Caterham has announced that it is to replace the K-series engines of its Seven sportscar with Ford Sigma units from the end of this year.
The Rover K-series has been fitted to Sevens for 15 years, but the firm's closure has placed supply in doubt. Caterham has signed a deal with Power Torque Engineering to supply the Sigma units (which are built at Bridgend) in 160bhp and 140bhp guises. An entry-level engine will be added to that line-up - its power output has yet to be confirmed. The switch will coincide with the 50th anniversary of the model.
'The Ford Sigma was selected on technical merit after an exhaustive study of over 80 engines from 19 different manufacturers,' said Caterham Technical chief Jez Coates. 'It was far and away the most suitable and worthy choice.'
Apart from Sigmas, Sevens will continue to be available with Cosworth-tuned 2.3-litre engines producing 260bhp and 200bhp, and a 210bhp 2.0-litre Superlight R400 version. Prices for the Sigma models will be confirmed in the autumn.
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