Revolutionising the Road: Caterham Project V Unveils a New Dawn for the Iconic Brand

In a bold move to embrace the future, Caterham, the renowned British carmaker, is venturing into uncharted territory with its latest creation – the Caterham Project V. Departing from its iconic Seven model, the Project V represents the brand’s foray into the electric era, signalling a paradigm shift for the company.

Created by the talented British designer Anthony Jannarelly, the Caterham Project V is envisioned to be a compact 2+1-seat coupe that marries eco-friendliness with high-performance capabilities. Though still in its conceptual stage, the company has ambitious plans to commence production by the end of 2025.

At the heart of this revolutionary machine lies a cutting-edge 55kWh battery, ingeniously integrated into a lightweight chassis crafted from a blend of carbon fibre and aluminium composite. The result? A remarkably low kerb-weight of 1,190kg, setting it apart from the bulk of traditional EVs in the market. Despite its reduced weight, the Caterham Project V doesn’t compromise on power. With a 268bhp rear-mounted motor and rapid charging capabilities of up to 150kW, it boasts an impressive target range of 249 miles. Notably, the projected 0-62mph acceleration time of 4.5 seconds underscores its performance-oriented nature, suggesting its potential on the racetrack.

Caterham CEO, Bob Laishley, asserts that the Project V is much more than just a design study, stating that the company has invested considerable effort into engineering and production feasibility. Laishley is resolute in ensuring that the electric Caterham adheres to the brand’s core philosophy, focusing on lightness, simplicity, and an unmatched driving experience – qualities that have defined Caterham throughout its illustrious history. From an aesthetic perspective, Jannarelly has masterfully retained Caterham’s iconic minimalist design ethos in the Project V. Every aspect of the car’s exterior has been meticulously crafted to ensure optimal weight distribution and enhanced driver engagement, embodying the timeless allure of a true sports coupe.

Inside the Project V, driver-centric features take precedence, with a clean and straightforward instrument readout providing essential information at a glance. The inclusion of smartphone mirroring and three distinct drive modes (Normal, Sport, and Sprint) further illustrates Caterham’s commitment to providing a bespoke driving experience tailored to individual preferences. While initially featuring a 2+1 seating layout, the production version will offer an optional 2+2 configuration, providing added versatility for drivers who require more passenger space. Caterham’s thoughtful design approach ensures that entering and exiting the vehicle is effortless, making it an ideal companion for everyday use as well as exhilarating drives.

Addressing any concerns that the Project V might overshadow its iconic Seven model, CEO Bob Laishley firmly asserts that the new electric coupe complements the Seven rather than replacing it. Caterham believes that the Project V, while embracing innovation, will maintain the brand’s core values and continue to attract both loyal customers and newcomers alike.

The company recently unveiled its Seven EV concept, a zero-emission iteration of the beloved two-seater sports car, showcasing its commitment to embracing the future. By expanding their range with a more practical coupe-style body and harnessing the benefits of electric power, Caterham aims to cater to a broader audience – from everyday errands to spirited weekend drives.

With a targeted production timeline set for late 2025 or early 2026, the Caterham Project V is projected to be priced at an affordable sub-£80,000 range, making this groundbreaking electric coupe an enticing proposition for driving enthusiasts and eco-conscious consumers alike.

Looks a very cool car. I cannot wait to see one close up.