Ian Callum’s design studio presented their first model as a standalone brand. Don’t expect a traditional sportscar however, as the Callum Skye is a high-performance multi-terrain vehicle with exposed wheels, a 2+2 cabin, and a fully electric powertrain.
The Callum Skye with its unconventional buggy-style appearance is designed to tackle “meandering roads, grassy paddocks, crisp gravel tracks, pristine sand or snow-clad landscapes”. Ian Callum, known for his previous work at Aston Martin and Jaguar said that the model has a “striking accent look, intersected by a strong horizontal structure, flanked by organic forms front and rear”.
The EV has a compact footprint and an aerodynamic roofline contrasting with the large-diameter wheels which are semi-exposed under the pronounced fenders. The covered “grille” with integrated LEDs at the front is reminiscent of the Opel Vizor, while the tail features a full-width LED bar. The interior has a 2+2 layout and despite being fully enclosed for protection it is covered by large glass areas including the extra windows on the lower portion of the doors. The firm showed two versions of the model, fitted with road-focused or mud-terrain tires.
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The company didn’t get into details but confirmed a fully electric all-wheel-drive setup offering a 0-60 mph (0-97 km/h) acceleration in less than 4 seconds. The website also says that the EV will be underpinned by “a durable technical specification at its core” and it will tip the scales at 1,150 kg (2,535 lbs).
Ian Callum added that the Skye is able to “conquer the rigorous demands of a variety of off-road terrains, while still delivering the ride comfort and handling that transforms winding country roads into captivating experiences for both the driver and passengers”.
According to Autocar, the Callum Skye will feature a steel spaceframe chassis with a bespoke suspension, dual electric motors, and a 42 kWh battery pack. The latter is said to offer a range of around 170 miles (274 km) with ultra-fast charging capabilities. David Fairbairn, managing director at Callum, also mentioned “battery options” which in combination with the capabilities of the EV are poised to make “a big impression on the industry”.
The Callum Skye was presented in the form of renderings having us thinking it would be another digital-only concept. However, this is far from the truth as Callum is currently working on the first prototype which is expected to hit the road in spring 2024. Autocar reports that the firm aims for a limited production of 50 units in its Warwickshire facilities, with an estimated price figure close to £100k ($125k).