THE first examples of the bespoke Cosworth engine destined for the Caterham Seven CSR have rolled off the production line.

The mighty 260bhp unit is being built alongside the Formula One powerplants that have effortlessly propelled the Red Bull Racing team into points-scoring finishes in Australia and Malaysia.

It marks the return of Cosworth to the road car market after a ten-year absence.

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

As the heartbeat of the awesome Caterham CSR, which boasts F1-style pushrod-operated inboard suspension and a racetrack honed double wishbone fully independent rear, the Cosworth engine will also be available in 200bhp EUIV emissions compliant guise.

The project marks the first full programme for Cosworth Production Engines - a department specifically set up to return the brand to high performance road cars, both for original equipment market and niche manufacturer applications.

"It has been an intense last 18 months, but we have an engine worthy of continuing the great tradition between Caterham and Cosworth," explained Jez Coates, technical director of Caterham Cars.

The first Caterham Seven CSRs are due for delivery at the end of April.