Caterham, a British company that makes specialty cars, has shown off the Project V racing car, which it says will go on sale at the start of 2026. The Project V differs from other Caterham cars because it is a complete sports coupe with a roof and doors. Project V will be different from other Caterhams because it will be electric and have a battery that can hold 55.0 kWh. Project V is the newest car from Caterham, a British company that makes specialty cars. Project V uses an electric drivetrain, a common choice nowadays. Project V, which looks like a current Jaguar C-X75, is another sign that Caterham is changing its thinking. Now that it has doors and a roof, it is done. Project V is only available as an idea, which will be shown at this weekend’s Goodwood Festival of Speed. However, Caterham has given details about the car and estimated when it will be made. CEO Bob Laishley says that even though Project V is different from other Caterham cars, it still has the traits that make Caterham cars unique. This means it will be small, easy to drive, and fun. The maker wants the curb weight to be around 220 pounds less than a Subaru BRZ, or 2623 pounds. A single 268-hp motor at the back axle will be powered by a lithium-ion battery pack with a capacity of 55.0 kWh. Caterham says that its cars can go from 0 to 62 mph in less than 4.5 seconds and go as fast as 143 mph. Project V only aims for a 249-mile range on the European WLTP cycle because it is not made to be a big tourer. Normal, Sport, and Sprint are the only drive modes you can choose, which keeps things easy. It has a control-arm suspension in the front and back, power steering with computer help, disc brakes all around, and 19- and 20-inch wheels with Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires set at different heights. It’s the only one of its kind. It looks different from any other Caterham we’ve seen. The Project V removes the Seven’s long, low, open wheels and variously arched fenders in favor of a much more classic sports coupe design. Anthony Jannarelly, the head designer at Caterham, says, “A Caterham Seven’s design is simple and minimalist. It’s made for what it’s meant to do, which is to be light and fun to drive.” Applying this idea to the sports coupé design of Project V makes for a sensual and classic shape. Every feature must be worth its weight to keep the car light and get the driver involved. Three chairs are there. When we look at the Caterham, we think of the Jaguar C-X75, another British concept car with a front end almost the same as the Caterham. The inside of Project V is kept simple. There are three digital gauges in the middle of the dashboard, a touchscreen display in the middle, and two gauge pods for the driver. Customers can choose between a 2+1 arrangement with a seat in the middle of the backseat or a more traditional 2+2 layout. Project V should be on sale by the end of 2025 or the beginning of 2026, with a starting price of at least $103,000. It’s still being determined if it will be brought in as a kit car like the Seven or made legal to drive on American roads.
