Caterham project leads the way in low fuel consumption

The modified Caterham Seven set a fuel consumption record of just over two litres per 100km.

British carmaker Caterham moved its focus away from go-fast to fuel-thrifty lightweights in an economy run in Britain. It modified a Caterham Seven to set a fuel consumption record of just over two litres/100km, or 131mpg.

The standard Caterham Seven Roadsport 1.6-litre K Series used improved carbon-fibre aerodynamics, lightweight seating, narrow, low-rolling resistance tyres and economic driving techniques to ensure it maximised every drop of fuel to beat its initial 100mpg target.

The Shell Eco-Marathon is an annual competition to determine the car with the greatest fuel economy after 40 minutes of driving and seven laps of the track at a minimum of 25km/h.

Each entry must meet strict safety requirements and drive using as little petrol, LPG, diesel or hydrogen as possible.

Caterham project leader Dr Steve Cousins said: "We are showing that careful driving and relatively simple modifications to conventional cars can lead to significant fuel savings. Significantly, the Caterham was the only car in the competition that was moulded from a road-legal vehicle."