Caterham Project V electric sports-car concept unveiled

UK sports-car firm Caterham – known for the open-wheeled Seven sports car, which began as a Lotus in the 1950s – has unveiled a concept intended to preview its first electric car, which could arrive in showrooms in 2025 or 2026.

Known as the Project V, the coupe concept houses an unconventional 2+1 seating arrangement – two front seats and one rear seat – and is powered by one 200kW electric motor on the rear axle.

The car maker claims the concept is estimated to cover the 0-100km/h sprint in "under 4.5 seconds", and reach a top speed of 230km/h.

The model uses a 55kWh lithium-ion battery good for 400km of claimed driving range, and the ability to recharge from 20 to 80 per cent capacity in just 15 minutes when using a 150kW DC rapid charger.

The suspension comprises double wishbones up front and "fully-adjustable geometry" at the rear. Power steering is electrically assisted while Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres are wrapped around 19-inch front and 20-inch rear alloy wheels.

There are disc brakes behind all four wheels with "high-performance calipers," though brake sizes are not quoted. Available drive modes include Normal, Sport and Sprint.

Inside, Caterham claims the 2+1 seating arrangement improves ease of entry and exit – though buyers are said to have the option of a more conventional four-seat layout.

The infotainment system includes Apple CarPlay, while digital instruments show essential vehicle settings and driving information.

Caterham says it hopes to bring the Project V to production by 2025 or 2026, when it would be the first conventional road-going coupe model from the company.

“Project V is not just a concept or design study. We’ve conducted engineering and production feasibility throughout the development process,” said Bob Laishley, CEO of Caterham Cars, in a media statement.