FIRST LOOK: Caterham Project V: 268bhp electrified lightweight

Caterham, the British car manufacturer, has revealed a new concept car, Project V, which is a significant departure from its traditional open-top designs. The Project V concept car is a small, lightweight electric vehicle (EV) that combines elements of the Caterham C120 and the Jannarelly Design-1. The car measures just over 4.2m in length, 1.2m in height, and slightly under 1.9m in width. Unlike many other EVs, Caterham has avoided the trend of high-powered electric hypercars. Instead, Project V features a single, rear-mounted motor that delivers 268bhp to the rear wheels. The car is powered by a 55kWh lithium-ion battery that can be rapidly charged at 150kW, allowing for a 20 to 80 per cent charge in just 15 minutes and offering a range of approximately 249 miles. The weight of the car is a key feature, with Caterham aiming for a target weight of 1,190kg. This is achieved through the use of a carbon fibre and aluminium composite chassis and composite body panels. The weight is comparable to the combustion-engined Alpine A110. Performance-wise, the car is expected to go from 0-62mph in less than 4.5 seconds and reach a top speed of around 143mph. For more information on Project V, Caterham's CEO, Bob Laishley, provides a comprehensive tour of the car.