Caterham AeroSeven to get redesign for 2015 launch

The launch of the Caterham Aeroseven has been pushed back to 2015 owing to a complete redesign. The 600kg, 237bhp AeroSeven was originally scheduled to go on sale in Autumn of this year.

Caterham Group CEO Graham Macdonald told Autocar that the delay was needed to make changes to the original concept, adding a roof with doors and giving more character to the front-end design.

"A lot of the customer feedback we've had so far said that the front was too flat," he said "That it was too much like a slab. We're looking at redesigning the front end slightly, and we'll be looking at a windscreen and putting a roof on as well."

The new roof for the AeroSeven will be a hard-top, and will be coupled with conventional doors and windows. 

Speaking to Autocar at the Autosport International show, Macdonald said the changes are neccessary for the AeroSeven to be sold in the Malaysian market, where Caterham is currently putting much of its focus: "Our shareholders are keen that especially in the East, to drive a car like this you need doors and air conditioning and an enclosed space.

"The design will still look similar to this, we want to keep the same style. We'll look at the front but we've got some quite smart drawings and plans for a roof as well."

The push to make the AeroSeven more tailored for Eastern markets is indicative of where Caterham sees the majority of sales for the car heading. Although the car will go on sale in the UK, says Macdonald, the majority of sales will come from further afield. "Our volumes now are swinging more towards export markets," he said.

As well as the AeroSeven, Caterham is evaluating plans to launch a new SUV and city car for the Malaysian market, which will be offered alongside its conventional Caterham Seven models.

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