Reskinned Ioniq 5 Or Rally Legend? Meet The Vanwall Vandervell
by AutoExpert | 3 February, 2025
Back in 2023, Vanwall teased us with some renderings of its all-electric Vandervell hatchback. Two years later, the car has finally materialized, boasting a powerful 641 horsepower. It’s not just about good looks either; this thing is built to deliver serious performance thrills.
The E-GMP platform, developed by Hyundai Group, serves as the foundation for popular electric vehicles such as the Ioniq 5 and the more aggressive Ioniq 5 N.
Vanwall never outright says it’s borrowing from Hyundai, but come on—the door mirrors, panel outlines, and general vibe make it clear. It’s basically a reskinned Ioniq 5 with a much sportier attitude and a significant weight cut, though Vanwall's keeping the exact numbers under wraps.
There are three all-wheel-drive versions to choose from. The base H-GT brings 320 horsepower, while the N-GT cranks things up to a ridiculous 641 horsepower, matching Hyundai's Ioniq 5 N and Kia's EV6 GT. Then there's the Thin Wall Special, which focuses on weight reduction and stays under 2,000 kg (4,409 lbs)—lighter and faster.
Design-wise, the Vandervell keeps it old-school cool, channeling Lancia Delta Integrale vibes with flared fenders and aggressive quad headlights built right into the grille. Massive bumper intakes, a chunky rear diffuser, and a rear spoiler scream performance. Even the C-pillars have some slick flying buttress action going on. And those gold-finished 22-inch, seven-spoke wheels? Chef's kiss.
The inside is still a bit of a mystery, but Vanwall promises premium materials like leather and velour. Given the shared Hyundai platform, it'll be interesting to see how much of the interior overlaps with the Ioniq 5, though limited production means owners can customize to their heart's content.
Pricing and availability are still hush-hush, but earlier rumors pointed to a starting price of around €128,000 ($132,900) and just 500 units. Production was initially set for 2024, but as with most ambitious EV projects, delays happen.
The Vanwall Vandervell, created in tribute to the British racing team that won the F1 constructors' title in 1958, is spearheaded by Dr. Colin Kolles—a dude with deep F1 roots. His goal? Build a car that can drive like a limo but rip it up like a rally racer.
Moreover, Vanwall's already making noise at the FIA WEC with an LM Hypercar that boasts 1,000 horsepower and weighs just 1,000 kg. There's even talk of a wild “Vanwall hyperbike” down the line. No details yet, but you know that’s gonna be a head-turner. What do you think?
