MX-5 Miata

Make
Mazda
Segment
Compact

For some hardcore enthusiasts, even modern lightweight offerings such as the Mazda Miata and Toyota GR 86 have become too bloated. Those looking for an extra lightweight and extra special experience usually turn to wild machines like the Ariel Atom or KTM Crossbow, but there is another option that traces its roots back way further than either of those options: Caterham. This British sports car manufacturer has offered its range of ultra-light track cars to American citizens before, and now it's introducing a heritage range with two new models, one of which is coming stateside.

To mark the brand's 50th anniversary next year, Caterham has unveiled two new models as part of its reintroduced heritage range. The two new models go by the name of Super Seven 600 and Super Seven 2000. These two firecrackers are reimagined versions of the brand's famous Super Seven models of the 1970s and 80s but add a load of modern features to make them more palatable for a modern audience. These cars offer the same super lightweight fun the original vehicles are known for, but both come with their own twist on the original recipe.

The Super Seven 600 is a purebred driving machine that is best enjoyed on the road and offers a back-to-basic driving experience at a lower speed. This car is ideally suited to those less worried about 0-60 mph times and more about the feel of the car, so basically, Mazda MX-5 drivers. The Super Seven 600 is powered by a 660cc Suzuki turbo engine producing 83 hp and will sprint to 60 mph in a brisk 6.9 seconds. This car shares its live axle design with the brilliant Seven 170.

If you're after a bit more power and straight-line performance, the Super Seven 2000 is the car to go for: this version packs a 2.0-liter Ford Duratec engine generating close to 180 hp and will bolt to 60 mph in only 4.8 seconds. This car is closely related to the Seven 360 and features a de-Dion chassis. Both vehicles are available with a limited-slip differential and send power to the rear via a five-speed manual transmission. Super Seven 2000 owners are also offered a sport suspension package and front ventilated quad-piston brakes.

The exterior of these little beasties features flared front wings traditionally seen on the Super Seven 1600 and various other classic 70s models, and while the 600 rides on 14-inch Silver Juno wheels, the 2000 gets 14-inch classic wheels. Both cars come with Avon ZT7 tires, a Moto-Lita leather steering wheel, a polished exhaust tip, LED rear lights, and a chrome filler cap.

The exterior paint options include Gravity Black, Exocet Red, Vintage Green, and Firecracker Yellow. Exclusive launch colors such as Bourbon, Ashdown Green, Windsor Blue, and Fawn are also offered for a select few. The interior can also be selected in various colors, including Biscuit Beige, Deep Red, Cream, Birch White, Burgundy, Ginger, and Admirability Blue. The wheels can be painted in Gold, or body-color, or you can select a custom center cap color and a diamond-cut lip.

These unique Caterham cars won't come cheap. The Super 600 starts from £29,990 ($33,902), and the Super Seven 2000, the only model coming to the US, starts at £39,990 ($45,209)

"With Caterham Cars celebrating its 50th anniversary next year, now feels right to be adding cars to our range that take inspiration from our past. We've taken what was great about Sevens of yesteryear, the design, look and feel, and reimagined them for today," said CEO of Caterham Cars, Bob Laishley.

"Super Seven 600 and Super Seven 2000 will offer two very distinct driving experiences, appealing to a wide range of driving enthusiasts who want a taste of a modern Seven but with the charm and retro-styling of our vehicles from the 70s and 80s," he concluded. A new Caterham in the US? Bring it on.