'Unique' Callum Skye is ready for adventure
Who said electric SUVs had to be massive, heavy and boring? Design maestro Ian Callum disagrees...
Given electrification offers up so many new and exciting opportunities for automotive, it’s demoralising how samey so many EVs can already seem. This is much more like it. The Callum Skye is a ‘high-performance, multi-terrain electric vehicle, created for owners seeking extraordinary on- and off-road adventures’. Who wouldn’t want some of those? Having been involved with projects like the R-Reforged Vanquish 25 and Nyobolt electric Elise, this Skye is Callum’s first vehicle fully conceived, designed and engineered in-house.
Normally at this point we like to discuss what the new car resembles or what it takes inspiration from - or will eventually rival. But as can quite plainly be seen, the Callum Skye isn’t really like anything else. Over to the man himself, then: “The exterior features a striking accent loop, intersected by a strong horizontal structure, flanked by organic forms front and rear. It is paired down to a level of necessity and understatement. At the heart of its story is its performance, style and capability, and a design integral to the engineering elements. For example, the lower section of the doors have beautifully integrated glass, offering outstanding visibility in all conditions. I believe the Skye is truly authentic – unique in concept and presence in the market. Just like you were thinking too, right?
Time for some stats. The Skye is just as squat as it looks, 4,047mm long and 1,900mm wide, with weight - the ambitious aim is for 1,150kg dry - split 50:50. Aiding that will be a relatively small battery (42kWh is almost half that of a VW ID 7), which should deliver a range of 170 miles and - thanks to optional ultra-fast charging tech - an empty-to-full replenish in less than 10 minutes. There are a few details to fill in, of course, including a peak charge rate, though it’s all pretty encouraging for now. 0-60mph is said to take less than four seconds, which should be fun off-road. And that range sounds just fine given the intended use and charging potential.
Callum suggests the Skye boasts a ‘durable technical specification at its core’, with a rugged spaceframe and ‘trail capable’ suspension. Note as well it’s fully enclosed, so the full waterproof warrior gear needn’t be worn wherever it’s taken. The press release suggests that the Skye is suitable for everything, really, from road to grass and sand to snow. It’d certainly make for quite the sight on your local green lane.
Callum’s head of engineering Adam Donfrancesco added: “We set an uncompromisingly high bar with our functional targets for the Callum Skye, creating a compelling, unique, versatile and durable vehicle. Throughout the development journey, we have held steadfast to the principles of simplicity and integrity, ensuring the Callum Skye conquers 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.”
This isn’t just some smart renders and good soundbites, either, as Callum really is forging ahead with a plan to productionise the Skye. Would certainly show up the Sterratos and Dakars at a Sunday Service, that’s for sure. Testing is underway now in the UK and Europe, with details for individual models (available specs will prioritise on- or off-road use) set to follow in spring next year. Can’t come soon enough.
Like the direction of this, now how does Callum go about producing it in any reasonable volume in the current climate?
Perhaps INEOS should have contracted Callum to do the outer design of the Grenadier!
High riding arches feel influenced by a number of recent Paris Dakar cars such as the Audi Paris Dakar RSQ E Tron.
Except there are many similarly styled Dakar and comp-safari style vehicles competing all over the world.
E. G. https://youtu.be/OaprQotCRSc?si=jEczGLkhR5KCKXP1
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