Caterham Project V Electric Sports Car Weighs Less Than A Toyota GR86

• Lightweight electric coupe weighs under 2,700 pounds
• Single 268-hp motor powers rear wheels
• 0-62 mph in under 4.5 seconds
• Targeted WLTP range of 249 miles
• 2+1 seating standard, 2+2 optional

Caterham's rudimentary sports cars that do little to protect occupants from the elements aren't for the faint-hearted, but the British automaker has just revealed its new Project V all-electric coupe concept that will catapult the brand into a new segment. Unlike the Caterham Seven, Project V has a roof, so will make for a much more useful daily driver, yet it still subscribes to the lightweight philosophy of the British marque - something that Mazda still adheres to with its MX-5 Miata.

Caterham says that Project V also emphasizes simplicity and agility, and a production version is set to arrive late in 2025 or early in 2026 at a starting price of under 80,000 euros, or just over $100,000 at current rates. Lightness and fully electric propulsion have rarely co-existed, but Project V's targeted curb weight of around 2,624 pounds is evidence that it can.

A single electric motor mounted in the rear axle produces 268 horsepower, enough for a 0-62 mph time of under 4.5 seconds. The top speed of the little rear-wheel-drive coupe is estimated to be 143 mph but the small 55-kWh USOC lithium-ion battery can manage a WLTP range of 249 miles. Its EPA rating will be much closer to 200 miles, but at least the battery's small capacity results in a charging time of just 15 minutes from 20% to 80% when using a 150-kW DC rapid charger.

"An electric Caterham of any shape and size has to stay true to what sets us apart from everyone else: being lightweight, simple, and offering an unparalleled driving experience; that's our DNA," said Bob Laishley, CEO of Caterham Cars Ltd and COO of the new Caterham EVo.

For once, Caterham customers may end up buying one of its cars simply because of how good it looks. This is a sporty, muscular coupe that looks very close to being production-ready, as there are no outrageous design embellishments that need toning down.

At 167.5 inches in length, the Italdesign-built Project V is almost precisely as long as the latest Toyota GR86 coupe (167.9 inches). It's 74.5 inches wide and 48.3 inches tall, while the wheelbase is 101.6 inches long.

The fact that Caterham has achieved a curb weight less than a car like the GR86 for a fully electric model is quite impressive; it's all made possible by the composite bodywork and carbon fiber/aluminum composite chassis.

"Every single feature has to justify itself from a weight perspective to maintain lightness and optimize driver engagement," said Anthony Jannarelly, Chief Designer for Project V.

Back to the styling, though. The car has oval-shaped headlights, a low hood on top of a sensibly sized grille area, and a sloping roofline that leads into a clean rear end. The wheels measure 19 inches in front and 20s at the back, and these are wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires.

Project V rides on a double-wishbone adjustable suspension front and rear, the steering is electric, and disc brakes at each corner feature high-performance calipers. Normal, Sport, and Sprint driving modes alter the car's steering and acceleration characteristics.

Inside, Project V comes with a rare 2+1 seating layout which the manufacturer says improves flexibility in the cabin while also assuring the rear passenger of greater comfort. A more conventional 2+2 layout is optional, however.

The design of the dashboard is refreshingly retro, despite the presence of a center touchscreen and digital gauges. Many elements have an old-school appearance, such as the trio of gauges above the touchscreen. The car features smartphone mirroring, physical toggle switches lower down, and a straightforward steering wheel design that isn't overburdened by buttons.

The seats and dash appear to be covered in a suede or Alcantara material, and there are leather or leather-look bits lower down.

"Project V isn't instead of Seven, it's complimentary to it, and we believe that by retaining the core Caterham values, it will appeal to both our existing customer base and attract new fans to the brand," said Laishley.

Set to make its public debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed this week, Project V could enjoy a fascinating rivalry with Alpine's all-electric replacement for its A110, previewed by the equally lightweight A110 E-ternite.