Caterham 620R debuts as new flagship at Goodwood
Caterham has unveiled the 620R, a 311bhp evolution of its Seven, replacing the R500 and making its first public appearance at the 2013 Goodwood Festival of Speed.
Caterham has launched the 620R, its new top-of-the-range Seven, ahead of a public debut at the 2013 Goodwood Festival of Speed. The 620R replaces the outgoing R500 as the most powerful and fastest production model in the line-up, with headline figures aimed squarely at track-day drivers and performance purists.
The centrepiece of the 620R is a supercharged 2.0-litre Ford Duratec engine, producing 311bhp at 7,700rpm and 296Nm of torque at 7,350rpm. This power is sent to the rear wheels through a six-speed sequential gearbox, giving the 620R a claimed 0-60mph time of just 2.79 seconds. That puts the new model among the fastest-accelerating road cars available in 2013, regardless of price or segment.
Caterham has focused on keeping weight low and the chassis sharp. The car features a gunmetal chassis, De Dion rear suspension, and 13-inch alloy wheels with Avon ZZR tyres. A race-spec cooling system and a redesigned nose cone improve airflow and thermal management for extended track use. The 620R’s interior is stripped back, with carbon-fibre panels, racing seats and a quick-release steering wheel, all intended to keep the focus on driving rather than comfort.
Performance and technical details
With a power-to-weight ratio well above 500bhp per tonne, the 620R is designed for drivers seeking the most extreme Seven yet offered. The De Dion rear axle and race-tuned suspension are intended to provide maximum grip and agility, while the sequential gearbox allows for rapid shifts on track. The 13-inch wheels are fitted with Avon ZZR tyres, chosen for their dry-weather performance.
| Engine | 2.0-litre supercharged Ford Duratec |
|---|---|
| Power | 311bhp @ 7,700rpm |
| Torque | 296Nm @ 7,350rpm |
| 0-60mph | 2.79 seconds |
| Transmission | 6-speed sequential manual |
| Wheels | 13-inch alloy |
| Tyres | Avon ZZR |
Price and market position
Caterham has priced the 620R from £49,995 in the UK, with European pricing starting at €58,000. This positions it as a specialist track machine rather than a daily driver, and well above the rest of the Seven range. The outgoing R500, which the 620R replaces, was already a benchmark for lightweight performance, but the new car’s figures move the game on for the brand’s most committed customers.
The 620R’s public debut at Goodwood places it in front of an audience of enthusiasts and collectors, many of whom will remember the R500’s reputation for raw performance. Caterham’s approach with the 620R is to retain the Seven’s minimalist ethos while pushing its performance envelope even further. For buyers seeking the most extreme evolution of the Seven, the 620R delivers the numbers to match its intent.
