{
  "id": 17183612,
  "title": "Caterham Seven 310 Encore review: Hit me baby one more time",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/30/caterham-seven-310-encore-review-hit-me-baby-one-more-time",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-10-30T05:29:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "City AM",
    "slug": "city-am",
    "url": "https://www.cityam.com/caterham-seven-310-encore-review-hit-me-baby-one-more-time/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Caterham Cars, a renowned name in the world of sports cars, traces its origins back to 1973 when Graham Nearn secured the rights to continue building the Lotus Seven. The iconic two-seater, powered by a four-cylinder Ford engine, first appeared on the streets of Caterham, a town situated on the southern edge of London's suburbs. The town's connection to Caterham Cars dates back to the 1980s when the famous Seven assembly moved to Dartford, leaving behind a showroom close to the Caterham station.\n\nToday, I had the opportunity to drive a new Caterham Seven, specifically the 310 Encore edition. This particular model continues to use the Ford all-aluminium 1.6-litre Sigma engine, a choice that has remained unchanged since 2006. The 310 Encore, however, marks the end of a certain era, as only 25 cars are being produced before the line closes.\n\nCaterham offers a variety of sports cars, from the basic 85hp Seven 170 to the hypercar-like 314hp Seven 620. The 310 Encore, however, is a standout among its siblings. It features an attention-grabbing body, adorned with full-length body stripes and a choice of paint colors, each named after a famous song. The exterior is complemented by aero-optimized nose cones, exposed carbon fiber front wings, and anodized black trim, giving the car a unique and eye-catching appearance.\n\nUnder the hood, the 310 Encore boasts a naturally aspirated Ford Sigma engine, tuned to produce 154 horsepower and 124 lb-ft of torque. This powerful engine propels the car from 0 to 62 mph in just 4.8 seconds, with a top speed of 127 mph. The car comes standard with a five-speed manual gearbox, rear-wheel drive, and a kerb weight of 540 kg. For those seeking a bit more room, there are options for wide-body SV configurations and sports suspension.\n\nThe interior of the 310 Encore is a simple yet functional space, featuring soft-padded leather seats, a carbon fiber dashboard, and a limited-slip differential. The optional removal of the roof provides a thrilling open-air driving experience, allowing drivers to feel the wind rush past and absorb the environment around them. The car's unique design and powerful, yet well-tuned engine make the Caterham Seven 310 Encore a compelling choice for those seeking a classic sports car experience.",
  "summary": "Caterham is a small town on the southern tip of the London suburbs, just beyond the ULEZ but within the M25. I moved here about 18 months ago, but have always lived in the area. Google the word ‘Caterham’, though, and you won’t be presented with news about the roadworks on Church Hill or the [...]",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}