LONDON, Nov 6 ― Can the eccentric UK sportscar company make the jump from four wheels to two?
On the surface it looks like a logical move. For over 40 years, Caterham has been building the “Seven” ― a car so simple, fast, stripped back and low to the ground that the experience of driving one is often described as the closest thing to a motorbike on four wheels.
However, give or take the odd change of engine supplier and suspension and braking set-ups, Caterham’s version of the Seven has remained pretty much completely unchanged for over four decades. And the only reason that the company has managed to get away with this lack of exterior design progression or even evolution is because the car was already considered a classic before Caterham started building it ― it started out life as the Lotus Seven in 1957 and when Lotus stopped building it in 1972, Caterham bought the presses and the rights to the design and continued to offer the car to enthusiasts as a build-at-home kit.
Even the most basic of modern motorbikes, by stark contrast, is light years ahead of the Seven in terms of design and technological underpinnings. However, despite the challenges, Caterham has formed partnerships with a number of European and Asian suppliers, recruited some serious talent, including ex-MotoGP racer Andreas Leuthe, and has high hopes for its initial three-model prototype line-up, production versions of which are scheduled to go on sale in 2014.
The Brutus 750: this model is designed to take off-road motorcycling to new levels. It has a fully automatic transmission, jumbo tires and, according to Caterham, can be converted into a snowmobile in just four hours.
The Classic E-Bike: this very retro-styled bike should be good for up to 80km on a single charge and can be ridden on streets in the EU without a license.
The Carbon E-Bike: taking its styling and construction cues from Formula One (a sport in which Caterham now competes), the bike is meant to blend exclusivity with carbon fibre and environmental awareness.
The bikes will be aimed at consumers in Europe, the Americas and Asia where the company is looking to aggressively build its brand and its business. Of the decision to start building bikes, Al-Ishsal Ishak, CEO of the company’s bike division, said: “We are realistic and honest enough to know that we’re not in the business of rivalling the establishment; we’re here to offer an alternative that befits the spirit of Caterham.
Just as the Caterham Seven is a motoring icon because of its unique design and engineering credibility, Caterham Bikes’ products will be aimed at a niche audience seeking exceptional quality, bespoke design flare and bikes easy enough for anyone to ride.”
In 2011, Caterham was bought by Tony Fernandes, the serial entrepreneur behind AirAsia, and he has made no secret of his big plans for the diminutive brand. As well as lunching the Caterham bikes division, since he and business partner Dato’ Kamarudin Meranun took over the company, Caterham has started competing in Formula One and in October launched its own Moto2 motorcycle racing team at the Malaysian Grand Prix. As well as cars, bikes and planes, Fernandes also owns London football team Queens Park Rangers. ― AFP-Relaxnews
