Simplify, add lightness and now, Formula One technology?

The people behind Team Lotus Formula 1, the legendary lightweight sports car manufacturer will be seeing an expansion of its brand profile and product family. The acquisition of Caterham Cars by Team Lotus Enterprise will not only signal the continued development of the legendary Seven, but will provide Caterham with the platform to apply its philosophy of "adding lightness" to exciting new models for the 21st Century.

This exciting new era for Caterham will be led by the company's existing management team, headed up by Caterham Cars Managing Director, Ansar Ali. Ansar has been responsible for Caterham's exports, creating the iconic Superlight R500 and the SP/300.R sports prototype racer, the first brand new model in 15 years.

After Lotus ended production of the Seven in 1972, Caterham bought the rights to make both kits and fully assembled cars based on the original design. Today, the Seven is arguably the benchmark for the perfect balance between power and intuitive, user-friendly handling, and remains as one of the most raced cars in the world.

"This is yet another exciting chapter in the Caterham story. Until now, the resources Caterham has had at its disposal have naturally limited the exposure of the Caterham experience and the legendary Seven had to rely almost entirely on its remarkable reputation and legacy," said Ansar.

He added, "However, the acquisition of the company by Team Lotus Enterprise will allow our existing management team to take Caterham's core spirit of pure driving enjoyment to a wider unserved audience."

To celebrate its new ownership, Caterham Cars will build a limited run of Team Lotus Special Edition Sevens. 25 of the upgraded Sevens will be built in the UK, with the same number allocated for the export markets. The special Sevens will be painted in the famous green and yellow colours of Lotus racing team.