This electric concept represents a dramatic change for Caterham.
Boutique British sportscar maker Caterham has released a new teaser video for its electric Project V concept car. With the reveal set to take place in one week, the marque has given us another glimpse, this time including the rear of the electric coupe.
The shadowy clip gives little away, but we can see Project V's shapely derriere for the first time. Pronounced rear haunches add a touch of drama, sloping down gently toward the lower parts of the bodywork. The modern oval-shaped taillights are slim in design, with a small gap separating the upper strip from the lower half of the unit.
Based on the panel gap made visible by the taillight glow, we can assume the electric Caterham will feature a deployable spoiler. This will likely fit flush with the body to conserve range and only rise up when sport mode is engaged.
We will have to wait for the official reveal to see, though. The teaser also previews illuminated Caterham badging, which should provide the EV with an upmarket and contemporary look at night.
Nothing is known about Project V's performance capabilities, but Caterham CEO Bob Laishley said, “Any future EV model we produce must be true to the DNA of a Caterham: lightweight, fun-to-drive, and driver-focused.” Caterham, which rose to success after it purchased the rights to the Lotus Seven, has become synonymous with featherweight track weapons and blistering performance.
While an EV can easily be designed to be quick, weight is always going to be a problem. It will be interesting to see how Caterham has gotten around this pesky problem, as we can't see the brand betraying its core values.
It's difficult to judge the size of the vehicle, but we're guessing Caterham will make it as small as possible.
Earlier teaser shots show a curvaceous and sleek side profile, which would look a touch awkward on a compact frame. We wouldn't be surprised if it fits between the Mazda MX-5 Miata and Lotus Emira in terms of size.
The Caterham Project V Concept will make its public debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed next weekend, but the electric sportster will be revealed in the USA a couple of days earlier on July 11. There's no word on when it will reach production, so we may have to wait some time before it sails down the assembly line. All we know is that its arrival will usher in a new era for Caterham, a company that hasn't strayed from its proven recipe for many years.
Sadly, this means the death knell may sound soon for the Caterham Seven, but we're glad the automaker is deciding to start on a clean page instead of compromising the old Seven.
Keyword: Caterham Teases Electric Project V Ahead Of Imminent Reveal