Yesterday

Caterham readies 'working' Project V for Tokyo

First functional prototype EV coming next month, as the brand 'works towards full-scale production'

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While it has been a while since anything had been heard about the Project V - Caterham being busy with a new turbo engine, among other things - development has continued behind the scenes. So much so, in fact, that there’s a working prototype set to be unveiled at the Tokyo show next month. 

The prototype will be powered by the Yamaha e-axle confirmed last year, with a CTP battery system that features cells ‘immersed in a dielectric liquid’. This is better for heat dissipation and therefore cooling, and a battery that can maintain a stable temperature is a happy one. 

The Project V is currently undergoing powertrain evaluation and chassis durability assessment, the testing required as Caterham ‘works towards full-scale production.’ So in case you were concerned that the coupe it showed previously (to great fanfare) was just a styling buck or a conversation starter, rest assured it is forging ahead. And where better than the home motor show of its parent company to show off what’s been achieved thus far? 

As it happens, the functional prototype will be on the Tokyo stand the same week that the original Project V concept makes its US debut at CES in Las Vegas. Bet you never thought a Caterham would be on display at the Consumer Electronics Show, yet here we are. 

“This is a significant milestone in the development of Project V, with our prototype making its public debut at the Tokyo Auto Salon,” said Kazuho Takahashi, Caterham’s new CEO. “This next step enables us to begin a comprehensive vehicle testing program in collaboration with our technical partners. Our objective remains unchanged: to realise our vision of a pure electric sports car that embodies the unmistakable DNA of a Caterham.” 

Bring on that Cayman and A110 group test…

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• Yamaha will power new Caterham Project V
• 2026 Caterham Seven Academy | PH Review

[EV8]

Looks like a frog Hey, let's paint it green!

I like it.

[otolith]

A promising project. This and the Longbow. There isn't yet a car defining what a (relatively) lightweight electric sportscar can be. Opening salvos from Porsche and MG are too big and heavy for that niche, Tesla Roadster I was a very long time ago and Roadster II appears to be vapourware (and a porker).

[pb8g09]

I know the PH moaning grandads will be along shortly to rue the drivetrain, the weight, the colour, the shape of the clouds today, the music playing in the jukebox in their pub and not being able to pay cash for everything anymore.... but I look forward to this being released - it's a great looking car in a world of bloated EV slug designs.

Side note, but I'd like a PH review on the Smart #3 Brabus too - there seems to be scarce coverage of the line up at Smart Brabus on PH yet we have to hear about the Dacia Spring and other dull shopping hacks on here constantly.

[plfrench]

It's a properly small and dainty thing the Project V - I saw it a couple of years ago at a Caterham Drift day at Donington Park - people in the photo for scale.

Be very interesting to see how this shapes up

[Lotobear]

I quite like the look but too little and too late I fear, and just as the EV mood music is beginning to change.

I really can't see the beardy types who have always been Caterham's core market buying into an EV. Destined to be another 21 - I hope it doesn't break Caterham as the development costs will not have been insignificant.

[otolith]

Lotobear said:

I quite like the look but too little and too late I fear, and just as the EV mood music is beginning to change.

I really can't see the beardy types who have always been Caterham's core market buying into an EV. Destined to be another 21 - I hope it doesn't break Caterham as the development costs will not have been insignificant.

I think they could do well in markets like France, where the tax on anything quick and ICE is eye-watering.

[WCZ]

if it's well priced it will sell, but I can't see it being well priced

[Darinz]

Looking forward to this (and hope it actually makes it out) will be a welcome antidote to the upcoming Porsche 718 EV (whatever it will be called) that will surely be around the 2 tonne mark?

I'd be very interested.

[GTRene]

hope it all works out, love the car, ok not the EV part,

but I hope they can also be used for a good ICE engine swap and still be lightweight ex the EV batteries.

[GianiCakes]

The first pic does look a bit like it’s had an allergic reaction to a bee sting. I hope it’s a success though.

[ManyMotors]

Caterham has some clever people. I look forward to them making this commercially successful.

[Decky_Q]

Looks great, the centre front has cues of the 7 but not too much. I think the export market for this will be much larger than the usual caterham cars.

Pop out door handles are the only bit I dont like, a discreet door release would be more appropriate imo.

Good luck I really hope it's a roaring success.

[leggerito]

I find this a very successful design.

[Cryssys]

Font end puts me in mind of elise/exige. Wonder if it's the same sort of size?

[Fetchez la vache]

Be interesting to know whether with all the EV uncertainty whether there is any scope for this to be powered by something thats not 100% electric - I can't say I've heard anything about this so am assuming not. Not the kind of thing you can retro-fit (that way round anyway)

[otolith]

Fetchez la vache said:

Be interesting to know whether with all the EV uncertainty whether there is any scope for this to be powered by something thats not 100% electric - I can't say I've heard anything about this so am assuming not. Not the kind of thing you can retro-fit (that way round anyway)

I'm not sure there is any "EV uncertainty" really, but the only reason for the existence of this car is Caterham future-proofing itself against the death of the ICE - were that for some reason not to happen, they already have a line of successful ICE cars they can continue to sell alongside it.

[sideways man]

I’m not going to moan about the lack of an engine, others can do that ….

I will say it’s a great design and good luck to them; we need cheapish ev sportscars, if the changeover is to be successful.

[TdM-GTV]

I agree on the concerns of this being at a difficult time on the EV front. Governments are looking to push back EV commitments and not just from the news but from speaking to people it feels like there is a 'second wave' of EV doubt out there. Not ignoring the potential financial and political instability at the moment and going into next year.

It looks great, I hope it does well, but small British manufacturers have a long history of bringing out a great product at just the wrong moment. I hope this is the one that sticks it's landing.

[fantheman80]

otolith said:

I think they could do well in markets like France, where the tax on anything quick and ICE is eye-watering.

I couldn't believe the tax on top. No wonder the Renault sport hot hatches were first to go. A GR Yaris is in France about 110K Euros ffs....!

[TGCOTF-dewey]

otolith said:

A promising project. This and the Longbow. There isn't yet a car defining what a (relatively) lightweight electric sportscar can be. Opening salvos from Porsche and MG are too big and heavy for that niche, Tesla Roadster I was a very long time ago and Roadster II appears to be vapourware (and a porker).

Actually there is...a very promising Chinese ev sports car.

If it comes to the UK it'll sell well I suspect.

https://youtu.be/kOQ2nJh2WvU?si=54nKMu6mAC27j9hI