Caterham Project V
Lightweight and powered solely by electricity, the Caterham Project V is a coupé concept vehicle expected to hit the market in late 2025 or early 2026. Project V was conceived by the company’s new Chief Designer, Anthony Jannarelly, specifically as an electric vehicle. The famed Italian engineering firm Italdesign realised his concept.
The rear-mounted electric motor of Project V has a maximum output of 200 kilowatts (272 ps). Together, the 55 kWh USOC lithium-ion battery pack and the 150 kW DC quick charger can get you from zero to eighty percent charge in about 15 minutes.
With an anticipated peak speed of 143 mph (230 kph) and a delivered target WLTP range of 249 miles (400 km), Project V has an acceleration of 0-62 mph (100 kph) in less than 4.5 seconds.
Project V, like the Seven, is light and straightforward because it adheres to the minimalist design concept. The unique carbon fibre and aluminium composite chassis developed by Caterham will allow for a kerb weight of 1,190kg (2+1 configuration).
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’ve conducted engineering and production feasibility throughout the development process.
“An electric Caterham of any shape and size has to stay true to what sets us apart from everyone else: being lightweight, simple, and offering an unparalleled driving experience; that’s our DNA.”
He added, “Project V fulfils our ambition to sustainably grow the company and explore electrification simultaneously. Subject to the next phases of development and technical capability, Project V could be brought to market towards the end of 2025 or early 2026, with a target price starting from less than £80,000.”
Anthony Jannarelly, Chief Designer for Project V, added: “A Caterham Seven’s design is simple and minimalist; it’s designed for its intended function, to be lightweight and fun to drive. With Project V, we’re applying this philosophy to the sports coupé architecture to create a seducing and timeless silhouette. Every single feature has to justify itself from a weight perspective to maintain lightness and optimise driver engagement.”
The Project V design has a 2+1 seating configuration, with 2+2 as an option, which improves access and egress, makes the back seat passenger more comfortable, and gives potential buyers additional options for how they could utilise the vehicle. A digital instrument cluster displays crucial data, and a straightforward infotainment system with smartphone mirroring serves as the vehicle’s focal point. The acceleration and handling may be intelligently adjusted between Normal, Sport, and Sprint modes, which the driver can select.
Features include electrically assisted power steering, 19” and 20” Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres, and brake discs all around with high-performance callipers. The front and rear suspensions of the idea are double wishbone setups with completely adjustable geometry.
Andrea Porta, Business Development Manager at Italdesign, said: “We’re delighted to have partnered with Caterham and Anthony Jannarelly to bring Project V to life. At every step, we have applied our experience in producing commercially viable concept and prototype vehicles to ensure that any future production version can be brought to market at pace.”
Laishley continued: “Project V isn’t instead of Seven; it’s complimentary to it, and we believe that by retaining the core Caterham values, it will appeal to both our existing customer base and attract new fans to the brand.
“By using a more practical coupé body style and by exploiting the packaging benefits of an EV, this is a car that works as well for trips to the shops or the school run as it does for Sunday morning sprints.”
Kazuho Takahashi, President and CEO of VT Holdings, said: “We are honoured to be able to unveil two new vehicles from Caterham at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. The new models are the result of an uncompromising fusion of two seemingly contradictory requirements: retaining the Caterham values that must never change while evolving to meet the changing demands of customers, such as the shift towards electric. We express our deepest gratitude to all those involved in this project and to everyone who has supported Caterham over the past 50 years.”
In order to realise Project V’s goals, Caterham EVo was formed to oversee all operational and financial matters.
