- Caterham will collaborate with Yamaha for the Project V sports car.
- A prototype is being developed by Tokyo R&D and will be ready by mid-2025.
- The market launch of the electric sportscar will most likely be delayed after 2026.
Caterham announced its collaboration with Yamaha Motor for the fully electric powertrain of the Project V sports car. The model, introduced in concept form at the 2023 Goodwood Festival of Speed, is getting closer to production, although its market launch will likely be delayed after 2026.
Yamaha will supply a “cutting-edge” e-axle to the prototype, helping Caterham move its new model into the next stage of development. The “lightweight compact electric powertrain” is said to stay true to the DNA of Caterham models. Yamaha will also offer its technology and expertise in “vehicle motion control”.
More: Caterham Seven 485 Final Editions Say Goodbye To Europe
The concept was fitted with a rear-mounted electric motor producing 268 hp (200 kW / 272 PS). Caterham didn’t mention the output of the Yamaha-sourced e-axle, which will most likely match the original specifications. After all, the 2022 Subaru STI E-RA concept came fitted with four Yamaha-sourced electric motors producing 268 hp (200 kW / 272 PS) each.
According to the original estimates from last year, the Project V will accelerate from 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 4.5 seconds, and reach a top speed of 230 km/h (143 mph). A lithium-ion battery pack with a capacity of 55 kWh, has a targeted WLTP range of 249 miles (400 km), and supports up to 150 kW of DC charging.
Caterham has also assigned Japanese engineering firm Tokyo R&D to build a prototype Project V, with the British carmaker aiming to have it ready by mid-2025.
The company initially wanted to put the Project V into production by 2026, but it seems that this target has since been moved. Speaking to Autocar, Caterham CEO, Bob Laishley, said that he doesn’t want to speculate on the production date of the electric sportscar, adding that “2026 will be a challenge”.
Laishley revealed that Caterham has yet to decide on a production location for the Project V, which won’t be manufactured at the Dartford factory in the UK. Caterham is owned by VT Holdings, an investment group based in the Japanese city of Nagoya, that owns several car dealers and importers.
