Wake up, readers, Caterham just revealed some new limited edition models. This time around, it’s a celebration of 10 years of the Caterham 485, which first came out in 2014. To this day, it is the brand’s fastest production car built for the European market. Although, if you’re keen to get one, it’s best to hurry, as Caterham only plans to unveil 85 units in total of this celebratory model. Specifically, there are two models to pick from, the 485 Final Edition (60 units) and the 485 Final Edition CSR (20 units), with prices starting from €67,495, and order books now open.
As far as performance is concerned, it’s not a huge change over the regular 485. We’re looking at the good-old Ford Duratec 2.0-litre, naturally-aspirated 4-cylinder engine. It’s a modest little engine, cranking out 228PS and 205Nm of torque. That should be enough for a 0-62mph sprint in a respectable 4.1 seconds, revving up to a peppy 8,500RPM. Power goes straight to the rear wheels, through a 5-speed manual transmission. While that might not sound impressive, bear in mind the 485 Final Edition (not the CSR) tips the scales at a lithe 560kg (at most, 605kg).
Light On Weight, Heavy On Creature Comforts
Still, though the 485 is as lightweight and as Spartan as a Caterham deserves to be, these new Final Edition models do feature more creature comforts than you might expect. They are, after all, designed to showcase the very best specification and trim levels on a 485. You can pick one of five different premium colours, paired with blackened badging, boot covers, and stripes. You will also find a plethora of carbon fibre panels and trim pieces, in addition to a healthy mixture of leather and Alcantara once you step inside the 485, with contrasting light grey stitching.
Bespoke personalisation is a noteworthy aspect when you’re spec’ing your 485 Final Edition. A handful of optional carbon fibre exterior trim, like the front and rear wings, indicator pods, as well as the aero screen, are available. You can additionally spec a pair of carbon bucket seats (with special embroidery), and track-ready accessories. The latter includes roll-over bars and roll cages, a fire extinguisher, a cut-off switch, upgraded brakes, and adjustable dampers.
For The Track, And The Road
There are minute variations between the 485 Final Edition CSR and non-CSR models. The CSR is a much more racy trim, given that you can spec more aero parts on the exterior, and a harder, more track-optimised suspension kit all-around. Furthermore, the CSR does come with a bigger wheel compared to the non-CSR model – 15 inches vs 13 inches. Nonetheless, either set of alloy are wrapped with TOYO Proxes R888R tyres. The chassis sizes vary too, with the non-CSR made available in standard or large chassis forms, while the CSR is restricted to just the large chassis.
It’s a sombre day, marking the end of an era for Caterham’s fastest production models for the European market, and no doubt, among its most iconic cars. Over the last decade, the 485 was one of the best, sharpest, and most unassuming track day toys money could buy. Its reach goes as far as Japan, with 10 more Final Edition examples of the Seven 480 made exclusively for the Japanese market. If you want to own a piece of motoring history, the Caterham 485 FE and FE CSR are available to order now, as Caterham prepares for what’s to come next in its line-up.