Remember the stunning Caterham Project V from last year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed? The concept car, built by Italdesign, captivated enthusiasts with its sleek, lightweight design, tipping the scales at just 2,623 pounds. Fast forward to today, and it’s confirmed—this isn’t just a flash-in-the-pan showpiece. Caterham is moving forward with plans to put the Project V into production, and it’s bringing Yamaha on board to power the electric coupe.
Now evolving from concept to prototype, the Project V will be engineered by Tokyo R&D, with completion set for mid-2025. Series production is expected to begin in 2026, marking Caterham’s ambitious entry into the electric sports car market. While exact details about Yamaha’s electric motor remain under wraps, Caterham’s concept boasted a rear-wheel-drive setup with 268 horsepower, promising a 0 to 62 mph sprint in under four seconds and a top speed of 143 mph.
The Project V’s battery, a 55-kWh lithium-ion unit, is designed for an impressive range of 249 miles, though that figure comes from the optimistic WLTP cycle. Rapid charging capabilities will allow for a 20% to 80% charge in just 15 minutes via DC charging at 150 kW, making it as practical as it is exciting.
Caterham is also taking a smart approach to development by incorporating readily available parts from other manufacturers, including Maserati seats and the door aperture from an Audi TT, to cut costs without compromising quality. The concept featured a unique 2+1 seating layout, but a 2+2 configuration is also expected to be available in the production model.
Yamaha’s involvement is particularly exciting. While it may not be a household name in electric vehicle development, the Japanese company has a rich automotive history. Over the years, it’s had a hand in developing some iconic vehicles, including the Toyota 2000GT, the V-6 and V-8 engines for Ford’s SHO lineup, and the naturally aspirated V-10 that powered the legendary Lexus LFA.
In recent years, Yamaha has dabbled in alternative technologies, including hydrogen-powered combustion engines. However, its partnership with Caterham on the Project V marks a bold step into the future of electric performance. With the Project V set to hit the market in 2026, Caterham’s first foray into the world of electric sports cars is shaping up to be a game-changer, backed by Yamaha’s expertise and a promise of exhilarating, lightweight performance.
