Caterham distances itself from sketch of new SUV

Caterham has denied it issued a sketch of an upcoming SUV, which was posted online today bearing its name.

The picture above, which first appeared on Twitter, reportedly shows the design outline of Caterham's new SUV model. The company has previously released similar sketches to tease its production models. The company's most recent concept, the AeroSeven, was first seen as a drawing outline on the side of the firm's F1 car.

Caterham has since confirmed the drawing is unofficial, but plans remain to put an SUV into production. The firm has previously said it would like to bring both a new SUV and a city car to market by 2016, with both models being co-developed with Renault and destined for the Asian market. Caterham's existing joint venture car with Renault, referred to as the C120, is also due to go on sale in 2016.

Caterham boss Tony Fernandes sees great opportunities for expanding the Caterham brand overseas, recently launching a new motorsport arm in Asia with the aim of growing its brand awareness in the Far East. The company has also recently launched its own bike division.

Speaking to Reuters earlier this year, Fernandes said: "Sports cars will do well, but the city car and the SUV are what the (Asian) market really wants. If we get the SUV right it will be huge."