Caterham Seven 485S SV: Light does the same

Unmodified, uncomplicated and unencumbered by excess or frivolity, the ultra-lightweight Caterham Seven Seven 485S is a molten driving machine. First launched in 2013 as a displacement variant of the popular and long-running Saba, the 485S subtly wears its engineering prowess under the skin and delivers a direct, powerful and high-quality thrill. Sharp reflexes and performance set to the sound of air ripping and barking from its individual throttle body engine and open side exhaust, the Caterham-like kart is as raw, intimate and connected as you can drive.

A light legacy

Still going strong a decade later, the Seven 485S remains Caterham’s fastest and most naturally aspirated model, and a champion of petrol cleanliness, even as the small British sports car maker prepares to soon launch the Project ambitious wife of all electric power. V example. The product of continuous development and incremental refinement since Caterham bought the production rights to the Seven from Lotus in 1973, the 485S’ styling, lightweight construction and simple design remain true to the 1957 original in spirit and engineering, if not in detail.

No mere exercise in ambition and more than just an old design, the current 485S’ lightweight formula is instead that of a highly developed, refined and modern port car stripped down to its core qualities. Designed using a lightweight space particle chassis and aluminum body, it is light and low following performance, with the engine balanced almost entirely in the front and the weight of the rear drive, and a wide track, commanding its narrow rear cabin and long bonnet. nose, open suspension. and side exhaust. The optional SV widebody version at the same time accommodates larger occupants.

Extreme thrills

Saba’s philosophy of lightweight is self-perpetuating, where light weight allows for less stiffness and lighter and fewer components. With a lightweight body and body with optional heater and carpets, the Seven also doesn’t operate without electric power steering or brake assist, while the medium 195/45R15 tires provide the necessary grip and low unsprung weight. Weighing just 575 kg, the road-oriented 485 “S” variant has a lightweight carbon-fiber body and cabin trim. The ‘S’ includes detachable reinforced leather doors, clip-on-top and windscreen, while the track-oriented “R” instead features a light wind deflector.

With a revised cylinder head, higher 13:1 compression ratio and individual throttle bodies, the 485 rear-mounted version of the Caterham-spec 2-litre Ford Duratec 4-cylinder engine develops 237BHP at 8,500rpm and 1000rpm/ft 152lpm3lb. . With over 412BHP per tonne on tap, and a 0-97kmh sprint of 3.4 seconds, the 485’s performance rivals the most controversial foreign supercars. Its dry sump oil system meanwhile provides continuous lubrication through hard-driven g-force corners. The 485S has a top speed of 225 km/h, but it has a slower pace.

Fire fine

Reversible, high-powered and driven through a close-ratio 6-speed manual gearbox with a limited slip rear differential, the 485S’ throaty growls are joined by growls and screams – interspersed with pops and pops on the liftgate. – as it rips quickly to its 8,500rpm redline, and it’s just a responsive move. With a precise short-throw gear lever and a light, intuitive clutch, the 485S launches naturally from a standstill. Rewardingly responsive with maximum torque and power, the featherweight 485S simultaneously enthusiastically and easily runs from low and mid-range.

The 485S’ long-legged rev range allows for quick, snappy acceleration, with precise stance control to balance the rear skid and grip when exiting corners in a pinch. The more road-oriented version of the “S” is fluid, fluent and forgiving on imperfect roads, with its low unmounted weight, and internal front, and De Dion rear, suspension. With well-tuned suspension and light, forgiving tires to match its low weight, the 485S offers a smooth ride, direct handling and taut body control to contrast and complement its sharp openness and nimble handling through reverse.

Alert and unaided

The direct and refined 485S is a very connected drive with sharp reflexes, instant response and a chassis layers feel when going through twisty roads. Flat through the corners, it flies easily but reliably, with its limited rear-differential slippage ability to transmit to a wheel that can make the most of it. Its low weight allows for quick, well-weighted and accurate 1.93-turn unassisted steering that’s sharp, undistorted and loaded with textural feel and feedback. Unassisted but highly effective brakes, meanwhile, require firm input, but provide accurate pedal feel.

The 485S is visually raw but highly balanced, connecting man and machine like nothing else, and it exudes confidence and conscious responsibility with its open cabin and absence of electronic nannies. Inside the Spartan with a safety rollaway, one lowers into the low-slung body-hugging seats, and sits upright and alert with ample legroom. Strapped to a racing-style four-point linkage, the 485S’ dash-mounted switches, hard gear lever and steering wheel drop easily and require a short, easy entry. At the same time, it also has leather upholstery with thin padding and small storage under the button-down tonneau.

EXPLANATION