We had the pleasure of Justin Gardiner (Caterham Cars Japan-https://www.facebook.com/pages/Caterham-Cars-Japan/163844407013223) joining us at the meet today in North Hertfordshire.
It was interesting to hear all the latest news and updates at Caterham at home and in Japan and details of Caterham Cars' soon-to-be-released, all-new entry-level Seven will be powered by a 660cc, three-cylinder turbocharged engine manufactured by Suzuki Motor Corporation – the smallest and most efficient engine ever installed in a Seven.
It seems this car is going to be a big hit in Japan and Europe, Justin is confident the new powerplant will be a runaway success and bring the 7 to the masses.
http://uk.caterhamcars.com/news/telegram-caterham-hq-–-suzuki-power-new-entry-level -caterham-seven

Yep, great day out today, and a really interesting chat with Justin My only reservation, is that even with a lighter chassis, 100 bhp or so for the UK market, is really not enough IMHO for the entry level 7. If you want to take on the hot hatch buyers, then you need to be sub 5 seconds to 60 to make it attractive. Even my oil burning automatic Beemer will hit 60 in 7 seconds!

Sounds like this fly weight 7 is focused for the market in Japan and some of the countries with stiff emission rules etc
It will be interesting to see how this pans out.
I wonder what the likes of Westfield, Dax etc have coming up

Justin told me, it'll officially be around 65 bhp for the Japanese market because of the legislation, and they can get away with 100 or so for UK. But as you and I both know, how many people do you speak to with a 125 sigma, and bemoan the fact, that they should have gone for 150 minimum!

I think, in the 21st century, the base model should start at 150, so it can compete with the usual hot hatches, some of which, aren't actually that expensive! My cars pretty quick, but I'd still like more power!

I know it's about more than just power, handling, cornering, the whole experience etc, but you'd still be pretty peeved if a Citroen Saxo out dragged you from the lights!

As Justin said, within Japan there is the issue of having a parking space if the engine cc is more that 1000cc... so the concept works there.

But, that has no impact in Europe.

So I agree - it's a very strange base model concept.

Indeed
It will be intresting to see how this new model is received
I am sure it will be popular in Japan

I have to say I was a little with the new Exige S V6 in the car park

The Ecoboost would make more sense in Europe

That Ecoboost engine sounds

I think it would be a fantastic engine for the 7

Apparently the Ecoboost will never happen, as it's way too expensive for CC to use it in their cars! Hence the Suzuki option. Evidently, Suzuki will also supply a pretty good 5 speed box as well, as the type 9's are running out fast!