Caterham has launched its latest limited-edition model, the Seven 310 Encore, which celebrates the final farewell of the Ford Sigma engine.
Since the brand’s inception in 1973, Ford’s 1.6 litre four-cylinder engines have been at the heart of Caterham Seven road and race cars. Introduced in 2007, the Sigma has proved to be one of the most popular and enduring power units of this long association with Ford.
Only 25 examples of the 310 Encore will be made available to customers in the UK, US and UAE, with prices starting from £39,995.
At home on track as it is on the road, this unique limited edition run uses the most powerful 1.6 litre version of the Sigma engine. It delivers 152-hp at 7,000rpm for a thrilling power-to-weight ratio of 281-hp/tonne. Mated to a five-speed gearbox, it allows the Encore to accelerate from 0-60mph in just 4.9 seconds and reach a top speed of 127mph.
For the Encore there are also several enhancements inspired by the successful, Sigma-powered Caterham 310R Championship. These include a lightened flywheel, sports suspension pack and 254mm vented front brake discs that use red-finished quad piston calipers and a race brake master cylinder. As a result, the Encore can lap the famous Donington Park National circuit in just 1min 18 secs.
The Encore has the looks to match the performance with a range of six bold colour schemes each combining a unique new paint finish with distinctive body stripes. Inspired by six well-renowned pop and rock songs, the new paint colours are named, Blue Monday, Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, Green Light, Orange Crush, Back in Black and White Noise.
Other exterior upgrades include a 620 aero nose cone, CUP grille, carbon fibre front wings and standard black pack finish for the windscreen surround, headlight bowls and exhaust heat shield cover. Also included is a bespoke gun metal finish for the chassis and 13” black Apollo alloy wheels with track-ready TOYO R888R tyres.
The Seven 310 Encore interior features black leather seats with dark grey stitching and a unique Encore logo. It also includes a carbon fibre dashboard and bespoke Encore edition dials, while motorsport-inspired touches include the gearshift light, four-point harness and removable MOMO steering wheel.
For a final touch, each car is finished with a numbered plaque that is located between the seats on the rear interior panel, denoting the individual car number of the 25 available.
CARLIST THOUGHTS
This is hardcore. At £39,995, the Encore represents incredible value for money. With a power-weight ratio of 281hp/tonne, the Caterham Seven is quick. Featuring a whole host of extra equipment and bespoke features, its starting price is just £505 more than a standard Seven 360R.