Caterham Project V Concept EV Sportscar Revealed – 1,190 KG With 268 HP And RWD

New Caterham Project V Concept previews a future road-going lightweight EV sportscar from the marque.

After showing off a working electric-powered sportscar concept underpinning its staple Seven open-wheeler, acclaimed British lightweight sportscar marque Caterham has upped the ante this week by unveiling its latest called the Project V Concept.

Set to publicly debut at this year’s edition of the Goodwood Festival of Speed, the Project V previews a tasty road-going sports coupe that could enter production and markets in late 2025 or early 2026. Unlike the Seven-based concept mentioned, the Project V was envisioned from the start as a pure EV, in fact.

The Project V's pretty lines were penned by Caterham's new design head Anthory Jannerelly.

The concept’s design is the brainchild of designer Anthony Jannerelly, Caterham’s new chief designer. Besides adhering to Caterham's minimalist design ethos, the Project V also meets the marque’s typical traits of being both simple and lightweight, the latter proven by its claimed 1,190 KB kerb weight.

The Project V's chassis is built using carbon fibre composites and aluminium. It also features fully-adjustable double-wishbone front and rear suspension assemblies.

Much of this lightness stems from the concept’s adoption of a chassis constructed using both carbon fibre composites and aluminium. Said chassis is also brimmed with fully adjustable front and rear double-wishbone suspension assemblies plus an electric-assisted power steering.

Notable too is the chassis’ adoption of staggered wheel sizes measuring 19-inch up front and 20-inch at the rear. Both are also shod in grippy Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres which, aptly, further boosts this sports coupe’s ambition in delivering sporty driving dynamics.

Juicing the Project V's sole rear-mounted motor are a pair of 55 kWh USOC lithium-ion battery packs.

Powering the Project V is a rear-mounted electric motor that drives the rear wheels which, effectively, makes it rear-wheel-drive (RWD) – just like the Seven. Said motor is rated at 268 HP, and is juiced by dual 55 kWh USOC lithium-ion battery packs that can be recharged from 20% to 80% via 150 KW DC charging.

Given its lightweight nature, Caterham estimates the Project V to despatch 0-100 KM/H in just 4.5 seconds and hit a top speed of 230 KM/H. Crucially, the firm also estimates the Project V to be able to chart up to 400 KM in range too.

Novel 2+1 seating layout aside, the Project V's cabin is very simple, but does boast fully-digital instrument displays and a centre infotainment touchscreen. 

Caterham says that drivers will also get to choose from three driving modes as well – Normal, Sport and Sprint. Drivers will also get to bask in a number of screens in the cabin, namely a digital instrument display plus a large centre infotainment touchscreen.

What’s interesting about the concept’s cabin is its novel 2+1 seating layout – two up front, one at the back. However, Caterham notes that 2+2 seating layout will be available as an option in the eventual road-going version.

A road-going version could possibly debut late next year or early in 2025.

Project V is not just a concept or design study, we’ve conducted engineering and production feasibility throughout the development process,” Caterham chief executive Bob Laishley said.

He adds that any electric Caterham, regardless of size and shape, must stay true to the brand’s ethos of being lightweight, simple, and offer an unparalleled driving experience. Laishley further notes his belief that the Project V can appeal to both existing and new customers too.