Caterham recently announced that it will showcase updated versions of its Project V electric sports car this month—one at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, and another at the Tokyo Auto Salon. The Tokyo model will be a fully functional test car.
The Tokyo Auto Salon starts on January 9, but CES is happening right now. A reporter from Car and Driver spoke with a Caterham representative at CES and learned some interesting details—including that Caterham now has official on-sale dates for the Project V.
It Goes On Sale Next Year
According to Car and Driver, Caterham’s representative said the Project V will go on sale in 2027—a surprisingly soon timeline, especially since we’re only seeing the running prototype this week. Even better, the sports car will be sold in the US. The representative told the outlet, “We’re going to take America very seriously as of this week. We are looking to sell a lot of these over here.”
It’s exciting news for fans in the States who won’t have to wait long to get their hands on a Project V. The downside? The price has risen. The Caterham rep said pricing will likely be closer to $135,000, up from the previously announced $107,000.
At $135,000, the Project V lands right alongside the base Porsche 911, which has an MSRP of $135,500. It also sits between the Porsche 718 Cayman GTS 4.0 ($103,300) and the 718 Cayman GT4 RS ($170,100). Both of those gas-powered 718 models produce significantly more power, ranging from 394 to 493 horsepower, while the 911 makes 388 horsepower.
As for the upcoming electric Porsche 718 models, Porsche hasn’t released any pricing details yet.
It Has Thoughtful Battery Details
Car and Driver also discovered a few more details about the Project V’s battery setup. The battery pack is split into two sections—one in the front and one in the rear. According to Caterham’s representative, this helps achieve a weight distribution similar to the Lotus-inspired Caterham 7.
It also allows the front passengers to sit lower in the cockpit, giving a sportier driving position while still maintaining enough headroom. Plus, it helps the car keep a sleek, low exterior profile.
According to Car and Driver, the Caterham Project V supports DC fast charging and comes with a NACS port. Charging speed is on the slower side, though—around 100 kW. The Caterham representative explained that this is intentional, focusing on the car’s discharge performance so that full power is available even during hard driving, like on a race track.
As mentioned earlier, the Project V should do well at maintaining power because its battery cells are in direct contact with coolant for optimal temperature control—similar to the system used in the wild AMG GT XX concept. That said, it’s a little surprising that Caterham hasn’t found a way to use this cooling system to improve charging speeds as well.
It Still Sounds Like A Blast
Even with the price increase, we’re still excited for the production Project V—the specs make it sound like a real driver’s car. It will be rear-wheel drive only, powered by an electric motor designed by Yamaha. The motor produces 268 horsepower, but with the car weighing less than 2,700 pounds, it’s even lighter than a Toyota GR86 or Subaru BRZ.
That lightweight design helps the Project V hit 60 mph in 4.5 seconds and reach a top speed of 143 mph. Power comes from the split 55 kWh battery packs, which provide a WLTP range of about 249 miles.
FAQ’s
1. What is the Caterham Project V?
The Caterham Project V is a lightweight electric sports car designed to offer an alternative to traditional gas-powered sports cars like the Porsche 911.
2. When will the Project V go on sale?
The Caterham Project V is expected to go on sale in 2027.
3. Will the Project V be available in the United States?
Yes, Caterham plans to sell the Project V in the US and is taking the American market seriously.
4. How much will the Caterham Project V cost?
The expected price is around $135,000, up from an earlier estimate of $107,000.
5. How does the Project V compare to a Porsche 911?
At $135,000, the Project V is priced similarly to the base Porsche 911 but is much lighter, offering a distinct driving experience.
6. What is the weight of the Project V?
The Project V will weigh less than 2,700 pounds, making it lighter than cars like the Toyota GR86 or Subaru BRZ.
7. What type of drivetrain does the Project V have?
The Project V is rear-wheel drive only.
8. Who designed the Project V’s motor?
The electric motor in the Project V was designed by Yamaha.
9. How much horsepower does the Project V have?
The motor produces 268 horsepower, which is sufficient for a lightweight sports car.
10. What is the 0-60 mph time for the Project V?
The Project V can reach 60 mph in 4.5 seconds.
11. What is the top speed of the Project V?
The car has a top speed of 143 mph.
12. What is the battery capacity of the Project V?
The Project V uses split battery packs totaling 55 kWh.
13. What is the driving range of the Project V?
The WLTP range is about 249 miles on a full charge.
14. How is the battery configured?
The battery pack is split into two sections—one in the front and one in the rear—for better weight distribution and driving dynamics.
15. Does the Project V support fast charging?
Yes, it supports DC fast charging through a NACS port, though charging is limited to about 100 kW.
16. Why is the charging speed limited?
The focus is on ensuring full power output during spirited driving, such as on a track, rather than fast charging.
