The first examples of the bespoke Cosworth engine destined for the CaterhamSeven CSR have rolled off the production line.

The mighty 260bhp unit is being built alongside the Formula One powerplantsthat have effortlessly propelled the Red Bull Racing team into pointsscoring finishes in Australia and Malaysia. It marks the return of Cosworthto the road car market after a ten-year absence.

The all-alloy 2.3-litre four-cylinder twin cam engine is being handassembled at the firm's Northampton facility in readiness for the radicallynew CSR chassis.

As the heartbeat of the awesome Caterham CSR, which boasts F1-style pushrodoperated inboard suspension and a racetrack honed double wishbone fullyindependent rear, the Cosworth engine will also be available in 200bhp EUIVemissions compliant guise.

The project marks the first full programme for Cosworth Production Engines -a department specifically set-up to return the brand to high performanceroad cars, both for OEM and niche manufacturer applications."It has been an intense last 18 months, but we have an engine worthy ofcontinuing the great tradition between Caterham and Cosworth," explained JezCoates, Technical Director of Caterham Cars.

The first Caterham Seven CSR's are due for delivery at the end of April.