Caterham, the British sports car brand known for its lightweight and nimble designs, is taking a bold step into the electric era. The iconic maker of the Caterham Seven is joining forces with Yamaha (YAMHF) to bring its latest concept car, Project V, to life as a production-ready all-electric sports car.
With a target production date of 2026, Caterham’s Project V is set to redefine what electric sports cars can be, and it’s doing so with a powerful ally in Yamaha.
The Partnership: A Match Made in Engineering Heaven
Caterham’s decision to partner with Yamaha for Project V is a strategic move that blends two companies with a shared passion for performance and innovation. Yamaha, best known for its motorcycles and involvement in automotive engine development, is no stranger to the world of high-performance vehicles.
In the past, Yamaha has collaborated on some iconic projects, such as the development of the legendary Lexus LFA’s V10 engine. Now, Yamaha brings its electric expertise to Caterham with its lightweight e-axle technology and advanced vehicle motion control systems.
This partnership will enable Caterham to maintain its philosophy of lightweight, high-performance driving machines while adapting to the growing demand for electric vehicles (EVs). By leveraging Yamaha’s cutting-edge electric powertrain technology, Caterham is well on its way to delivering a thrilling EV experience.
Project V: An Electric Sports Car with True Caterham DNA
Project V isn’t just another electric vehicle (EV); it’s a true reflection of Caterham’s DNA. The concept, which debuted at the 2023 Goodwood Festival of Speed, is powered by a 268bhp rear-mounted electric motor and a 55kWh battery pack.
Despite being an EV, the Project V maintains Caterham’s signature lightweight design, tipping the scales at just 1,190 kg—making it one of the lightest electric sports cars in development.
This low weight, combined with the powerful electric motor, gives the Project V an impressive 0-62mph time of just 4.5 seconds. With a targeted WLTP range of 249 miles, it’s clear that Caterham is serious about making Project V not only a track weapon but also a practical, everyday electric sports car.
Thanks to rapid charging capabilities of up to 150kW, Project V can go from 20% to 80% charge in just 15 minutes, ensuring that the car is always ready for spirited drives.
Designed for the Future, Inspired by the Past
While the Project V is firmly planted in the future with its electric powertrain, its design is inspired by the same minimalist ethos that defines the Caterham Seven.
Designed by British designer Anthony Jannarelly, Project V embodies a simple, timeless silhouette that focuses on functionality and performance. Every detail is justified by a weight-saving philosophy, making the car a pure driver’s machine.
The interior of Project V reflects this philosophy as well, with a driver-focused cockpit that keeps things simple and intuitive. The car offers a 2+1 seating layout, with an optional 2+2 configuration for added versatility.
While the interior may be minimalist, it doesn’t skimp on modern conveniences—smartphone mirroring, a digital instrument cluster, and three drive modes (Normal, Sport, and Sprint) ensure that the Project V is as capable in daily driving as it is on the track.
Lightweight Innovation Meets Japanese Precision
Yamaha’s role in the development of the Project V is pivotal to its success. Known for pushing the boundaries of engineering, Yamaha is providing more than just an electric motor—it’s supplying its latest e-axle technology and advanced motion control systems, which will help ensure the Project V remains true to Caterham’s reputation for lightweight, agile sports cars.
This partnership marks a significant shift in Caterham’s engineering approach, combining British sports car craftsmanship with Japanese precision.
Yamaha’s involvement is particularly exciting because it brings with it a wealth of experience from both two-wheel and four-wheel development. Yamaha’s expertise in electric powertrains ensures that Project V will offer not just performance but also reliability and efficiency, crucial for an electric sports car in today’s market.
The Future of Electric Sports Cars
As the automotive world transitions to electric, the sports car segment is seeing some exciting developments, and Caterham’s Project V is poised to lead the charge. With a focus on lightweight performance, the Project V stands in contrast to many heavier electric vehicles on the market.
Caterham’s commitment to keeping the car nimble and engaging to drive, even with the added weight of batteries, sets it apart from other electric sports cars.
The Project V will not only challenge traditional sports cars like the Porsche Cayman but will also set a new standard for what electric sports cars can be. With Yamaha’s technology under the hood, Caterham’s Project V is shaping up to be one of the most exciting EVs to hit the market in the coming years.
Looking Ahead: Production and Pricing
Caterham plans to launch Project V by 2026, with prototypes already under development at the Tokyo R&D facility. While the exact pricing hasn’t been confirmed, it’s expected that the Project will be priced competitively, potentially under £80,000.
For a car that combines Caterham’s heritage with cutting-edge electric technology, it’s an enticing proposition for sports car enthusiasts.
In the meantime, fans of Caterham and performance EVs will have to wait patiently as the Project V continues its development journey. But with Yamaha on board and Caterham’s unwavering commitment to driving excitement, it’s safe to say that the future of electric sports cars has never looked brighter.
