What’s happened to the 160?

[DoubleD]

Olivera said:

Thankfully dead, just a dreadful choice of engine for a Caterham.

Why is that?

[Olivera]

DoubleD said:

Why is that?

I just can't understand why you'd start with a 3 cylinder engine that then needs turbo charged to reach an asthmatic 80bhp. It makes sense in Japan where a Kei car/engine receives tax and insurance benefits, here it's just a bizarre choice of engine.

[InitialDave]

A 660cc turbo really doesn't feel "asthmatic" in a small, light car.

[Axeboy]

I understand why people think that, I really do.

However, I had a tuned Alto Works with the same engine and roughly about the same power and it was so much fun to drive. It wasn't a Caterham but that little engine was great fun in a light car. Of all the cars I had that one brought back the desire to just drive for fun which I hadn't had in years. It wouldn't win any races but I had a great time and actually that felt good.

[DoubleD]

Olivera said:

DoubleD said:

Why is that?

I just can't understand why you'd start with a 3 cylinder engine that then needs turbo charged to reach an asthmatic 80bhp. It makes sense in Japan where a Kei car/engine receives tax and insurance benefits, here it's just a bizarre choice of engine.

Have you driven one? I havent, but they seem to make decent progress.

[crabjam]

DoubleD said:

Olivera said:

DoubleD said:

Why is that?

I just can't understand why you'd start with a 3 cylinder engine that then needs turbo charged to reach an asthmatic 80bhp. It makes sense in Japan where a Kei car/engine receives tax and insurance benefits, here it's just a bizarre choice of engine.

Have you driven one? I havent, but they seem to make decent progress.

I've got one, and yes it does. It's no track day monster, but even with only 80bhp it has a very similar power to weight ratio to an entry level Elise - it doesn't really hang around. The engine is quite a characterful thing - a gruff little triple with audible turbo whistle under acceleration.

The 160 was a rather different beast to the rest of the range and I do feel they are missing something now it's gone. I certainly plan to hang on to mine as long as possible - it's huge fun.

[mcerbm]

I believe caterham are in the process of finding a new engine for a 160 type car. Most of the cars get exported to Japan i.e 80/90 % of all made went to Japan.

[mcerbm]

I believe caterham are in the process of finding a new engine for a 160 type car. Most of the cars get exported to Japan i.e 80/90 % of all made went to Japan.