- The tiny maker of open-wheel sports cars based on the Lotus Seven, has set up an affiliated company, Caterham Technology and Innovation, to develop the next-generation Caterham road cars.
- The new CTI also will take on advanced projects for outside automotive and aerospace companies, drawing on advanced technologies and materials from the parent company's Team Lotus Formula One and Caterham Team AirAsia GP2 motorsport operations.
- Caterham was acquired in April by the principals behind the Lotus Formula 1 operation.
NORFOLK, England — Caterham Cars, the tiny maker of open-wheel sports cars based on the Lotus Seven, and now owned by the principals behind the Lotus Formula 1 operation, has set up an affiliated company, Caterham Technology and Innovation, to develop the next-generation Caterham road cars.
Caterham took over production of the iconic Lotus Seven from Colin Chapman in 1973. The company was acquired in April by Team Lotus Enterprises, which is headed by Tony Fernandes, Kamarudin Meranun and SM Nasarudin.
In addition to developing a new line of "accessible and affordable" Caterham road cars inspired by the evergreen Seven, the new CTI operation also will take on advanced projects for outside automotive and aerospace companies, drawing on advanced technologies and materials from the parent company's Team Lotus Formula One and Caterham Team AirAsia GP2 motorsport operations.
CTI named Mark Edwards chief executive and Tony Shute head of road car development.
The company said it will focus on "unique vehicle architectures, high-performance engines, advanced materials and manufacturing technologies in association with the Formula One and GP2 race teams."
Caterham CEO Ansar Ali added: "Creating a new product range that has the same reputation and appeal as the Seven, which delivers on the promise of accessibility and affordability, is the Holy Grail in this business. To meet the challenge, we knew we needed to invest in a new operation that would have the scope, experience and vision to deliver."
Inside Line says: Should be an interesting combination of talent and technology.
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lotusshell says:
08:11 AM, 09/27/2011
Is Lotus F1 putting together a strategy to become the real Lotus ? Seems they are trying to capitalize on the new direction of Lotus cars. What will win, lifestyle or heritage brand ?
mk2mark says:
10:17 AM, 09/26/2011
You mean a little like this: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caterham_21
Didn't sell well, neither did the FWD Elan of the 90's which is quite close to your second idea.
The 21 was hand built which made it expensive, they didn't see the scope to sell them in numbers large enough to make them cheap enough for the public think it worth the cost. The Elan had to compete with the Miata, I need say no more.
Both great cars in their own right IMO, just victims of circumstance. There seems to be more money flowing through Caterham these days, I hope this new venture pays off for them, and now that Lotus is off on a flight of fancy, I think there may be room for some serious growth for Caterham with something like these suggestions.
k55 says:
09:16 AM, 09/26/2011
I would like them to introduce a full aero coupe version and install it on the 7 chassis............and if that sells well then a roadster version of same.
I would also like to see Caterham develop a small FWD sport 2 seater with a small 1200 cc or so lower cost 2 seater