Caterham 7 - Renault powered?

[viper blue]

Just noticed this article from Autosport late 2012. Only speculation, but it slightly opens the door on Seven's powered by Renault after Ford. mmm not sure?


www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/industry/caterham-seven...

Edited by viper blue on Saturday 12th January 19:59

[downsman]

It's a shame if they do. Caterham have always been proud to use components made in Britain.
Also Renault are in the process of swapping to turbo power for the quick Clio, so they probably won't have a straight swap for the duratec.

[BertBert]

Ahh yes, but Lotus used Renault power back in the day. I'm not sure I really mind where the Caterham engine comes from provided it's fit for purpose.

Bert

[grenpayne]

BertBert said:

I'm not sure I really mind where the Caterham engine comes from provided it's fit for purpose.

Bert

Agreed. The (totally standard) engine is my RS Clio is an absolute corker, so I don't think it would be the end of the world.

[BertBert]

Also Caterham do a good job. They spotted that the k-series was an absolute blast in the 7.
Bert

[framerateuk]

grenpayne said:

Agreed. The (totally standard) engine is my RS Clio is an absolute corker, so I don't think it would be the end of the world.

The 1.6 from the Twingo isn't a bad engine either, great replacement for the lower powered Sigma engines.

That said, by the time any switch is made, there'll be a whole other batch of engines out. It's more down to how long Ford keep producing the Duratec and Sigma for, given that they've basically replaced them with the Ecoboost range.

Edited by framerateuk on Monday 14th January 09:39

[ian2144]

BertBert said:

Ahh yes, but Lotus used Renault power back in the day. I'm not sure I really mind where the Caterham engine comes from provided it's fit for purpose.

Bert

Renault 16 engine (1470cc) in the first Europa if my memory is correct?

[Smollet]

ian2144 said:

Renault 16 engine (1470cc) in the first Europa if my memory is correct?

Wasn't that down to the fact that the gearbox mated to that engine suited the design of the Europa rather than the engine was a good design?

[coppice]

Yes , I seem to recall that the R16 engine managed 85bhp and the car was transformed by the twin cam in the Europa Special. Lotus also used Renault gearboxes I think in Esprit ?Which had a really rubbish gearshift I read...

[viper blue]

Few quotes of possible future engines:-

"The new car won’t necessarily use Ford power like the Seven range though, admitting that Caterham is talking to the Blue Oval, and other manufacturers. Initially the cars will be naturally aspirated, but forced induction models are part of the plans for later variants. An automatic gearbox (a proper paddleshift unit, rather than a torque convertor) could be an option."

And a rendered pic of new Caterham/Renault car:-

[ian2144]

coppice said:

Yes , I seem to recall that the R16 engine managed 85bhp and the car was transformed by the twin cam in the Europa Special. Lotus also used Renault gearboxes I think in Esprit ?Which had a really rubbish gearshift I read...

Was there not a tuning company called Hermes that did convertions for Renault engines back in the mid 60's ?

[Dorchester]

Lotus Europe, then Europa were fitted with Renault engines and transmission. Yes, Hermes did a strong conversion for more power as did a couple of other companies.
The Esprit started life with the engine from the Jensen Healey mated to a transmission used in the Citroën SM and Maserati Merak. I believe the same gearbox was kept with all the future engine changes.
Europa gear change poor? - Not always, depends on how well set up it is.

[pipnjones]

I think Renault + Caterham should focus on the new car and not the Seven. I don't see a strong value-add from Renault's side for the Seven (versus the potential return).

A few other companies have been muttering about challenging the ground of the MX-5, and then the future end of the Elise leaves a second window for something exciting. If. The. Price. Is. right...

But I need a fun replacement for my TT for commuting, so I want to see what comes out of the Partnership...