17. How does the battery cooling system work?
The battery cells are in direct contact with coolant to maintain optimal temperature and consistent performance.
18. Can the cooling system improve charging speed?
Currently, it seems Caterham hasn’t used the cooling system to increase charging rates, focusing instead on performance and reliability.
19. How does the split battery layout affect driving position?
It allows front occupants to sit lower in the cockpit for a sportier position while maintaining sufficient headroom.
20. What is the exterior design like?
The Project V features a sleek, low-profile design that balances aerodynamics with an aggressive sports car look.
21. What kind of concept doors did the Project V have?
The concept versions had scissor doors, though production models may have more conventional doors.
22. How does the Project V compare to Porsche 718 Cayman models?
While the Project V is lighter, the gas-powered Porsche 718 Cayman GTS 4.0 and GT4 RS offer more horsepower, ranging from 394 to 493 hp.
23. Is the Project V more of a track car or a street car?
It’s designed to excel on both the track and everyday roads, offering lightweight agility and electric performance.
24. How does the weight affect performance?
The lightweight design improves acceleration, handling, and overall driving dynamics.
25. Will the Project V have advanced driver assistance systems?
Caterham hasn’t confirmed this yet, but the focus is primarily on a pure driving experience.
26. What charging connector does the Project V use?
It uses a NACS port for DC fast charging.
27. How long will it take to charge the battery?
Charging speed is around 100 kW, so full charging times will depend on the charger and state of charge.
28. Does the Project V have regenerative braking?
Yes, as with most electric sports cars, it features regenerative braking to recover energy during deceleration.
29. How is the weight distributed in the Project V?
The split battery layout helps achieve near-ideal front-to-rear weight balance similar to the Lotus-inspired Caterham 7.
30. Will the Project V be customizable?
Caterham is known for offering customization options, though specific details for the Project V haven’t been revealed yet.
31. How many seats does the Project V have?
It is a two-seater sports car.
32. Will the Project V be street-legal in the US?
Yes, Caterham plans to make it fully compliant with US regulations.
33. What materials are used in the construction?
Caterham focuses on lightweight materials such as aluminum and composites to keep weight low.
34. Can the Project V compete with other electric sports cars?
Yes, it’s designed to compete with lightweight electric sports cars while offering a unique driving feel compared to heavier EVs.
35. Is there any information on suspension?
Details are limited, but Caterham is expected to use a setup that complements the lightweight design and track-focused performance.
36. How does the Project V’s design pay homage to Caterham 7?
The weight distribution and driver-focused cockpit are inspired by the classic Caterham 7, emphasizing handling and engagement.
37. Will the Project V be available worldwide?
Caterham has confirmed the US market, with potential availability in other regions depending on demand.
38. How does the Project V feel compared to heavier electric cars?
Its lightweight design offers a more nimble, responsive, and connected driving experience.
39. Are there any performance upgrades planned?
Caterham hasn’t confirmed upgrades yet, but the focus will likely remain on driver enjoyment and lightweight engineering.
40. Will the Project V have a touchscreen or infotainment system?
Details on the interior tech are limited, but Caterham cars usually prioritize minimalism over heavy infotainment systems.
41. How long has Caterham been developing the Project V?
The project has been in development for several years, with updated prototypes shown at CES and the Tokyo Auto Salon.
42. Can the Project V be used on the track?
Yes, it’s designed for high-performance driving and track use, with a focus on handling and lightweight dynamics.
43. What is Caterham’s goal with the Project V?
To provide an electric sports car that is lightweight, fun to drive, and a true alternative to gas-powered sports cars like the Porsche 911.
44. How does the split battery design affect handling?
It helps balance the car’s weight, improving cornering, stability, and overall driving dynamics.
45. Will the Project V have a manual transmission?
No, as an electric car, it will have a single-speed transmission optimized for performance.
46. Are there any safety features confirmed?
Caterham has not revealed detailed safety features yet, but the car will meet US regulations for road safety.
47. How does the Project V compare to a Toyota GR86?
It is lighter, electric, and focused on delivering a more responsive and engaging driving experience, though it has slightly less horsepower.
48. How long is the WLTP range practical for daily use?
The 249-mile WLTP range should be sufficient for most daily driving, though real-world range may vary depending on driving style.
49. Does Caterham plan to offer more electric models?
While the Project V is the first, Caterham’s move into EVs suggests future electric models may be possible.
50. When will more details about the interior be revealed?
More information is expected when the fully functional prototype debuts at the Tokyo Auto Salon on January 9.
51. How does the Project V compare to other EVs in its price range?
It’s unique due to its lightweight design and driver-focused approach, offering a different experience than heavier, more tech-heavy EVs at similar prices.