Caterham Project V: PURE.SIMPLE.FUN Reimagined for the Electric Era

At Tokyo Auto Salon 2026, Caterham Cars revealed the latest prototype of Project V, its all-electric sports car developed with a clear focus on mass production readiness. First shown as a concept in 2023 at Goodwood, Project V represents Caterham’s definitive answer to electrification,one that refuses to abandon the brand’s long-standing philosophy of PURE.SIMPLE.FUN. Now, with development moving steadily toward commercialization, the newly unveiled prototype marks a crucial milestone on the road to production, blending Caterham’s lightweight ethos with modern EV technology. This latest iteration is the closest yet to a production-ready vehicle. Beyond validating driving performance and safety systems, Caterham is advancing manufacturing and regulatory considerations in parallel, ensuring Project V is not just a design statement but a viable, globally homologated sports car. Prototype construction is being carried out in collaboration with Tokyo R&D, with completion targeted for autumn 2025 and early test driving already underway.

Both the exterior and interior design of Project V are the work of Anthony Jannarelly, Caterham’s Chief Designer and a Seven owner who intimately understands the brand’s DNA. The front face references the iconic Seven nose cone, while the bodywork is stripped of visual excess to express clarity, simplicity, and functional beauty. Although this latest prototype introduces production-driven updates, such as revised rear lamp designs to meet global regulations the core identity of the original concept remains untouched. Inside, the cabin evolves the Seven’s philosophy into a modern electric context. A flat-panel dashboard houses a circular digital display, blending classical sports-car cues with contemporary functionality. The seating layout has transitioned from an unconventional three-seat arrangement to a more practical 2+2 configuration, expanding usability while preserving Caterham’s minimalist spirit. The result is a compact sports coupé capable of both focused driving and light grand-touring duties.

At the heart of Project V lies a bespoke 200kW (272PS) rear-mounted e-axle, developed by Yamaha Motor, marking Caterham as the first announced customer for this highly integrated system combining motor, inverter, and gearbox. Paired with a 55kWh USOC lithium-ion battery, the car employs XING Mobility’s liquid-immersed IMMERSIO™ Cell-to-Pack cooling technology. By directly immersing battery cells in a conductive coolant, the system delivers rapid, uniform thermal management, ensuring safety, reliability, and consistent performance even under extreme conditions. Performance figures reinforce Project V’s sporting intent: 0–62 mph (100 km/h) in under 4.5 seconds, a top speed of 143 mph (230 km/h), and a targeted WLTP range of 249 miles (400 km). Fast charging capability allows a 20–80% recharge in as little as 15 minutes using a 150kW DC charger. Despite its EV architecture, Caterham has targeted a kerb weight of just 1,190 kg, achieved through an innovative carbon-fibre and aluminium composite structure,proof that electrification need not mean excess mass.

True to Caterham tradition, Project V employs a tubular steel spaceframe, a construction philosophy used since the company’s founding and refined for this new electric application. The inherent simplicity and flexibility of the spaceframe allow optimal integration of the battery and powertrain while maintaining high rigidity and low weight. Combined with a low centre of gravity and linear EV acceleration, Project V promises the direct, communicative handling synonymous with the Caterham name. Double wishbone suspension front and rear, fully adjustable geometry, Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres, and high-performance brakes ensure the dynamic package matches the car’s intent. Driver-selectable Normal, Sport, and Sprint modes tailor acceleration and steering response, while a simple, driver-focused infotainment system with smartphone mirroring keeps distractions to a minimum. With Italdesign supporting engineering development and Caterham EVo established to manage the project’s commercial future, Project V stands as a clear statement: even in an electric era, Caterham remains committed to lightweight purity, mechanical honesty, and driving engagement above all else.