road-biased Avon ZZS tyres (as opposed to the stickier Avon ZZRs) with 15-inch wheels and the usual 'S' accoutrements seen elsewhere: a heater, full windscreen, a hood and leather seats.
But this wouldn't be a Caterham without a simple spec. So while this is an S model with the road-spec springs and dampers, it keeps the uprated brake master cylinder and limited-slip diff from the 620R. Probably for the best given Caterham claims 515hp per tonne and 0-60mph in 3.4 seconds...
Same 310hp and 219lb ft as standard car
There are more concessions to everyday practicality for the S also. The first is the availability of the S5 chassis (all 620Rs have been S3-based), the additional width boosting space for passengers and luggage plus increasing the range thanks to a larger fuel tank.
That increased range means you can stay comfy for longer in the new heated seats. Yep, heated seats in a Caterham. It's on the brink of daily driver status... The new bum warmers are available only with the carbon seats though. They're standard on a 620R so the option is £395, but for the S it will cost £995 (£600 for carbon seats plus the £395).
List price for the Seven 620S is £44,995, five thousand pound less than the 620R. If Caterham will let us have a go - maybe when it's a bit drier outside - we'll have a first drive soon!