Century CR7
| Category | T1+ |
|---|---|
| Designer | Julien Hardy |
| Predecessor | Century CR6 |
| Technical specifications | |
| Chassis | Multitubular |
| Engine | 2,894 cc (176.6 cu in) |
| Transmission | SADEV 6 sequential speeds |
| Weight | 2,010 kg (4,431 lb) |
| Brakes | 6-piston callipers, water-cooled |
| Tires | BF Goodrich on Braid tires |
| Competition history | |
| Notable drivers | Brian Baragwanath Mathieu Serradori |
| Debut | 2023 |
The Century CR7 is a competition buggy manufactured by the South African rally raid specialist Century. It was unveiled in 2023 and made its competitive debut in the South African Rally Raid Championship, with a view to its development for the 2024 Dakar Rally. It competes in the T1+ category, in which it has twice finished in the top ten in the aforementioned event.[1]
This is an all-wheel-drive car, unlike most of the manufacturer's previous models, equipped with a V6 gasoline engine from the Audi RS 4, which produces 430hp at 5,000 rpm and has a torque of 660 Nm at 3,800 rpm, monitored by a torque meter required by the FIA.[2][3] This model is focused on participation in customer racing, although Century also has its own team.[4]
Although it retains much of the aesthetics of its predecessor, the CR6, the mechanical aspects are very different, housing a different engine with different needs and featuring front suspension with greater travel which, even so, manages to lower its centre of gravity.[5]
Furthermore, it inherits the CR6's double wishbone rear suspension and exterior dimensions, with the exception of height.[6]
Derivatives
Ebro S800-XRR T1+
The Ebro S800-XRR T1+ is a derivative of the CR7, acquired by the Spanish company Ebro, which has undergone few modifications, mostly aesthetic, applied by the team of French driver Mathieu Serradori.[7] Laia Sanz will be at the wheel.[8]
Santana Pick-Up T1+ Ultimate
The Santana Pick-Up T1+ Ultimate is a derivative of the CR7, aesthetically modified by the Spanish company Santana Motor to give it a look more similar to the Santana 400, the production model, while retaining the mechanical components.[9] It will be driven by Jesús Calleja.
References
- ^ "CR7". Century Racing. Retrieved 20 November 2025.
- ^ Nguyen, Justin (6 October 2023). "Century Racing reveals CR7 T1+". The Checkered Flag. Retrieved 20 November 2025.
- ^ Fernandez, Ivan (18 November 2023). "Se presenta el Santana Pick-Up, el T1+ con el que Jesús Calleja se reencontrará con el Rally Dakar". Diariomotor (in Spanish). Retrieved 20 November 2025.
- ^ Chellen, Jason (8 January 2024). "Dakar 2024. Douze voitures de Century Racing au depart : Les CR6-Turbo et CR7 conçues par le Mauricien Julien Hardy font fureur". lexpress.mu (in French). Retrieved 20 November 2025.
- ^ Blancafort, Raymond (14 January 2025). "Historias del Dakar: Century CR7, los buggies también tienen ambiciones". SoyMotor.com (in Spanish). Archived from the original on 14 January 2025. Retrieved 20 November 2025.
- ^ Nguyen, Justin (22 April 2023). "Century Racing CR7 T1+ development underway, testing in July". The Checkered Flag. Retrieved 20 November 2025.
- ^ Blancafort, Raymond (16 July 2025). "Ebro aterriza en el Dakar: ¿cómo será su coche? ¿y quién será su piloto?". Soymotor.com (in Spanish). Retrieved 20 November 2025.
- ^ Blancafort, Raymond (16 September 2025). "OFICIAL: Ebro se decide por Laia Sanz para su 'proyecto Dakar'". Soymotor.com (in Spanish). Retrieved 20 November 2025.
- ^ Ruiz, Carmen (18 November 2025). "Santana Motors se apunta al Dakar con Jesús Calleja". Diario AS (in Spanish). Retrieved 20 November 2025.