Caterham unveiled the Final Editions of the 485 and 485 CSR for the European market, announcing that the models will bow out of production a full decade after their debut. The Final Editions will be offered in a limited production featuring unique touches on the exterior and the interior. The 485 and 485 CSR are the most powerful Euro 6 compliant Caterham Sevens, but the company is forced to retire them in the wake of the stricter Euro 7 emission regulations. Both come fitted with the naturally aspirated 2.0-liter four-cylinder Ford Duratec engine producing 225 hp and 205 Nm of torque. Power is transmitted to the rear wheels via a five-speed manual and a limited-slip differential, allowing a 0-100 km/h sprint in 4.1 seconds and a top speed of 224 km/h.
The difference between the 485 FE and the
485 CSR FE is that the latter is exclusively available in the large chassis
configuration, while featuring a more sophisticated push-rod inboard front
suspension, fully independent rear suspension, and larger diameter wheels. Note
that the large chassis is 180 mm longer, 230 mm wider, and 25 mm taller compared to the standard option.
The Final Edition models are visually
distinguished by the exclusive satin black stripes and badging, combined with
premium exterior shades. The 485 CSR rides on 15-inch Vulcan alloy wheels while
the 485 sits on smaller 13-inch Black Apollo alloys. Inside, we find Final
Edition embroidery and numbered plaques. The cabin is upholstered in Sports Hex
Black leather with Alcantara inserts, a carbon dashboard and a fully carpeted
floor.
Olivier Jouanne, European Territory
Manager for Caterham, said: “Revealing our Seven 485 Final Edition is a
bittersweet moment for us and our customers. On the one hand it marks the end
of an era for one of our most iconic European models. On the other, with only a
limited number available, customers now have the possibility to own the last
highest-revving, naturally aspirated Seven to ever be produced, giving them the
chance to drive a piece of Caterham history.” Jouanne added that the
discontinuation of the 485 will free up additional production and engineering
capacity, allowing Caterham to focus on “expanding our European product
offering”.
The limited availability comprises 60
units of the 485 FE and 25 units of the 485 CSR FE for Europe, while there will
be an additional 10 units of the 485 FE for Japan. Weirdly, the production
numbers don’t coincide with the commemorative plaque that says 1 of 45,
suggesting that Caterham might have changed their mind at the last minute. The
Final Edition models are already available to order. Pricing starts from
€ 67,495 (US$ 72,452) before VAT and local taxes.