Introducing Project V: Caterham’s All-Electric Sports Car
Caterham has unveiled its latest creation, Project V, an all-electric sports car that was showcased at the Goodwood Festival of Speed this week. This new model is designed to complement the existing Caterham Seven, a lightweight roadster inspired by the Lotus Seven. However, Project V stands out as a fully electric vehicle and may potentially enter production by late 2025.
Project V was conceived as an electric car right from the start and was brought to life under the direction of Anthony Jannarelly, Caterham’s Chief Designer. The car is equipped with a 200-kilowatt electric motor positioned in the rear axle, coupled with a 55-kWh USOC lithium-ion battery pack. These power sources deliver a total of 268 horsepower and an estimated driving range of 249 miles. Moreover, the vehicle supports rapid charging, allowing it to recharge from 20 to 80 percent in just 15 minutes using a 150 kW DC charger.
Impressive Performance: Power, Range, and Rapid Charging
Remaining true to Caterham’s philosophy of minimalist design, the Project V sports car embodies simplicity and lightness, weighing in at approximately 1,190 kilograms (or about 2,623 pounds). Its construction revolves around a carbon fiber and aluminum composite chassis, complemented by a fully adjustable front and rear double-wishbone suspension and electrically assisted power steering. Caterham anticipates the coupe will accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in less than 4.5 seconds and achieve a top speed of 143 mph.
The Project V show car features a distinctive 2+1 seating layout, with an optional 2+2 configuration available. This arrangement optimizes rear-seat passenger comfort and enhances versatility. The dashboard follows a refreshingly minimal design, housing two round digital gauges in front of the steering wheel. A set of rocker switches located low on the center console allows the driver to switch between Normal, Sport, and Sprint modes, adjusting acceleration, suspension, and steering accordingly. The infotainment system is user-friendly, featuring smartphone mirroring.
This is a statement of intent. This is Project V.
— Caterham (@caterhamcars) July 11, 2023
Discover more here https://t.co/RtN3jlpDlL#ProjectV #DriveElectrified #EV #Electric #Caterham pic.twitter.com/mkWSIe0xGS
Realising the Vision: Feasibility Studies and Potential Production Timeline
Bob Laishley, CEO of Caterham Cars Ltd, emphasised that Project V is not merely a design study or concept but the result of comprehensive engineering and production feasibility studies. Laishley stated, “Project V fulfills our ambition to sustainably grow the company and explore electrification simultaneously. Subject to further development phases and technical capabilities, Project V could potentially be introduced to the market by late 2025 or early 2026.”
Laishley added that Project V is intended to complement, not replace, the existing Caterham Seven. By adhering to Caterham’s core values and embracing a more practical coupe body style while leveraging the advantages of an electric powertrain, the company aims to appeal to both its existing customer base and new enthusiasts. Laishley remarked, “This is a car that works just as well for everyday trips as it does for exhilarating Sunday morning drives.”
Project V joins a lineup of electric vehicles, including the Pininfarina Battista Edizione Nino Farina, MG4 EX4 concept, and others, at the 2023 Goodwood Festival of Speed.
