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Sigma
The New Ford Sigma Engine Range |
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Chassis Construction
 New 12% more rigid chassis takes handling to the next level
Crash tested to EU Standards
A bright future
For over 30 years, Caterham chassis have been handmade by highly skilled craftsmen at Arch Motors, who have bronze welded the chassis tubes together and panelled the cars in their distinctive, lightweight, aluminium skin.
In 2005 Caterham realised that, despite the craftsmanship of Arch, to further improve chassis tolerances and overall rigidity a new high technology construction method would be required. This also provided an opportunity to switch to all-metric dimensions for the first time!
In 2006 Caterham announced a partnership with Steel Fabrications*, already responsible for manufacturing the Seven’s F.I.A. approved roll cages and road-going roll-over bars since 2002. Steel Fabrications undertook the metric based development of the Seven chassis and invested over £500,000 in sophisticated new equipment.
Technology
Steel Fabrications purchased both the latest CAD modelling with finite element analysis (FEA) and state of the art computer controlled tube and sheet laser cutters and robotic welding cells. These advanced processes give tighter tolerances and improved quality control, resulting in more accurate components and ultimately a better chassis.
The goal of the program was a 10% increase in chassis rigidity, although final testing has confirmed a 12% gain over handmade chassis. This is a remarkable improvement for a chassis that has already been honed and developed over more than 30 years.
Crash Tested
As part of Caterham Cars continuing commitment to meet European type approval standards, the chassis successfully completed an extensive crash test programme that complies with Low Volume Approval. Compliance means that Caterham Cars is one of the very few low volume manufacturers that can register product in EU markets, in particular France, Germany and Italy.
This crash test represents a huge achievement for a car manufacturer of its size and highlights the technical integrity of the chassis. Passing these crash test requirements will guarantee that Caterham remains ahead of the competition and any forthcoming regulations in future years.
The best gets better
Chassis rigidity is a key component in the handling of all cars, because chassis flex is the enemy of suspension geometry. So, all this technology means that your new Sigma engined Caterham 7 will handle, ride and fit together better than ever before!
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE NEW FORD SIGMA RANGE:
Development
Request more information or a test drive
*Due to a transfer of ownership,
the chassis supplier is known as of October 2006 as Steel
Fabrications Ltd. The company Steel Fabrications is now a separate
entity supplying rollcages and related products.
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