Caterham Seven gets its most expensive edition so far

The normally ascetic Caterham Seven has received a limited production series called CSR Twenty. Generous use of fine leather, Alcantara and carbon fiber dictate an unprecedented price – £80,000. Only 40 units will be made.

A single glance at the sports car is enough to tell it from stock. The radiator grille is finished in two tones and has a British flag ornament on it. A peek inside the arches reveals anachronistically small 15-inch wheels with red brake calipers behind the spokes. All lighting is LED-based, and those who would rather not drive a black car may opt for a grey or silver exterior.

The cabin offers two seats wrapped in natural leather with Alcantara inserts. The stitching is red all around, and there are CSR Twenty logos embroidered on the backs. Matte-carbon trim bits spruce up the dashboard, the steering wheel comes from Momo, and every car bears a serial number plaque.

Power still comes from the usual 2.0-liter, four-cylinder Ford Duratec engine good for 213 PS (210 hp / 157 kW) and 203 Nm (150 lb-ft) of torque. It is linked to the rear wheels through a five-speed manual transmission. Getting to 100 km/h (62 mph) takes only 3.9 seconds and the top speed is capped at 219 km/h (136 mph).

Out of the planned production run of 40 units, 20 will be sold in the UK and the other 20 in the USA, making the CSR Twenty a collectible rarity.