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At the recent Goodwood Festival of Speed, a new vision in automotive design took center stage. It was the Caterham Project V, a remarkable creation from the British brand that is set to hit the market by late 2025 or early 2026.
Notably, the Project V is a fully electric coupe, a departure from Caterham's traditional gasoline-powered cars, indicating the brand's intent to embrace the future of transportation.
Rethinking the Production Process
This unique vehicle features a 2+1 seat configuration (with a 2+2 option available) and carries the signature of famed design house Italdesign.
As a smaller automaker, Caterham has faced challenges in independently developing components for the Project V. Consequently, they adopted an ingenious approach to design and manufacturing: leveraging parts from other industry giants.
The door openings of the Audi TT and the slim seats from Maserati were incorporated, accelerating the production process and reducing costs without sacrificing quality. Similar strategies are planned for the production model, reminiscent of Caterham's Seven model, which uses a Ford engine, Mazda gearbox, and a BMW differential.
By utilizing pre-developed original components, the brand has found an effective means of saving money and streamlining its process, ensuring the future of their unique vehicles.
An Eye for Innovation and Efficiency
In an additional effort to cut costs, the Project V's design eliminates the front luggage compartment, simplifying the vehicle's nose and negating the need for hinges and latches.
This subtle yet innovative modification creates a beautifully "clean" front-end design and results in a 10-kilogram weight saving. The concept presented at Goodwood isn't a fleeting experiment — it represents what customers can expect in the production version.
Designed with a focus on production feasibility, the Project V is far from being merely a concept car or design study. It stands as a testament to Caterham's commitment to sustainability, style, and efficiency.
The Future is Electric
The final model, with its 2+1 seating arrangement, will weigh a mere 1,190 kilograms, thanks to the use of carbon fiber and aluminum composite in the construction of the chassis.
The electric motor, nestled at the back, offers a robust 268 hp, powered by a 55 kWh lithium-ion battery. Caterham promises blistering acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in less than 4.5 seconds and a top speed of 230 km/h. A fully-charged battery ensures a travel range of 400 kilometers, and it supports 150W DC charging, enabling a rapid 20 to 80 percent charge in just 15 minutes.
Caterham's Project V represents a bold step into the future. A perfect blend of heritage, innovation, and commitment to sustainable design, it stands as an example of how smaller brands can rise to the challenges of the 21st-century automotive industry.
