Caterham Project V Concept (2023)

Caterham’s Project V Concept

Caterham has revealed the Project V, a lightweight coupé concept car that could arrive in late 2025 or early 2026.

Designed as an electric car from the ground up, Project V is the brainchild of new Chief Designer, Anthony Jannarelly. His vision has been brought to life by the world-renowned Italian engineering firm, Italdesign.

Project V uses a battery-electric powertrain, driven by a single 200kW (272PS) motor mounted on the rear axle. This is paired with a USOC 55kWh lithium-ion battery pack with advanced temperature control, and the ability to recharge from 20-80% in 15 minutes using a 150kW DC fast charger.

Accelerating from 0-62mph (100kph) in under 4.5 seconds, the Project V will reach an estimated top speed of 143mph (230kmph) and deliver a WLTP target range of 249 miles (400km).

The minimalist design philosophy means the Project V, like the Seven, is light and simple. Caterham has targeted a curb weight of 1,190kg (2+1 configuration) which will be achieved using an innovative carbon fiber and aluminum alloy chassis.

Bob Laishley, CEO of Caterham Cars Ltd and COO of the newly established Caterham EVo, said: “Project V is not just a concept or design study, we have done engineering and production possibilities in the development process. An electric Caterham of any shape. and the size should be true to what sets us apart from everyone else: being light, flexible and providing an unparalleled driving experience is our DNA.” He added: “Project V fulfills our ambition to grow the company in a sustainable way and explore electricity distribution at the same time. Depending on the next phases of development and technical capabilities, Project V could be introduced to the market in late 2025 or early 2026 with a target price to start. from under £80,000.”

Anthony Jannarelly, Chief Designer of Project V, added: “The design of the Caterham Seven is simple and compact, designed for its intended performance, to be light and fun to drive. With Project V, we apply this philosophy to a sports coupé. The design to creating an attractive and timeless silhouette.

The Project V show car uses a 2+1 seating arrangement – 2+2 as an option – which improves ingress and egress, provides more comfort for rear seat passengers and offers more flexibility in how the prospective owner can use the car. At the center of the interior is a simple driver-oriented infotainment system that mirrors the smartphone, and a digital instrument cluster is used to display important information. Drivers can choose between Normal, Sport and Sprint driving modes that intelligently adjust acceleration and handling for different environments.

The concept features double-wishbone front and rear suspension with fully adjustable geometry, electric power steering, Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires (19″ front and 20″ rear), and brake discs on all sides with performance calipers. up.

Andrea Porta, Business Development Manager at Italdesign, said: “We are delighted to be working with Caterham and Anthony Jannarelly to bring the V project to life. At every step, we have used our experience in developing commercially viable concept and prototype vehicles, ensuring that any version future production can be brought to market faster.”

Laishley continued: “Project V is not a replacement for the Seven, it compliments it, and we believe that by maintaining Caterham’s core values, it will appeal to our existing customers and attract new fans to the brand. By leveraging Caterham’s values. taking advantage of the EV package, this is a car that works just as well for trips to the shops, or the school run, as it does for the Sunday morning run.”

Kazuho Takahashi, President and CEO of VT Holdings, said: “We are honored to be able to reveal two new cars from Caterham at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. The new models are the result of an unwavering fusion of two seemingly contradictory requirements: to retain the Caterham Values which should never change, as they evolve to meet the changing needs of customers, such as the shift towards electricity.

The Project V show car was shown publicly for the first time on the Caterham stand at the 2023 Goodwood Festival of Speed.