Caterham Teams Up With Yamaha For The Future Caterham Project V

Caterham has officially announced its partnership with Yamaha Motor to develop the fully electric powertrain for the Project V sports car. First introduced in concept form at the 2023 Goodwood Festival of Speed, this model is inching closer to production, although its market launch may be pushed back to after 2026.

Yamaha is set to provide a state-of-the-art e-axle for the prototype, aiding Caterham as it advances its new model. This compact and lightweight electric powertrain is designed to align with the traditional spirit of Caterham vehicles. Additionally, Yamaha will contribute its expertise in vehicle motion control.

The concept currently features a rear-mounted electric motor generating 268 hp, but Caterham hasn't disclosed the exact output of the Yamaha e-axle. It’s likely to match the original specifications, similar to the 2022 Subaru STI E-RA concept, which had four electric motors from Yamaha, each producing 268 hp.

Initial estimates suggest that the Project V will sprint from 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in just 4.5 seconds, reaching a top speed of 230 km/h (143 mph). It’s powered by a 55 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, which aims for a WLTP range of around 249 miles (400 km) and supports fast charging of up to 150 kW.

To bring the Project V to life, Caterham has enlisted the help of Tokyo R&D, a Japanese engineering firm, with plans to have a prototype ready by mid-2025. While the company initially hoped to start production in 2026, CEO Bob Laishley admitted that timeline is now uncertain, stating, “2026 will be a challenge.”

Laishley also mentioned that a production site for the Project V has yet to be determined, and it won't be built at the Dartford factory in the UK. Caterham is owned by VT Holdings, an investment group based in Nagoya, Japan, which oversees various car dealerships and importers.