Caterham has announced its collaboration with Yamaha Motor to develop the fully electric powertrain for the Project V sports car. Initially introduced in concept form at the 2023 Goodwood Festival of Speed, the model is progressing toward production, although its market launch is now anticipated to be delayed beyond 2026.
As part of this partnership, Yamaha will supply a “cutting-edge” e-axle to the prototype, aiding Caterham in advancing its new model. The “lightweight compact electric powertrain” is designed to align with the core DNA of Caterham vehicles. Additionally, Yamaha will contribute its expertise in vehicle motion control.
The Project V concept features a rear-mounted electric motor generating 268 hp (200 kW / 272 PS). While Caterham has not disclosed the output of the Yamaha-sourced e-axle, it is expected to be consistent with the original specifications. Notably, the 2022 Subaru STI E-RA concept utilized four Yamaha-sourced electric motors, each producing 268 hp (200 kW / 272 PS).
Original estimates for the Project V suggest an acceleration from 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 4.5 seconds, with a top speed of 230 km/h (143 mph). The vehicle is expected to feature a lithium-ion battery pack with a 55 kWh capacity, aiming for a WLTP range of 249 miles (400 km) and supporting up to 150 kW of DC charging.
Caterham has also engaged Japanese engineering firm Tokyo R&D to construct a prototype of the Project V, with plans to have it ready by mid-2025.
The company had initially aimed to begin production of the Project V by 2026, but this timeline has been revised. In a conversation with Autocar, Caterham CEO Bob Laishley acknowledged the challenges of meeting the 2026 target, stating, “2026 will be a challenge.”
Laishley further indicated that a production location for the Project V has not yet been determined, noting that it will not be manufactured at the Dartford factory in the UK. Caterham is owned by VT Holdings, an investment group based in Nagoya, Japan, which operates several car dealerships and importers.
