Electric sports car redefined by Caterham
If you're a fan of raw, pure motoring, and you crave the adrenaline of peeling through winding roads with the wind kissing your face, the announcement of Project V is going to be of interest. Stripping away any unnecessary frills, retaining what we hold dear, and moving with the times all at once, Caterham has brought us something different, something daring, and yet, something so unmistakably them.
Think back to the timeless brilliance of Colin Chapman's Lotus 7, a vehicle that Caterham has faithfully kept alive over the past five decades. Now, imagine this legendary model turned electric, yet still preserving that old spirit of ‘reduce weight, add lightness'. Intrigued? Welcome to the world of Project V.
Packing a punch with a 268-horsepower electric motor under the hood, this all-electric sports car, housed in a lightweight, aerodynamic body by Italdesign, promises a zero to 60mph time of just 4.5 seconds. Pair that with the surprisingly generous range of 249 miles courtesy of its 55kWh battery, and we're looking at a truly electrifying experience both on and off the track.
The devil is in the details. An innovative carbon fibre and aluminium composite chassis keeps weight down without sacrificing durability, and the three-seater 2+1 coupe design gives it a distinct, striking profile. Also, in case you're curious, you can opt for a 2+2 seating layout, but who needs that extra seat when the real fun is in the driving?
Project V is not just a lightweight thrill machine, it's also about sophisticated driving dynamics. The fully adjustable suspension and high-performance brakes are a clear sign that this vehicle means business on the racetrack as well as on the open road. From the engine roar to the grip on the corners, the spirit of the Seven has been reborn for a new generation.
This is a leap into the future without forgetting the past. This is a statement that eco-friendly can also be fun, that electric power doesn't mean compromise. This is Caterham taking their core DNA – lightweight, simple, and unparalleled in driving experience – and infusing it into an electric powerhouse.
With a starting price of less than £80,000 GBP, it's within the reach of many who have long dreamed of owning a sports car that stays true to the art of driving. This isn't just a car. This is Project V, and it is the future of driving, the Caterham way.
So, get ready for the new era of sports cars, one where the nostalgic rush of old meets the clean, electrifying promise of tomorrow. This isn't about keeping up with the Joneses, this is about embracing an entirely new, yet nostalgically familiar driving experience, which is no less than what we've come to expect from Caterham. Buckle up, it's going to be a thrilling ride.
Pros:
- Performance: Project V's 268-horsepower electric motor allows for impressive acceleration, achieving 0-60 mph in just 4.5 seconds.
- Range: The car offers a decent electric range of 249 miles, which is quite good for a sports car and can serve most daily driving needs comfortably.
- Innovative Design: The lightweight construction combining carbon fibre and aluminium keeps the weight down, ensuring optimum performance and efficiency.
- Suspension and Brakes: Fully adjustable suspension and high-performance brakes offer impressive handling and stopping power, contributing to a true sports car experience.
- True to its Roots: Caterham successfully marries their lightweight, driver-centric DNA with an all-electric powertrain, thus creating a car that's as thrilling to drive as its petrol-guzzling predecessors.
- Charging Time: The quick battery charge time of 15 minutes from 20-80% is a notable advantage in the EV market.
Cons:
- Price: With a starting price of less than £80,000 GBP, it's more affordable than some luxury sports cars, but still out of reach for many potential buyers.
- Seating Configuration: The default three-seater (2+1) configuration might be less practical for some users compared to the optional 2+2 layout.
- Weight: Despite Caterham's focus on lightness, the car's weight of 1,190kg might be considered heavy for a sports car with a minimalist philosophy.
- Unproven EV Technology: As Caterham's first venture into electric sports cars, there could be potential kinks or issues to iron out as they transition away from their traditional combustion-engined vehicles.
- Availability: The expected launch date is late 2025 or early 2026. This long wait could potentially see other manufacturers leapfrog Caterham in the electric sports car market.
- Uncertain Charging Infrastructure: Depending on where you live, you may not have easy access to fast-charging infrastructure, which could limit the car's usability.
£80,000
