Caterham Cars has unveiled the AeroSeven Concept.

As the first model designed with significant input from all of the Caterham Group's specialist business arms, the AeroSeven Concept signals the brand's intentions in terms of product engineering processes, speed to market, as well as a hint to its styling direction for future models, including the all-new sportscar being developed in conjunction with Renault and due for release in early 2016.

The AeroSeven Concept, which draws heavily on methods used by the F1 team, will be the first ever Caterham model to be fitted with traction control. Thanks to a newly developed Caterham Engine Management System, drivers will be able to enjoy fully adjustable traction and launch control functionality.

Based on an updated interpretation of the Seven CSR platform, the carbon-fibre bodied concept vehicle, which will reach 100km/h from standstill in under four seconds, will initially draw its power from the naturally aspirated, EU6-approved, 177kW-engine developed by Caterham Technology & Innovation for the recently launched Caterham Seven 485. This 2.0-litre Ford Duratec-based engine delivers its peak power at 8500rpm and drives the rear wheels through a six-speed manual gearbox. Other engines are also being assessed for suitability.  

The AeroSeven Concept is stacked with race car-inspired features, including aerodynamic styling, an exclusive steering wheel with driver-focussed functionality, and an intuitive fully active Graphical Display Unit.

Graham Macdonald, Managing Director of Caterham Cars, said: "Over the coming years, we will be expanding our range of sportscars as we look to meet the differing needs and desires of potential customers — from the lifestyle customer to the ultimate thrill-seeker. The AeroSeven Concept is the first model in that journey."

Caterham says that delivery of the production version of the concept model will begin in 2014.