Good news, Europe. Caterham has launched (or possibly relaunched) a CSR version of its quickest EU-spec model - the 485. Essentially it means that overseas customers now get the option of twinning the model's 2.0-litre Ford Duratec engine with an uprated chassis that includes push-rod inboard front suspension and fully independent double wishbones at the back.
In the UK the combination has been unavailable to buyers since the firm discontinued the CSR-badged model some years ago. But it has subsequently been made available to the continental customer base as a more sophisticated offering and is now being touted as a conciliation prize post WLTP.
"We've listened to our European customers and I'm pleased we can deliver something amazing to them after having to trim the range because of WLTP," said Graham Macdonald, Caterham's CEO. "This is now the ultimate Caterham Seven to have if you're outside the UK."
As with the suspension, the 485's Duratec unit sold abroad is also of unfamiliar spec - its 237hp output falling in between the 210hp of the Seven 420 and the 310hp of the supercharged 620. Caterham says it is sufficient to deliver 409hp-per-tonne in the 580kg range-topper - good for 3.9 seconds to 62mph and a top speed of 140mph.
The CSR's chassis enhancement comes as standard with 15-inch alloy wheels, aero front wing guards and Avon ZZS tyres. All 485s are factory-built and elsewhere include carpeted interior panels, a carbon dashboard, adjustable leather seats, a collapsible Momo steering wheel, a limited-slip differential and a choice of four paint options.
Among the options offered by Caterham's Signature personalisation range are carbon fibre front wings, carbon leather side panels on the interior, a black Alcantara dashboard and LED high-intensity daytime running lights. Keep yourself from ticking any boxes and the 485 CSR can be had for €54,995 excluding local taxes.
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