Caterham’s New Lightweight Electric Sports Car Concept Will Debut at Goodwood

Caterham Cars is able to make an evolutionary leap.

The U.Ok.-based boutique marque has simply unveiled a battery-powered sports activities automotive idea known as Project V. An electrical powertrain isn’t all that separates it from the remainder of the brand’s lineup, although—it additionally has a roof and doorways.

For those who’re conversant in Caterham, it’s possible due to the Seven, a super-lightweight sports activities automotive the corporate has constructed for the reason that Nineteen Seventies. Lotus initially produced the narrow-bodied two-seater earlier than Caterham obtained the rights to the design. The corporate has launched different automobiles since then, most notably the extra standard 21 convertible, however the Seven makes up most of its output during the last 5 many years. This could possibly be about to alter, although.

Undertaking V’s head-turning look was dreamed up by new chief designer Anthony Jannarelly and the carbon-fiber physique might be constructed by Pininfarina. With its flowing strains and bulbous fenders, its seems to be like a streamlined model of the failed C120 sports car Caterham designed with Alpina final decade. Not solely is the design engaging, however it additionally offers the type of cowl you don’t get from the model’s automobiles (the roof and doorways are normally omitted to avoid wasting weight). It additionally offers area for a second row of seats, permitting patrons to decide on between a 2+1 or 2+2 seating configuration. The remainder of the cabin has a minimalist vibe, although the entrance is supplied with a digital instrument panel for the motive force and an infotainment display and three gauges atop the middle stack.

Undertaking V represents a serious change in fact for Caterham, however it nonetheless lives as much as the model’s core ideas of being light-weight, easy and enjoyable to drive. The idea is powered by a single electrical motor mounted on the rear axle that produces 268 hp. That quantity might not appear excessive, however it permits the EV to dash from zero to 60 mph in lower than 4.5 seconds and hit a prime velocity of 143 mph. The powertrain is related to a 55.0-kWh battery pack that ought to ship a spread of 249 miles utilizing Europe’s extra forgiving WLTP testing cycle.

Because of their massive battery packs, EVs are typically heavier than their gas-powered counterparts. Undertaking V suggestions the scales at a comparatively paltry 2,623 kilos, although. That makes it heavier than the Seven—which weighs round 1,200 kilos—however is way lighter than most of in the present day’s efficiency EVs. The Porsche Taycan, for instance, can weigh as a lot as 5,119 kilos. Caterham was in a position to maintain Undertaking V’s weight down by using an progressive carbon fiber and aluminum composite chassis.

Undertaking V is predicted to make its public debut on the Goodwood Competition of Velocity this weekend. Caterham has but to substantiate that the coupé will go into manufacturing, however did say that if it does it may arrive as quickly as the top of 2025 and would begin beneath £80,000 (or round $100,000).

Click on right here for extra photographs of the Caterham Undertaking V idea.