At the 2023 Goodwood Festival of Speed, one of the standout debuts was the Caterham Project V, a unique electric coupe with 2+1 seating (optional 2+2) built by Italdesign. While the car is currently a one-off concept, Caterham intends to bring the production version to market by the end of 2025 or early 2026.
As a niche automaker, Caterham faces the challenge of developing components for its vehicles. To streamline the engineering process and reduce costs without compromising quality, the Project V uses components borrowed from other automakers. The same door aperture found on the Audi TT and thin seats from Maserati are utilized, leading to significant cost savings.
Caterham’s CEO, Bob Laishley, confirmed in an interview that the production version will follow the same strategy, using these already developed OEM components. The absence of a front trunk also helps simplify the car’s design and save weight, making it a more cost-effective proposition. Caterham is focused on developing a practical and feasible road-going model based on the showcar, rather than an expensive one-off concept.
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The production version of Project V will target a curb weight of 1,190 kilograms (2,623 pounds) for the 2+1 variant, thanks to a carbon fiber and aluminum composite chassis. It will be powered by a rear-mounted electric motor producing 268 horsepower and a 55 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. The car’s impressive performance specifications include a 0-62 mph time of under four and a half seconds, a top speed of 143 mph, and a range of 249 miles in the WLTP cycle.
The battery pack will support DC charging at 150 kW, enabling the battery to charge from 20 to 80 percent in just 15 minutes. Caterham’s CEO has emphasized that Project V is more than just a design study; engineering and production feasibility have been thoroughly assessed throughout the development process.
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If all goes as planned, the production version, designed by Anthony Jannarelly, is expected to have a price tag of £80,000 ($104,000 or €93,300). It will not replace the iconic Seven model but will complement Caterham’s lineup as a modern and innovative offering.
Featured Image Credit: www.motor1.com
