- Vanwall’s racing team unveiled real-life photos of the hot hatch along with new details.
- The EV rides on Hyundai underpinnings, with its top trim matching the Ioniq 5 N’s output.
- It features a custom carbon fiber body and is expected to be produced in limited numbers.
Back in 2023, Vanwall teased the world with renderings of its all-electric Vandervell hatchback. Now, two years later, the car is finally here in the flesh boasting up to 641 horsepower (478 kW / 650 PS) and making good on its promise of high-performance thrills.
According to Vanwall, the Vandervell is built on Hyundai group’s E-GMP platform, the same architecture that underpins several Hyundai and Kia EVs, including the Ioniq 5 and its high-performance sibling, the Ioniq 5 N. While Vanwall doesn’t explicitly mention the Ioniq 5, the resemblance is hard to ignore—everything from the door mirrors to the door outlines suggests this is essentially a reskinned version of Hyundai’s high-riding electric hatch.
This shared foundation is paired with a sporty chassis setup and what Vanwall describes as a “significantly lower weight,” though the company has yet to provide exact figures.
More: Hyundai’s New Ioniq 5 N DK Edition Proves EVs Can Shred Tires And Egos Alike
The hot EV will be available in three all-wheel-drive variants. The base H-GT delivers 320 hp (239 kW / 325 PS), while the range-topping N-GT cranks out an impressive 641 hp (478 kW / 650 PS), matching the output from Hyundai’s Ioniq 5 N and Kia’s latest EV6 GT. There’s also the Thin Wall Special, which emphasizes weight reduction, tipping the scales at under 2,000 kg (4,409 lbs).
Visually, the Vandervell’s carbon fiber bodywork stays true to the original design, channeling serious Lancia Delta Integrale energy with its flared fenders and quad headlights integrated into the grille.
Vanwall Vandervell
The aggressive stance is further emphasized by the large bumper intakes, a sizeable rear diffuser and a discrete rear spoiler. Even the C-pillars appear to incorporate some kind of flying buttress design. Completing the look are massive 22-inch, seven-spoke alloy wheels finished in gold
While we don’t have photos of the interior, the company said it will use high-quality materials such as leather and velour for the upholstery. Judging from the shared underpinnings, it will be interesting to see how much of the design and switchgear will be common with the Hyundai Ioniq 5. Still, the limited production of the hot hatch means that each unit can be tailored to the owner’s preferences.
Vanwall didn’t get into details about the pricing and availability of the Vandervell. Earlier announcements mentioned a starting price of €128,000 ($132,900) and a limited production of 500 units. Originally, the goal was to start production in 2024, but as with many ambitious EV projects, timelines can be flexible.
So Where Did Vanwall Come From?
The company was created in honor of the British racing team Vanwall who won the F1 constructors’ title in 1958. The new entity was founded by Dr. Colin Kolles, who has worked as “a managing director and team principal for several F1 teams”. According to Kolles, his goal is to create a car “that can be driven like the highest class luxurious limousine, or like a rally/racing car”.
Besides the EV, Vanwall competes at the FIA WEC with an LM Hypercar as the continuation of the Austrian-German ByKolles Racing Team. This racecar will serve as a base for a production offering for the road and the track, with an output of 1,000 hp and a weight of 1,000 kg (2,205 pounds). Furthermore, the founder revealed plans for a “Vanwall hyperbike” but stopped short of mentioning any further details.
