The Caterham Seven Fireblade is a unique sports car that combines the best of both worlds: the lightweight chassis and nimble handling of a Caterham Seven with the high-revving, powerful engine of a Honda Fireblade motorcycle. This extraordinary machine is a testament to Caterham’s commitment to creating pure, unfiltered driving experiences.
About Caterham Cars
Caterham Cars is a British manufacturer of high-performance, lightweight sports cars. Based in Caterham, Surrey, the company is renowned for its Caterham Seven, a direct descendant of the Lotus 7. For over 25 years, Caterham has been producing these iconic vehicles, continuously evolving and improving upon the original design.
Caterham Seven Fireblade: A Motorcycle Engine in a Car
The Caterham Seven Fireblade is named after the legendary Honda Fireblade motorcycle, and for good reason. It shares the same engine as its two-wheeled counterpart. The Honda Fireblade’s 900cc inline-four engine, originally produced in the late 1990s, generates an impressive 140 horsepower. While this figure may not seem extraordinary by modern standards, it’s important to remember that this is a motorcycle engine, renowned for its lightweight construction. Weighing in at just 66.5 kg (146.6 lbs), this engine is a key contributor to the Fireblade’s remarkable performance.
Performance and Handling
With the Honda Fireblade engine nestled snugly within its lightweight chassis, the Caterham Seven Fireblade tips the scales at a mere 369 kg (813.5 lbs). This translates to a power-to-weight ratio of 379 horsepower per ton, placing it firmly in supercar territory. The engine is positioned as close to the center of gravity as possible in a front-engine layout, resulting in exceptional balance and handling. The Fireblade offers an exhilarating driving experience, feeling as though it’s skimming just inches above the road surface. It’s a pure, visceral connection between driver and machine, embodying the essence of motorsport.
Key Features and Benefits
- Lightweight construction: The Fireblade’s feather-light weight contributes to its exceptional acceleration, braking, and handling.
- High-revving engine: The Honda Fireblade engine delivers thrilling performance and a distinctive sound.
- Supercar power-to-weight ratio: With 379 horsepower per ton, the Fireblade offers mind-bending acceleration.
- Precise handling: The car’s balanced chassis and responsive steering provide an unparalleled driving experience.
- Iconic design: The Caterham Seven’s timeless design is sure to turn heads wherever you go.
- The Caterham Seven Fireblade is a true driver’s car, offering an unmatched combination of performance, handling, and excitement. It’s a testament to the enduring appeal of lightweight sports cars and the thrill of driving a machine that’s truly connected to the road.
