CATERHAM

Caterham's first working prototype of Project V coming soon

Caterham has announced that the first working prototype of the Project V will be unveiled on January 9 at the Tokyo Motor Show.

Caterham is currently using the prototype to evaluate the durability of the chassis, Yamaha's powertrain and battery system.

As things stand, this all-electric sports car should go on sale in series form in 2027.

Designed as an electric vehicle from the start, the Project V is the brainchild of British designer Anthony Gennarelli.

The concept car had a 55 kWh battery, but the production version, which uses Yamaha's e-axle technology, will have two battery packs, one in front of the rear axle and the other in the front. The powertrain will be installed in a lightweight chassis made of carbon fiber, glass fiber and aluminum composite, so Caterham is targeting a curb weight of just 1,190 kg.

This relatively light weight compared to many other electric vehicles means the battery will provide a targeted range of 400km and power a 200kW/272hp rear-mounted motor for a projected 0-100km/h time of 4.5 seconds.

The interior is driver-focused, with simple instruments that include key information. There are also three driving modes: Normal, Sport and Sprint.

Fast charging at 150kW means that a 20-80% charge will take just 15 minutes.

The Project V show car has a 2+1 seating arrangement, although a 2+2 configuration has been announced as an option for the production version. Caterham says the 2+1 arrangement means entry and exit is easier, while there is more space for a single passenger in the rear.

Caterham suggests that the production car could cost less than £80,000.

Autonews